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Perfect Reverse-Sear Tri-Tip Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Butter

reverse-sear tri-tip - featured image

A simple and satisfying reverse-sear tri-tip recipe paired with a flavorful garlic herb compound butter that creates a juicy, tender steak with a rich crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2 to 2.5 lb / 900 to 1135 g) tri-tip roast, well-trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
  2. Pat the tri-tip dry with paper towels, rub olive oil all over, then mix kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) and sprinkle evenly over the meat. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes if possible.
  3. Place the tri-tip on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Insert an instant-read thermometer probe into the thickest part of the roast.
  4. Roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare, about 45-55 minutes.
  5. While roasting, prepare the garlic herb compound butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Shape into a log on parchment paper and chill in the fridge.
  6. Remove the tri-tip from the oven once it reaches 120°F (49°C).
  7. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add a little olive oil.
  8. Sear the tri-tip on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  9. Remove the tri-tip from the pan and let it rest loosely tented with foil for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice the tri-tip against the grain and serve with slices of the garlic herb compound butter melting on top.

Notes

Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes after searing to redistribute juices. Fresh herbs in the compound butter provide the best flavor, but dried can be used in smaller amounts. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and omit lemon zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: tri-tip, reverse sear, garlic herb butter, steak recipe, easy steak, backyard BBQ, compound butter