129 for 6 hours. Ice bath and then fridge for a couple more hours. Salt and pepper. 90 second sear on each side with beef tallow from the trimmings. Wanted it rare to med-rare but still chewy. Any recommendations?

by SubstantialItem8674

25 Comments

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  2. Oren_Noah

    The shape is very different from the tri-tips I get here in California. Not sure it’s the same cut.

  3. AaronAAaronsonIII

    Slicing in the wrong direction, but I’d also try a higher temp for a shorter time. Try 132 for 90 minutes.

  4. squeeshka

    I dunno what all the people are talking about when they’re saying you cut with the grain. The top of the slices clearly show you cut against the grain.

    With sous vide, I’ve found that taking it a bit higher around 134-ish is great. Also, I like to make my tri tip slices on the thin side.

  5. I’m a medium rare kind of person, but I find tri-tip is much better at medium. It’s way more tender and has enough fat that it’s still very flavorful and juicy. Most of my medium rare or rare tri-tips are chewy.

  6. towelheadass

    tri tip is better slightly overdone IMO.

    Try 137 and then finish it on a charcoal grill. 129 is too low, I’d only go that low for fillet because it has 0 fat.

  7. Miiirob

    Wow, these times are all over the place. I personally like 132 for 16 hours. Found it tasted best at that temp and time. I’ve gone with 4,6,12,22 and 16 was best.

  8. Sample-quantity

    I think it’s too low temp like everyone says, and also did you salt it before SV? Salt helps tenderize.

  9. texag93

    Tri tip cooked to 129 is gonna be chewy. You cooked it solidly rare and that’s just how it is. If you cook it higher it will be more tender.

  10. Pucketz

    Dry brine for 24 hours before sealing and sousvide I’ve made dozens of them at home and they are far superior once brine for 24hours in kosher salt

  11. Septaceratops

    I always have luck doing TriTip @135 for 4.5 hours. I make them to take on camping trips, and they’re always a hit.

  12. jaredthegeek

    You cooked it too low, 137 is my go to for tri tip. Then ice bath to bring the temperature down then sear.

  13. Kentwomagnod

    I do tri tip 135/6-8 hours. But for sure cut against the grain. You can make light scores on the surface before hand to help remember the direction the muscle fibers were going before you cook.

  14. Mo0ose1422

    Temp was too low to break down and tenderize well. I’d do 135 then chill to prevent internal from continuing to rise during sear.

  15. SupesDepressed

    For tri-tip I’m firmly in the 137 club.

    Dry brine over night, 137 for 6-8 hours with some rosemary in the bag, ice bath, then rub with garlic powder and black pepper, and sear hot and heavy. Comes out insanely good. Actually now I’m thinking to make one this weekend lol.

  16. silvercel

    Dry rub with salt and pepper, run it for 24 hrs at 131 and come apart like roast beef. Then ice it then sear or glaze w/ broil for 5 min.

  17. DPJazzy91

    Sometimes it needs longer, even if the temp is right.

  18. flowdisruption

    I’ve tried tri tip at around 6 hours several times and it always came out chewy. Might just be a meat quality thing. I go 18+ hours now and have much better results.

  19. MrYamaguchi

    Tritip is an inherently chewy cut, even when well marbled. I suggest upping to a true medium rare @ 135F for starters as that will help with the texture. Then I suggest thinner slices and make sure you are against the grain.

  20. JonCohen3D

    Check the temperature in your bath. That looks too raw for 129.

  21. PassStunning416

    You’ve got to cut it right. There’re examples in this thread.

  22. BCJunglist

    Cut it against the grain for one. It has a diagonal grain that goes from the right angle-ish corner to the opposite side, or the hypotenuse if you will. You should be cutting diagonally from that corner and working towards the hypotenuse.

    Source: was a professional meat cutter.

  23. left-for-dead-9980

    You didn’t cut across the grain.