Oven-Roasted Tri-Tip with Apricot and Pineapple Salsa

1. Combine seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.

2. Pat tri-tip dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board or plate. Rub 1/2 of the spice mixture on one side of the tri-tip, and rub the remaining mixture on the other side. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil on one side of the tri-tip and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the surface. Flip the tri-tip and repeat with 1 teaspoon olive oil on the other side.

3. Tightly wrap the seasoned tri-tip in plastic wrap, or use a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.

4. Meanwhile, make the salsa by combining apricots, pineapple tidbits and juice, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a non-reactive container. Seal and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or longer, if possible, since the apricots will soften over time.

5. Allow tri-tip to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

7. Heat remaining 4 teaspoons olive oil in an oven-proof, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Unwrap the tri-tip, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Brown each side, 3 to 4 minutes. Quickly blot any extra oil in the skillet with paper towels, held with tongs.

8. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until tri-tip is firm but still pink, 15 to 20 minutes, or until desired doneness is achieved. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). A higher internal temperature is not recommended, as the meat will be tough.

9. Remove from the oven and tent with foil, about 10 minutes. Slice into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick, across the grain of the meat. Serve with the chilled salsa.

Cook's Note:

I used Papa's Seasoning Salt, from this site.