Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sear-roasted tri tip with a fragrant garlic rosemary butter finish, inspired by California’s rich grilling culture. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds tri tip roast, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Rub 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper evenly over the entire 2-pound tri tip roast. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and rub to coat.
  2. Step 2: Sear the tri tip on the grill or skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium rare.
  3. Step 3: While the meat rests for 10 minutes, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small pan with 2 fresh rosemary sprigs and 4 smashed garlic cloves over low heat for 5 minutes until fragrant. Remove rosemary and garlic, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Slice the tri tip against the grain and drizzle with the garlic rosemary butter before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds tri tip roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Rosemary Butter?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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