How to Cook Tri-Tip Steak 3 Ways for an Inexpensive Entree

Put steak on the menu tonight with these must-know tips on the best ways to cook tri-tip steak—and some of our best tri-tip steak recipes.

By

Katlyn Moncada

and

Sheena Chihak, RD

Updated on March 5, 2024

Cook a tri-tip cut of beef if you're craving a juicy steak but don't want to wait a long time for it to cook. The best techniques for how to cook tri-tip steak are fast-cooking methods, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time for eating. This particular cut comes from the bottom sirloin, which also makes a delicious roast. So, if you want to learn how to cook tri-tip steak low and slow, you'll want to use a tri-tip roast instead. Learn how to cook a tri-tip steak with our three simple methods, and you'll have dinner ready in no time.

cooked tri tip steak plated with green beans and roasted potatoes — BHG / Crystal Hughes

How to Cook Tri-Tip Steaks on the Grill

The high heat from the grill is perfect for cooking tri-tip steaks. Because tri-tip steaks are leaner than most cuts, consider marinating them for 2 to 3 hours to keep them moist during grilling. After they're marinated, use the following steps for grilling tri-tip steaks.

If marinating, remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Measure the thickness of the steaks with a ruler.
For a charcoal or gas grill, cook steaks, covered, over medium heat to desired doneness (guidelines below), turning once halfway through grilling.
Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

How Long to Cook Tri-Tip Steaks on the Grill

Here's why you measured your steak earlier. Your grilling time depends on the thickness of your steak.

¾-inch thick steaks: 9 to 11 minutes for medium rare (145°F) or 11 to 13 minutes for medium (160°F).
1-inch thick steaks: 13 to 15 minutes for medium rare (145°F) or 15 to 17 minutes for medium (160°F).

How to Cook Tri-Tip Steaks Under the Broiler

When it comes to cooking tri-tip in the oven, opt for broiling the meat instead of baking to keep with the fast-cooking methods that make tri-tip recipes most delicious. As with grilling, marinating 2 to 3 hours will help to keep the steaks tender and moist, but it it's not essential. Follow these steps for broiling tri-tip steak.

If marinating, remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Or you can season plain steaks with a spice rub, herb blend, salt, and ground black pepper.
Measure the thickness of the steaks with a ruler.
Preheat the broiler. Place the steaks on the unheated rack of a broiler pan.
Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat to your desired doneness. Use the guidelines below for how long to cook tri-tip steaks in the oven.

How Long to Broil Tri-Tip Steaks

Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Broiling steaks takes 10 minutes or less, depending on their thickness.

¾-inch thick steaks: 6 to 7 minutes for medium rare (145°F) or 8 to 9 minutes for medium (160°F).
1-inch thick steaks: 9 to 10 minutes for medium rare (145°F) or 11 to 12 minutes for medium (160°F).

cooked tri tip steak in a skillet — BHG / Crystal Hughes

How to Cook Tri-Tip Steaks in a Skillet

Perhaps the most convenient way to cook tri-tip steaks (or any steak, for that matter) is in a skillet. Here's how to cook tri-tip steak on the stove:

Select a heavy skillet, such as a cast-iron skillet, that will fit all the steaks you're preparing. Skillets that are too large will cause pan juices to burn. Lightly coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray, cooking oil, or olive oil.
Season the steaks as desired.
Measure the thickness with a ruler.
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks. They should sizzle if the skillet is hot enough. Don't add any liquid. Leave the skillet uncovered.
Reduce heat to medium and cook to desired doneness (using the guidelines below), turning steaks occasionally. If the steaks are cooking too fast, reduce heat to medium-low.
Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

For best results, don't use a skillet with a nonstick surface. It won't caramelize your tri-tip steak as well.

How Long to Cook Tri-Tip Steaks in a Skillet

Skillet-cooking tri-tip steaks will take a little longer than broiling, but they'll still be done in 13 minutes or less.

¾-inch thick steaks: 6 to 9 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F).
1-inch thick steaks: 9 to 12 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F).

raw tri tip steak on marble surface — BHG / Crystal Hughes

What Is a Tri-Tip Steak?

Tri-tip steak is cut from a tri-tip roast, a small, triangular cut from the sirloin.

It's also known as a triangle steak, bottom sirloin steak, or Santa Maria steak. This is a boneless cut, about ¾- to 1-inch thick, and should be nicely marbled. Tri-tip is a quality cut of meat because of its rich beef flavor and tender texture. Its lower price tag than similar steak cuts adds to its appeal. The tri-tip was popularized in California but is now more widely marketed, although you may need to request it from your butcher.

Now that you can cook a delicious tri-tip steak, try making a tri-tip roast! You can also opt for a different cut of beef and make one of our many favorite steak recipes.