Roasted Tri-Tip

Roasted Tri-Tip is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by The Fed Up Foodie on YouTube.

Prep: 42 min | Cook: 54 min | Total: 1 hr 51 min

Cost: $20.80 total, $3.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Tri Tip Roast (trimmed, about 2‑3 lb, room temperature before cooking)
  • 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (high smoke point oil for searing)
  • 2 tbsp Spice Rub (mix of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (see video for exact ratios))

Instructions

  1. Combine Spice Rub

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until evenly blended.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Pat Roast Dry

    Using paper towels, pat the tri‑tip roast completely dry on all sides. Removing surface moisture helps develop a better crust.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Apply Oil

    Drizzle the avocado oil over the roast and rub it in with your hands, ensuring an even coating.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Season with Rub

    Sprinkle the prepared spice rub over the entire surface of the roast, then press the spices into the meat so they adhere.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Room‑Temperature Rest

    Place the seasoned roast on a plate and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate and promotes even cooking.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

    While the roast rests, line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 500°F

  7. Initial High‑Heat Roast

    Place the roast on the foil‑lined pan and roast uncovered for 15 minutes at 500°F. This creates a flavorful crust.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 500°F

  8. Finish Cooking at Lower Heat

    Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 25‑30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 130‑135°F (54‑57°C) is reached for medium‑rare.

    Time: PT27M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Tent and Rest

    Remove the roast from the oven, loosely tent it with a fresh sheet of aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10‑15 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute.

    Time: PT12M

  10. Slice and Serve

    Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the tri‑tip against the grain to your desired thickness. Serve hot or cold in sandwiches, salads, bowls, or as a main plate.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
360
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb

Allergens: Beef

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Roasted Tri-Tip

Recipe by The Fed Up Foodie

A simple, affordable oven‑roasted tri‑tip that turns out ultra‑tender, juicy, and flavorful. Perfect for sandwich‑meat, rice bowls, salads, or as a hearty main‑course.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
1h 36m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
1h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.80
Total cost
$3.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pat the roast completely dry before oil and rub.
  • Apply a high‑smoke‑point oil to prevent burning at 500°F.
  • Initial 15‑minute sear at 500°F for crust development.
  • Monitor internal temperature; aim for 130‑135°F for medium‑rare.
  • Rest the meat under foil for 10‑15 minutes before slicing.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid under‑ or over‑cooking.
  • Handle hot oven racks and foil with oven mitts to prevent burns.
  • Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat to prevent cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tri‑tip roast in American cuisine?

A

Tri‑tip originated in central California in the 1950s, where it was popularized by Santa Maria-style barbecue. It became a staple of West Coast grilling and is now celebrated for its flavor and affordability.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of tri‑tip in California cuisine?

A

In Santa Maria, tri‑tip is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic, then grilled over red oak. In other parts of California it may be marinated with soy‑based sauces or smoked with mesquite for a different flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is tri‑tip traditionally served in the United States?

A

Classic serving methods include slicing thin for sandwiches, chopping for taco‑style bowls, or serving whole with roasted potatoes and a simple vinaigrette salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is tri‑tip commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Tri‑tip is a popular choice for backyard barbecues, family picnics, and casual gatherings because it can feed a crowd without breaking the budget.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with oven roasted tri‑tip?

A

Pair it with classic sides such as garlic‑buttered corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What makes this oven roasted tri‑tip recipe special compared to other American beef roast methods?

A

The two‑stage oven technique—high heat to sear followed by a lower temperature finish—creates a crust while keeping the interior perfectly medium‑rare, all without a grill.

cultural
Q

How has tri‑tip cooking evolved over time in the United States?

A

Originally cooked over open fire, tri‑tip has transitioned to indoor ovens, sous‑vide, and even slow‑cooker methods, but the high‑heat sear followed by gentle cooking remains the gold standard for tenderness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oven roasted tri‑tip?

A

Common errors include not patting the meat dry, skipping the high‑heat sear, over‑cooking past 135°F, and neglecting the resting period, all of which can lead to a dry, tough roast.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a two‑temperature oven method instead of a single temperature?

A

The initial 500°F blast creates a flavorful crust quickly, while the subsequent 350°F stage gently brings the interior to the desired doneness without overcooking the outer layer.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Fed Up Foodie specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Fed Up Foodie, hosted by Heather, focuses on budget‑friendly, high‑quality home‑cooked meals, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that make cooking from scratch approachable for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Fed Up Foodie's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Heather emphasizes affordable ingredient swaps, clear explanations of technique, and practical tips for meal‑prep versatility, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet presentation or exotic ingredients.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Sage Butter Roasted Turkey with Orange‑Apple Aromatics
40

Sage Butter Roasted Turkey with Orange‑Apple Aromatics

A juicy, flavorful Thanksgiving turkey brined with sage butter under the skin, stuffed with onions, apples, thyme and sage, then roasted to perfection. Includes step‑by‑step instructions for tying the wings, inserting a probe thermometer, and carving the bird for a beautiful presentation.

5 hrs 44 minServes 12$61
American
Roasted Chicken with Potatoes in the Ninja Air Fryer
32

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes in the Ninja Air Fryer

Discover how to get an ultra‑tender whole chicken and ultra‑crispy skin, accompanied by golden potatoes, all thanks to the Ninja Foodi Flex Air Fryer. The synchronized cooking of the two zones allows you to prepare the meal in one go, ideal for large families.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$15
French
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Strawberry Topping
33

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Strawberry Topping

A silky‑smooth Italian vanilla panna cotta made without eggs, set with gelatin and enriched with cream, served with a sweet‑tart roasted strawberry compote. Make‑ahead friendly and perfect for a classy dessert.

1 hr 5 minServes 6$7
Italian
Decadent Roasted Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
1.3k

Decadent Roasted Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

A silky, smooth, and ultra‑creamy mashed potato made from roasted Yukon Golds, butter, and a luxurious milk‑cream infusion with potato skins, bay leaf and nutmeg. The technique avoids over‑working starch for a non‑gluey, restaurant‑quality side dish.

2 hrs 1 minServes 6$35
American
How to Make Oven-Roasted Teriyaki Chicken
31

How to Make Oven-Roasted Teriyaki Chicken

A juicy, charred whole chicken with a sweet‑savory teriyaki glaze. The bird is spatchcocked for maximum surface area, marinated in a thin teriyaki brine, then roasted low‑and‑slow before a final high‑heat glaze finish for crispy, caramelized skin.

2 hrs 25 minServes 6$11
Japanese-American
One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
34

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

A simple, high‑bang‑for‑your‑buck one‑pan dinner of crispy, lemon‑y chicken thighs and drumsticks paired with golden, crunchy Yukon Gold potatoes, finished with a bright parsley‑lemon vinaigrette and peppery arugula.

1 hr 49 minServes 4$21
American