What Is Tri-Tip Steak?

what is tri-tip steak

If you’re a regular reader here, you’ll know by now that the amount of different steak cuts is quite substantial.

Learning about steaks can be difficult! Sometimes it seems like there are new cuts popping up all the time, and you don’t know where to start.

Well, let me try to simplify things for you with this article about tri-tip steak.

A question we are asked regularly here is, what is Tri-tip steak? If you’re interested, then you’re in the right place!

Let’s take a closer look…

What Exactly Is Tri-Tip Steak?

Tri-tip steak is cut from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut. It is sometimes called triangle-cut roast and is one of the most popular cuts of beef you can get on sale in some regions.

Tri-tip steak comes from the steer’s bottom sirloin section, which is one of six regions in the beef carcass.

It is a relatively small muscle that can be easily identified by a large, flat tendon running through its length.

The tri-tip steak has a great flavor and is not too tender or too tough.

It’s marbled with enough fat to make it very flavorful and packed with enough body to create a delicious meal for your family.

Tri-tip steak is a relatively new cut of beef that has been gaining popularity in the past few decades.

The reason for this is that it’s full of flavor and takes marinades, rubs, and other flavors very well.

It has a layer of fat on one side as well as connective tissue on its underside.

Is Tri-Tip Steak Tough?

Tri-tip steak can be known to be a tough cut if it’s not cooked properly.

To get the most out of your tri-tip steak, you should roast or grill that bad boy because it is a relatively thin cut.

When cooking tri-tip steak in the oven, make sure to use low heat for a longer period of time because it can dry out quickly.

If you want to ensure you don’t end up eating a tough Tri-tip steak, be sure to not overcook it and make sure you don’t try to cut it with a knife like a piece of paper.

This particular steak is known for being tough and chewy if you don’t know how to cook it properly, so be sure you do before trying this out at home!

What Is Another Name For Tri-Tip Steak?

Like many steak cuts, they have different names, and Tri-tip is no different.

Other names for this steak include:

  • Newport steak
  • Triangle roast
  • Bottom sirloin cap

These all refer to the same cut and the same steak, just the name may vary by geographical region.

So now you know what this cut of meat is properly called and how to find where it comes from!

How Is Tri-Tip Steak Best Cooked?

Cooking Tri-tip steak is easy, just like any other steak.

Keep the heat on one side of the pan to create a hot zone and use tongs or another utensil to cook each side for about 4 minutes.

This will ensure that your steak is hot throughout.

Sear it over high heat for at least 1 minute per side, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until done.

Remember that these steaks are thin, about half an inch thick or less!  They will be finished in 8-10 minutes total cooking time.

How Is Tri-Tip Steak Best Served?

When serving Tri-tip steak, you should always take into consideration the preference of those who will be eating it.  

If you are serving a crowd, then allow each person to decide how they would like their steak cooked.

This cut is best served as a medium-rare steak and has a bright red color throughout when it is served at this doneness level.  

It’s a good idea to serve this steak with grilled vegetables, potatoes, and a salad.

Additionally, you may like to make some homemade garlic toast to serve as an accompaniment for this steak as well as some tasty homemade bread and butter.

Both of these go perfectly with the lean cut of beef.

Be sure to serve this steak with steak butter to ensure that it’s juicy and tender.

Serving Tri-tip steak is a great choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends because everyone can decide how they would like their steak cooked.

Is Tri-Tip Steak Expensive?

If your mouth is watering, you’ll be glad to know that Tri-tip steak is an extremely affordable cut of meat.

Tri-tip steak is one of the leanest cuts of beef and because it’s not marbled with a ton of fat, it cooks up beautifully on a grill.

As far as pricing goes, Tri-Tip can be bought for less than $10 per pound depending on where you get your beef from.

The price of this steak is largely going to depend on where you buy it from, but in most restaurants and butcher shops it’s a very affordable cut.

Tri-tip steak is commonly found in butcher shops or in restaurant menus.

If you are shopping at a butcher shop, they might sell this cut of beef by its full name which is ‘Tri-Tip Roast’ or ‘Tri-Tip Steak.’

It will commonly come vacuum-sealed, which means that the butcher has already seasoned it for you.

Where Is Tri-Tip Steak Commonly Found?

Tri-tip steak is commonly found in the United States, especially in the western part of the country.

This cut of beef is very common in California and can be found at dinner tables all across this state.

Outside of California, the steak is somewhat rare but it is still available for purchase if you look hard enough.

You’ll also find this steak in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Tri-tip Steak?

When it comes to the nutritional value of Tri-tip steak, it has an excellent nutritional profile that is very impressive.

Since this beef steak has a lot of protein and a little fat, it gives you a great way to refuel your body after an intense workout.

In fact, one study found that individuals who ate this type of steak had improved energy levels during their workouts.

See below the nutritional value of a 3oz serving of Tri-tip Steak:

  • Calories = 220
  • Fat = 13g
  • Saturated Fat = 4.8g
  • Carbohydrates = 0
  • Protein = 25g

As you can see, the nutritional breakdown of a Tri-tip steak is very well-balanced.

With such a great breakdown, you can see why the Tri-tip steak is quickly becoming one of the most popular steaks on the market today.

It’s not very often that you find a steak with a 1/3 fat content or less.

This makes it the perfect meal for those looking to pack on some muscle or watch their figure and tone down.

Other Considerations

It’s worth keeping in mind that Tri-tip steak is best enjoyed when it is medium-rare to medium.

It’s also comparatively leaner than other cuts, making it a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce fat intake or watch caloric intake.

This steak is one of the most flavorful cuts from the cow.

You won’t find yourself eating a bland and highly processed steak that will leave you feeling bloated and underwhelmed.

Instead, you get a cut that has just enough fat to keep it moist, while packing in flavor and providing your body with the proteins it needs to stay healthy.

It’s also an affordable cut that makes for the perfect family meal, and when cooked correctly can really WOW your guests!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tri-tip steak is a great option for those looking for a well-balanced, nutritious steak that won’t break the bank.

However, if you do plan on cooking this cut of beef at home, we highly recommend you purchase a meat thermometer – this way you can ensure that your Tri-tip steak is cooked to perfection and not under or overdone!  

Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about Tri-tip steak in this post and we’ve answered your question of “what is Tri-tip steak?”

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with someone who may find it of value, and don’t forget to pick up a juicy Tri-tip steak next time you see this cut in the supermarket or butcher shop!

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