Enjoy this delicious Pan-Seared Tri-Tip Steak! Tri-tip steak, also known as Santa Maria steak after the California town that popularized it, is a richly flavorful and tender cut perfect for quick, high-heat cooking. Once a regional specialty, tri-tip has gained nationwide popularity thanks to its bold taste and affordable price. 
This straightforward recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without the hassle. Ready to master this classic cut? Read on and try this simple tri-tip steak recipe that delivers juicy, perfectly cooked results every time! We have affiliate relationships, which means we may get a small referral commission at no additional cost if you shop using our links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Serves: 4-6
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Ingredients for Pan-Seared Tri-Tip Steak
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 2 lbs tri-tip steak, about 1 inch thick
Supplies Used
How to Make Pan-Seared Tri-Tip Steak
#1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. #2. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped rosemary. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the tri-tip steak. #3. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side to develop a flavorful crust. #4. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the steak for an additional 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This will yield a medium-rare to medium doneness, with an internal temperature between 145°F and 160°F. For a more well-done steak, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. If your steak is thinner than 1 inch, reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes accordingly. #5. Remove the steak from the skillet and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. #6. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness before serving. Enjoy!
Side Dishes to Pair with Tri-Tip Steak
These versatile sides not only complement the bold taste of tri-tip steak but also add variety and visual appeal to your dinner table.
Roasted Vegetables
Asparagus, green beans, or a medley of bell peppers and zucchini will add freshness and a satisfying crunch to the steak’s rich flavor.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes soak up the savory juices from the steak and makes a comforting and hearty side.
Green Salad
A crisp salad with fresh greens provides a light, refreshing contrast and helps balance the richness of the meat.
Tangy Coleslaw
A zesty, crunchy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of tri-tip steak.
Chimichurri Sauce
This vibrant and herbaceous sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil will add a zesty, fresh kick that enhances the smoky flavor of the tri-tip.
Inexpensive Kitchen Items To Make Cooking Easy
Cook with confidence, measure with ease. Check out this affordable Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale – it’s perfect for weight loss, baking, cooking, and meal prep! With its accurate measurement and easy-to-clean stainless steel platform, this scale is a must-have in any kitchen. Plus, it’s compact, user-friendly, and supports multiple units for convenient cooking. Grab yours now and up your kitchen game!
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- Perfectly packaged for gift giving
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My favorite time-saving kitchen gadgets are also on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.More Steak Recipes to Try
- Mexican Steak Street Tacos
- Grilled Lime Flat Iron Steak
- Fresh Greek Salad with Steak
- Simple Grilled Balsamic Steak
- Ways to Save Buying Omaha Steaks: Special Offers, Discounts, Deals, and Omaha Steaks Coupons
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Pan-Seared Tri-Tip Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves , finely chopped
- 2 lbs tri-tip steak (about 1 inch thick)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped rosemary. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the tri-tip steak.
- Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side to develop a flavorful crust.
- Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the steak for an additional 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This will yield a medium-rare to medium doneness, with an internal temperature between 145°F and 160°F. For a more well-done steak, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. If your steak is thinner than 1 inch, reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes accordingly.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness before serving. Enjoy!
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