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Tri Tip - Grilled or Oven-Roasted

Tri tip with a Santa Maria style spice rub—crusty on the outside and pink medium-rare in the center. Choose grilled sear plus indirect finish or oven-roasted sear and roast to 130-135°F.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
resting 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Tri-tip spice rub
  • 3 lb tri-tip roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Make the rub and season
  1. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried oregano into a single rub with an even color and no dry clumps (visual cue: uniform speckled mixture).
  2. Pat the tri-tip roast dry, then rub it all over with olive oil so the surface looks glossy and tacky (visual cue: oil sheen across the roast).
  3. Coat the tri-tip generously with the spice rub, pressing lightly so it adheres in an even layer (visual cue: thick, reddish-brown crust covering the meat).
  4. Let the seasoned tri-tip sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so it warms slightly and begins seasoning the surface (visual cue: rub looks slightly absorbed and the meat looks less wet).
Grill method (medium-rare)
  1. Sear the tri-tip over high heat for 5 minutes per side so a dark crust forms quickly (visual cue: browned exterior and crisp-looking edges).
  2. Move to indirect heat and cook until the center reads 130-135°F for medium-rare (visual cue: thermometer inserted in the thickest part shows 130-135°F and juices look clear).
Oven method (medium-rare)
  1. Sear the tri-tip in a hot skillet to build color on the exterior (visual cue: vigorous browning and a deep crust on all sides).
  2. Roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, checking until the center reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare (visual cue: thermometer reads 130-135°F and the crust stays intact).
Rest and slice
  1. Rest the tri-tip for 15 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute (visual cue: meat surface looks set, not actively pooling).
  2. Slice against the grain right before serving for tender slices, showing the pink medium-rare interior (visual cue: visible pink center with crusty outer edges).

Notes

For the most reliable doneness, start checking temperature at the low end (about 20 minutes for the oven) and measure in the thickest part without touching the fat cap or the pan. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently so the center stays pink. Freezing is yes—freeze sliced or whole up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge. Dietary swap: use a no-salt spice approach by reducing kosher salt by half and increasing paprika/oregano slightly if you’re watching sodium.