The tri-tip is a brilliant, underused beef cut that delivers big flavour and versatile cooking. Roast it whole for a tender, blushing centre, or grill/BBQ it Santa Maria–style with a hard sear and a gentle finish. It carves into generous slices and makes cracking leftovers for sandwiches and salads. Keep the seasoning simple—salt, pepper, a little garlic—then rest well and slice across the grain (rotate partway through slicing as the grain changes direction).
Why you’ll love it
Full beef flavour with a tender, juicy bite
Cook it your way: roast, grill or BBQ
Quick for a roasting joint; superb for sharing
Butcher-trimmed for an even cook and tidy carving
Cut details
From the rump/sirloin tip (triangle-shaped muscle)
Supplied boneless, neatly trimmed (fat cap may vary by piece)
Typical weight varies by joint
Fresh, never previously frozen (unless stated on pack)
How to cook (quick guide)
Bring to room temp, pat dry, season generously.
Roast (pan-sear first):
Sear all sides in a hot pan until well browned.
Transfer to 180°C (fan 160°C) for 18–30 mins depending on size.
Grill/BBQ (best):
Sear over high heat 2–3 mins per side, then move to indirect heat until done. Lid on.
Centre temps (guide): Rare ~50°C, Med-rare ~55°C, Medium 60–63°C.
Rest 10–15 mins. Slice across the grain, rotating the joint partway as the grain changes.
Serving ideas
Santa Maria–style: garlic, salt, pepper; serve with salsa and grilled corn
Chimichurri with roast potatoes and watercress
Pepper rub with creamy slaw and pickles in soft rolls
Leftovers: thin slices for steak sandwiches or salads
Storage & handling
Keep refrigerated below 5°C
Once opened, cook within 1 day
Suitable for home freezing on the day of purchase; defrost in the fridge and use within 24 hours
Do not refreeze once defrosted
FAQs
Is tri-tip tender? Yes—especially when cooked to medium-rare/medium, rested properly and sliced across the grain.
How big is a typical joint? Weights vary. If you need a specific size, ask and we’ll guide you.
Fat cap on or off? We trim neatly; a light cap helps baste during cooking. You can render it further in the pan.
Good for BBQ? Excellent—sear hot, then finish over indirect heat with the lid down.