Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 18 mouth-watering Tri Tip steak recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. From classic garlic butter and Santa Maria-style tri tips to more adventurous options like spicy Korean BBQ and honey sriracha glazed, there’s something for every taste bud.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring different flavors and techniques to bring out the best in your Tri Tip steaks. From easy weeknight dinners to show-stopping main courses, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious eats!
Garlic Butter Tri Tip Steak
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with the tender juiciness of tri tip steak. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) tri tip steak
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Season the tri tip steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the steak for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches desired doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the oven and brush with garlic butter mixture.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Smoked Tri Tip with Coffee Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of smoked tri tip with the boldness of a coffee rub. Perfect for a special occasion or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) beef tri-tip roast
– 1/4 cup coffee grounds
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee grounds, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the coffee mixture all over the tri tip roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the tri tip in the smoker, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
5. Remove the tri tip from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Santa Maria Style Tri Tip
Experience the classic flavors of Santa Maria Valley with this simple recipe for slow-cooked tri-tip.
Balsamic Glazed Tri Tip Steak
This recipe elevates the classic tri tip steak to new heights with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) tri tip steak
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the tri tip steak with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the glaze all over the steak.
6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tri Tip Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of Texas-style tacos! This recipe combines the richness of grilled tri tip steak with the creaminess of avocado salsa, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) tri tip steak
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, and olive oil. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the tri tip steak.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced tri tip steak, Avocado Salsa, and desired toppings.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including resting time)
Rosemary and Garlic Marinated Tri Tip
Elevate your outdoor cooking with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic and rosemary with the tender cut of tri tip. Perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 pounds tri tip roast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the tri tip roast in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s coated evenly.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the tri tip from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the tri tip for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Spicy Korean BBQ Tri Tip Steak
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and spicy Korean-inspired BBQ tri tip steak recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 lbs tri tip steak
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp crushed black pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup Korean BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Rub the marinade all over the tri tip steak, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired doneness.
6. Remove from oven and brush with Korean BBQ sauce.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Tri Tip Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions
This recipe combines the rich flavors of grilled tri tip steak with sweet and savory caramelized onions, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. The perfect fusion of comfort food and BBQ-style goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) tri tip steak
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Brush mixture evenly onto both sides of the tri tip steak.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. In a large skillet, cook sliced onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing sliced steak onto toasted buns, topping with caramelized onions, and adding optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Red Wine Braised Tri Tip Steak
A classic comfort food dish that combines the richness of red wine with the tender juiciness of tri tip steak.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs Tri Tip Steak
– 1 cup Red Wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tbsp Olive Oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves Garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dried Thyme
– Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the tri tip steak until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the red wine, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the tri tip steak to the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the steak is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tri Tip Steak Salad with Blue Cheese
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful combination of tender Tri Tip steak and pungent blue cheese, perfectly balanced by crunchy greens and tangy dressing. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a hearty salad that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) Tri Tip steak
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season Tri Tip steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, blue cheese, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Slice grilled Tri Tip steak into thin strips. Place on top of salad.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Tri Tip
Elevate your grilled meats game with this sweet and spicy Honey Sriracha Glazed Tri Tip recipe. This glaze combines the richness of honey with the boldness of sriracha, creating a sticky and savory crust that’s perfect for grilling.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds tri tip roast
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, and garlic until smooth.
3. Brush the glaze all over the tri tip roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the tri tip for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tri Tip Steak Fajitas with Peppers
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this flavorful recipe that combines tender tri tip steak, crunchy peppers, and savory spices. This 15-minute dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) tri tip steak
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season tri tip steak with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill tri tip steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, sauté onion and bell peppers in olive oil until tender.
5. Slice grilled tri tip steak into thin strips.
6. Serve fajitas with sautéed peppers, warm tortillas, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Tri Tip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines the tenderness of tri-tip steak with the bright, herby flavors of Argentinean chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds beef tri-tip steak
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season tri-tip steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix well.
5. Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
6. Serve sliced tri-tip with chimichurri sauce spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Tri Tip with Mushrooms
This hearty recipe combines tender tri-tip roast with earthy mushrooms, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal perfect for a chilly evening. With minimal effort required, this slow cooker dish is a great option for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) tri-tip roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Season tri-tip with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tri-tip for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Add sliced onion and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in garlic.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Tri Tip Steak and Roasted Vegetable Platter
Savor the bold flavors of a tender Tri Tip steak paired with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) Tri Tip steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Rub the mixture all over the Tri Tip steak, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Place the steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast the vegetables: place carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red bell peppers on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the steak for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches desired doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: Tri Tip Steak: 40-50 minutes; Roasted Vegetables: 30-40 minutes
Tri Tip Steak Stir Fry with Noodles
Savor the bold flavors of this Asian-inspired stir fry dish, featuring tender tri tip steak cooked to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy noodles. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tri tip steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 cup noodles (such as soba or rice noodles)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add onion and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add snow peas and stir-fry 1-2 minutes, or until tender.
5. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); stir to combine.
6. Return steak to pan and stir to coat with sauce.
7. Serve over noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tri Tip Steak with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
A classic combination of tender Tri-Tip steak and spicy-savory creamy horseradish sauce makes for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) Tri-Tip steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season Tri-Tip steak with salt and black pepper.
3. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
4. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
6. Serve sliced Tri-Tip with creamy horseradish sauce spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tri Tip Steak and Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender tri tip steak with a crispy potato hash. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) tri tip steak
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the tri tip steak with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Toss potatoes with olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a separate baking sheet.
4. Roast the steak for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Continue roasting the potato hash for an additional 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve sliced tri tip steak with warm potato hash.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these mouth-watering tri tip steak recipes! From classic flavors like garlic butter and balsamic glaze, to international twists like spicy Korean BBQ and Santa Maria style, there’s something for every grilling enthusiast. Try adding some flair with chimichurri sauce or honey sriracha glaze, or go all out with a slow cooker recipe featuring mushrooms. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, fajitas, or a hearty steak sandwich, these 18 juicy recipes will inspire your next outdoor cooking adventure.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
