Tri Tip Temperature Chart (+ Recipes and Tips)

This comprehensive Tri Tip Temperature Chart will help you achieve your desired doneness, ensuring a mouth-watering and succulent roast.

Whether you’re making Cardiff Crack, Oven Baked Tri Tip, Smoked Tri Tip or Sous Vide Tri Tip, this temp chart can be referenced.

Tri Tip Chart

Here are the internal temps to go by when making any beef recipe. Please note these temps are in Fahrenheit.

Tri Tip Doneness	Internal Temperature (°F)
Rare	125-130°F
Medium Rare	131-140°F
Medium	141-150°F
Medium Well	151-160°F
Well Done	161-165°F

The USDA recommends a minimum temperature of 145°F.

5 meat forks showing the variety of steak doneness levels for a beef temperature chart.

Tri Tip Temperature Chart

Not sure what doneness to cook to? Here’s a visual guide to help you select your ideal temperature:

Rare: Bright red center, lukewarm.
Medium Rare: Bright red center, pink edges, warm.
Medium: Pink and warm throughout.
Medium Well: Slightly pink center and warm throughout.
Well Done: Very little pink.

Tri Tip Internal Temperature

When making, cook based on the tri tip temperature vs. time. Your “pull/remove from the heat” temp will be below the final temperature you’re aiming to serve the meat at as the temp continues to rise as the meat rests.

Here’s a guideline to reference:

Rest 15 minutes – The pull temp will be 7-10°F below the final temp you’re aiming for.
Rest 20-25 minutes – The pull temp will be 10-12°F below the final temp you’re aiming for.

Plan out your cooking schedule to ensure you have ample time to cook your dish to your preferred doneness.

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Most Popular Serving Temp

The temperature of tri tip medium rare – medium is the most popular. Medium rare-medium is how it’s usually served in restaurants, unless you specifically ask for it to be cooked at another temp.

Truth be told we prefer medium – medium well, as we find it less chewy, but to each their own.

Cooking Times

Wondering how long to cook tri tip? Tri Tip cooking time will vary depending on the weight, thickness, cooking method and tri tip cooking temp. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dishes are cooked to perfection every time:

Use this Santa Maria Seasoning mix for a classic flavor profile!
Allow the roast to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This will help the meat cook evenly.
Allow your cooked meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
It’s imperative to utilize an instant read thermometer. It you haven’t purchased a meat thermometer, make sure to do so!