The Best Tri Tip Recipe (video)

a close up image of sliced grilled meat on a tray

The one and only recipe you need to make the best tri tip! This tri tip recipe works in the oven, on the grill, and even in the smoker! The tri tip marinade is made with lots of garlic, fresh herbs, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil. This marinade is incredibly delicious and aromatic, leaving the tri tip so juicy and flavorful!

Watch My Tri Tip Video Tutorial

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Ingredients for the Best Tri Tip Recipe

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to prepare this incredible tri tip recipe. Find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card.

  • Beef Tri Tip – trim the tri tip to ensure it’s approximately the same width across for evening cooking. Trim extra fat off the top, if desired.
  • Fresh Thyme & Rosemary – fresh herbs add the most amount of flavor and aroma! If using dried herbs, use half the amount.
  • Worcestershire Sauce & Soy Sauce – these add lots of umami flavor!
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice – fresh lemon juice is always the best.

Supplies & Tools for the Recipe

Need some supplies or tools to make this delicious tri tip recipe at home? Shop my Amazon Affiliate links for the items I use in my kitchen. Using these links won’t cost you extra and I’ll earn a small commission.

a close up image of potatoes and sliced meat on a plate

The Best Tri Tip Marinade

You’re going to love the flavor and aroma of this delicious tri tip marinade. It’s super easy to make, too!

  1. Pour the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce into a large measuring cup.
  2. Grate or press the garlic into the sauce. Add in the mustard, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary. Season with sea salt and add ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Whisk everything together until well blended.

Marinating the Tri Tip

I recommend marinating the tri tip in a sealed zip-lock bag for best results. This will allow the marinade to really coat the meat.

Trim your tri tip so it’s approximately the same width across, allowing for even cooking. Trim off any excess fat, as needed.

Place the tri tip into a zip-lock bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag, seal it, and marinate the beef for 24 to 48 hours. You can also freeze the tri tip for later use directly in the bag.

a large, sliced piece of grilled beef on a serving tray

Oven-Roasting Instructions for Tri Tip

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the tri tip from the sealed bag and place onto a roasting pan or oven-safe casserole dish.

Roast for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on the size of your tri tip and the level of doneness you prefer. Once the tri tip is golden-brown on the top, tent it lightly with foil.

For a medium doneness, roast to 125°F, then remove from oven and let the tri tip rest and come up to 130°F. For a well-done tri tip, roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Grilling Instructions for Tri Tip

Want to enjoy a grilled tri tip during the summer months? It’s super easy to do!

  1. Preheat your outdoor grill to between 500 and 550°F. Heat for at least 10 minutes, making sure the grates are extra hot. Remove the tri tip from the sealed bag and place directly onto the grates.
  2. Grill the tri tip with the grill lid closed, turning every 6 to 8 minutes, getting a nice sear all over. Make sure to sear the sides, too. If the tri tip is charred but has not the desired temperature, move it from direct to indirect heat on the grill.
  3. Grill for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on size and desired level of doneness. For a medium doneness, roast to 125°F, then remove from oven and let the tri tip rest and come up to 130°F. For a well-done tri tip, roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Allow the tri tip to rest for 15 to 30 minutes prior to slicing and enjoying.
a tray with sliced beef on a table, with a dinner plate of food

Side Dish Ideas for Tri Tip

This tri tip recipe works well with a variety of different side dishes! Here are some of my favorite options:

sheet pan with roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs
Oven-Roasted Potatoes
a close up image of blackberry salad with fennel, avocado, apples
Blackberry Apple Salad with avocado and fennel.

More Recipes!

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a pinnable, closeup image of sliced meat, with text overlay - 'The Best Tri Tip Recipe with garlic & herbs'

The Best Tri Tip Recipe (video)

20 minutes prep + 45 minutes cook + 1 day Marinade Time:
4 servings (varies)
The best tri tip recipe with an incredible tri tip marinade! Great for grilling, smoking, or roasting!

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 to 3 lbs beef tri tip
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Making the Marinade:

  • Pour the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce into a large measuring cup.
  • Grate or press the garlic into the sauce. Add in the mustard, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary. Season with sea salt and add ground black pepper to taste.
  • Whisk everything together until well blended.

How to Marinate Tri Tip:

  • Trim your tri tip so it’s approximately the same width across, allowing for even cooking. Trim off any excess fat, as needed.
  • Place the tri tip into a zip-lock bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag, seal it, and marinate the beef for 24 to 48 hours. You can also freeze the tri tip for later use directly in the bag.

Oven-Roasting Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the tri tip from the sealed bag and place onto a roasting pan or oven-safe casserole dish.
  • Roast for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on the size of your tri tip and the level of doneness you prefer. Once the tri tip is golden-brown on the top, tent it lightly with foil.  
  • For a medium doneness, roast to 125°F, then remove from oven and let the tri tip rest and come up to 130°F. For a well-done tri tip, roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Grilling Instructions:

  • Preheat your outdoor grill to between 500 and 550°F. Heat for at least 10 minutes, making sure the grates are extra hot. Remove the tri tip from the sealed bag and place directly onto the grates.
  • Grill the tri tip with the grill lid closed, turning every 6 to 8 minutes, getting a nice sear all over. Make sure to sear the sides, too. If the tri tip is charred but has not the desired temperature, move it from direct to indirect heat on the grill.
  • Grill for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on size and desired level of doneness. For a medium doneness, grill to 125°F, then remove from oven and let the tri tip rest and come up to 130°F. For a well-done tri tip, grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Allow the tri tip to rest for 15 to 30 minutes prior to slicing and enjoying.
  • Serve with your choice of side dishes. I enjoy it with potatoes and a side of salad. Check out my recommendations in the post above!

Nutrition

Serving: 6oz | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 1909mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 4mg