Are you looking for an easy and quick way to make delicious steak strips? Then you need to know how to cook tri tip steak strips on the stove! This easy 20 minute recipe is sure to be one of your favorite steak recipes.

sliced tri-tip steak on slate cutting board

Starting with the basics, we’ll go over the different options for seasoning and marinating, as well as cover some tips for preventing overcooking and ensuring that your steak strips are cooked to perfection.

With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with restaurant-quality steak strips in no time. So let’s get cooking!

What is Tri Tip Steak?

Tri-tip steak is beef cut from the tri-tip roast, which is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. This cut of meat has a mild, but rich flavor and are best served cooked medium-rare.

They are usually grilled, pan-seared, broiled or roasted then sliced into strips. The thin strips are tender and juicy, making them a popular dish for a variety of dishes.

How to Cook Tri Tip Steak on the Stove

When it comes to cooking steak, if you know the tricks, you can make any cut of meat well! The cooking process for tri tip steak strips is easy! Just follow these steps for this cooking method, which may very well become your new favorite way!

Trim any excess fat from either side of your steak.
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil to the pan.
When the oil is hot, add the steak strips to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste (you can also add an easy recipe for a dry rub of your choice).
Sear the steak strips for 2 minutes per side.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Cook the steak 6-8 minutes for medium doneness or 9-11 minutes for well done. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Remove the steak from the skillet to rest for at least 5 minutes.
Slice the steak into strips with a very sharp knife against the grain and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Tri-Tip Steak Strips

Start with a hot skillet: To ensure that you don’t overcook these long strips of steak, make sure to start with a hot pan. Preheat your pan over medium-high heat to ensure the pan is hot enough to quickly cook the pieces of meat.
Use a flavorful marinade: If you want to add some extra flavor, marinate overnight in a plastic bag. This will also make for a more tender steak.
Use little oil: Adding a small amount of oil to the pan before you start cooking can help to prevent the steak strips from sticking.
Use a thermometer: A meat thermometer can help you to measure the internal temperature of the steak strips. Cook the steak strips to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees for medium-rare for a tender texture, or, if you don’t like medium-rare steak, you can increase the temperature to 155-160 degrees for medium.
Use a cast iron skillet: A cast-iron pan is the best way to get a nice hot sear on your steaks. These skillets provide more even cooking since the heat is more easily evenly distributed. In general, a cast-iron skillet just makes better steaks!
Let the steak strips rest: Once the steak strips have reached their desired internal temperature, remove them from the pan and let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. Doing this allows the steak to continue to cook a little bit while also ensuring that all of the juices stay within the steak rather than leaking out.

Serving suggestions

Some of our favorite sides to serve with this steak with cheddar chive mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, pasta with our favorite alfredo sauce, or southern style green beans or collards.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!