I roast my tri tip in the oven after pan-searing to get perfectly tender slices with a beautiful crust! My tri tip recipe features a unique homemade spice blend made from ground coffee, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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My Easy Way to Make a Tri Tip Roast
The last time I made tri tip in the oven, I had the idea to combine some of my husband Ben’s favorite things… coffee, spices, and steak! I had never used ground coffee in a dry rub before, but when I told Ben about this new dinner idea, he was eager to try it!
I love how tri tip turns out on the grill and in the air fryer, but recently, the combination of roasting and searing has become one of my favorite methods. The quick pan-sear allows the outside to get a gorgeous crust, and finishing in the oven means that the inside will turn out amazingly tender and soft.
Ben took one bite of this oven baked tri tip, and it was an instant hit. I’m so glad that some of his favorite ingredients could come together in one easy recipe!
And, if you love tri tip recipes, try my recipes for air fryer tri tip, crock pot tri tip, and Instant Pot tri tip!
Oven Roasted Tri Tip Ingredients
- Tri tip – I use a whole tri tip that’s about 2 to 2½ pounds in weight.
- Finely ground coffee – I love how the rich, earthy taste balances out the savory spices. I used regular ground coffee (not instant or decaf).
- Chili powder – This adds a kick of heat to the recipe and complements the coffee grounds.
- Salt and pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
- Onion and garlic powder – These add more dimension to the recipe and more flavor!
- Avocado oil – Gives the meat a perfect sear before roasting in the oven. Any other high smoke point oil works here.
What’s the best way to slice a tri-tip?
I let my tri tip sit on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it so that the juices have time to redistribute. Then, I cut against the grain to get perfectly tender slices every time!
How to Cook a Tri Tip in the Oven
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place the ground coffee, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
STEP TWO: Rinse the tri tip and pat it dry, then place it on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet.
STEP THREE: Sprinkle the rub on all sides of the meat, gathering any spices that fall onto the baking sheet and rubbing them back on to the meat.
STEP FOUR: Let the meat sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight.
STEP FIVE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and remove the meat from the refrigerator an hour before roasting to let it warm up a bit.
STEP SIX: Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into a large cast iron skillet and heat on high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the tri tip fat side down.
STEP SEVEN: Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip the meat over and place the skillet into the oven.
STEP EIGHT: Roast the tri tip until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees F.
STEP NINE: Remove the tri tip roast from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Oven Tri Tip
- I leave a little bit of fat on when I trim the meat. It has a delicious taste and texture once cooked.
- For the best sear, I make sure to pat the meat dry well before seasoning it. The spices stick better this way too!
- Letting the tri tip sit at room temperature for an hour before searing is one of my best tips for getting a beautiful sear.
- I always slice my tri tip against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, creating the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- A digital meat thermometer is the best way to check if the meat has reached a safe internal temperature. It’s easy to use and takes away any guessing!
Oven Baked Tri Tip Variations and Substitutions
- If I don’t have avocado oil on hand, I use another oil that has a high smoke point for searing.
- To take the spice up another level, I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. My husband loves the combination of chili powder and pepper!
- I sometimes use fresh garlic instead of powdered, but I add it after searing so that it won’t burn.
- For a sweeter twist, I add brown sugar to the spice rub. The sweetness tastes incredible with the coffee and savory spices.
What to Serve with a Tri Tip Roast
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this recipe is as a tri tip sandwich with cheese, mayo, onions, and greens! I also love pairing this roast with classic sides like roasted asparagus, air fried baked potatoes, or rosemary mashed potatoes.
When I want to switch up the flavor, I make oven baked tri tip with my easy steak marinade that’s just as tasty as my homemade spice rub!
Tri Tip in the Oven FAQs
How should I store leftover oven roasted tri tip?
Meat should be cooled before it’s transferred to the refrigerator. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I seal it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 6 months.
How long to cook tri tip in the oven?
The exact cooking time for oven tri tip will depend on the size and weight of the meat. It will take about 10 minutes per pound of meat to reach medium-rare. I find that the easiest way to check if it’s done is by using a meat thermometer!
How do I reheat leftovers?
My favorite way to reheat leftover tri tip is in the oven! I preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, then place the meat in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth and cover it with foil. If I am short on time, I’ll reheat a few slices at a time in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water.
More Easy Steak Recipes
- Bottom round roast
- London broil in the oven
- Boneless prime rib recipe
- Garlic butter steak bites
- Slow cooker flank steak
- Round steak
- London broil marinade
- Air fryer sirloin steak
Easy Tri Tip in the Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely ground coffee I used a medium roast
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds tri tip roast
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high smoke-point oil
Instructions
- Place the ground coffee, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Pat the tri tip dry, then place it on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the rub evenly on all sides of the meat, gathering any spices collected on the baking sheet and rubbing them back onto the meat.
- Let the meat sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours (ideally overnight).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and remove the meat from the refrigerator an hour before roasting to let it warm up a bit.
- Place 2 tablespoons of oil into a large cast-iron pan or other oven-safe pan and heat on high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the tri tip fat side down.
- Sear it for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip the meat over and place the skillet into the oven.
- Roast it for about 20 to 25 minute, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium rare.
- Remove the tri tip from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- If using a smaller or bigger tri tip roast, it will take about 10 minutes per pound to cook to medium-rare.
- For the best sear, pat the meat dry well before seasoning it. The spices stick better this way too!
- Always slice my tri tip against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, creating the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to cook it perfectly every time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up t0 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees F in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broil and cover it with foil.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
At what temperature do you roast the Tri-Tip in the oven for 20-25 minutes?
Hi Richard, Thanks for catching that! The tri tip goes in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!