Sous Vide Tri-Tip Temperature Guide
Tri-tip is a triangular roast from the bottom sirloin — lean, beefy, and increasingly popular as a budget 'steak roast.' Sous vide turns it into something close to prime rib: perfectly even doneness edge to edge, then a hard sear gives it the crust of a steak.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Cook at 130-135°F for medium-rare, 3-5 hours — as a roast it's thicker and needs the longer bath. After the bath, dry thoroughly and sear all over, 60-90 seconds per side (or finish on a grill for the classic Santa Maria char). Rest 10 minutes, then slice thin against the grain. The grain direction changes midway through the roast — flip and adjust your slicing angle accordingly.
FAQ
What temperature for tri-tip?
130-135°F for medium-rare. It's lean enough that higher temps risk dryness.
How long to sous vide tri-tip?
3-5 hours for a 2-3 pound roast; it needs time for the center to reach bath temperature.
Is tri-tip a steak or roast?
Both — cook it like a roast, slice it like a steak. The sear is what makes it memorable.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.