A Tri-Tip roast is a triangular muscle cut from the bottom sirloin. The cut is lean but tender and rich in beefy flavor. Cooked right, it produces juicy slices of roast beef. You can grill or roast it whole, or cut it into individual steaks.

Tri-tip roast is best when cooked by dry-heat methods, such as roasting, grilling, or broiling. This lean cut becomes tough if overcooked. To ensure a tender result, leave the fat on so it can baste the meat while cooking, then trim it off before serving.

To achieve the doneness you want, use a meat thermometer and cook to 5 to 10 degrees below the desired temperature. Temperatures for medium-rare are 145°F (63°C), for medium 160°F (71°C), and for well done 170°F (77°C). Remove the roast from the oven or grill and let stand 10 to 15 minutes. The roast will continue cooking as it stands.

Tri-tip roast may be marinated or rubbed with a spice mixture before cooking. The purpose of rubs or marinades is not to tenderize, but to add flavoring.

Oven Roasted Tri-Tip Roast

Ingredients

1 beef Tri-Tip Roast (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning:
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 425°F. Combine seasoning ingredients and press onto the beef Tri-Tip Roast. Place roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven 30 to 35 minutes for medium-rare; 40 minutes for medium doneness.


Remove the roast when an instant-read thermometer registers 130°F for medium-rare; 140°F for medium. Transfer to a board; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise.


Carve roast across the grain. Serve with pan gravy, roasted carrots, and mashed potatoes.

Pan Gravy

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups beef broth
Coarse salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Small can of sliced mushrooms, optional

Directions

Remove the roast and rack. Place the pan over low heat on the stove. Add the butter to the roasting pan. Once it melts and bubbles, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Continue to whisk 1-2 minutes longer, until the paste is light brown Slowly whisk in the broth, and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the gravy to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency Stir often to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add a small can of sliced mushrooms, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Ingredients

2 bunches rainbow carrots, peeled and cut ln ½-inch thick sticks
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper plus additional to taste, as needed
Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F and oil a large baking dish.
Place carrots in the baking dish and sprinkle with the seasoning. Dot with the butter.
Bake 20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Garlic and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
3/4-1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions

In a 4-quart saucepan, combine water to cover the potatoes, potatoes, and garlic over high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes and garlic and return them to the empty pot.

Mash potatoes and garlic. Add butter, stir and then add sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper stirring until smooth.