This New York strip roast is coated with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage, then roasted with a short high-heat start to brown the outside. The oven temperature is lowered to finish cooking the center without scorching the herb coating. Season it the night before, and use a meat thermometer to judge doneness rather than relying on minutes per pound.
A strip roast is the larger cut used to make New York strip steaks. It works well for a holiday dinner when you want sliced roast beef with a garlic-and-herb crust.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless New York strip roast, about 7 pounds (3.2 kg)
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, woody stems removed
- 9 fresh sage leaves
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons Morton coarse kosher salt (about 22 g; see note)
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
Salt note: Kosher salt brands have different crystal sizes. The volume above is for Morton coarse kosher salt. If using another brand, weigh out 22 g rather than substituting the same spoonfuls.
Servings: Approximately 12–14 with side dishes
Instructions
- Prepare the roast: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. If the fat cap is very thick, trim it to approximately ¼ inch, leaving a thin, even layer. If the roast has a loose or uneven shape, tie it with kitchen twine at roughly 2-inch intervals so it holds together during roasting.
- Make the herb paste: Pulse the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage in a food processor until finely chopped. Add a little oil from the measured ⅓ cup if needed to help the blades move. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Without a food processor, finely chop the garlic and herbs by hand.
- Season and refrigerate: Spread the paste evenly over the roast, including the sides and ends. Place it in a rimmed dish, cover, and refrigerate for 8–24 hours.
- Prepare the oven and pan: Remove the roast from the refrigerator while the oven preheats to 450°F (230°C). Unwrap it and place it fat-side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. It does not need to reach room temperature. Insert an oven-safe probe thermometer into the center of the thickest part, avoiding large pockets of fat.
- Start at high heat: Roast uncovered for 15 minutes. Without removing the beef, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Finish roasting: Continue cooking until the center reaches 145°F (63°C). Begin checking after about 1 hour of total oven time, and confirm the temperature in more than one spot near the center. For planning, allow approximately 1½–2¼ hours total roasting time, including the high-heat start. Thickness, starting temperature, and oven performance can change the timing. If the garlic and herbs become dark before the center is ready, loosely shield the top with foil.
- Rest and carve: Transfer the roast to a carving board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 20 minutes, then remove any twine. Slice across the grain into approximately ¼- to ½-inch slices. Spoon the juices collected on the board over the sliced beef.
Oven-Baked
Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes, then lower the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook until the center reaches 145°F (63°C), then rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Follow the main recipe above for timing and preparation.
Grilling
- Prepare: Heat the grill to 350–375°F (175–190°C), leaving an area without direct heat.
- Cook: Place the seasoned roast fat-side up over that area and close the lid. Allow roughly 1½–2½ hours, checking from 1 hour. Cook until the center reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest: Tent loosely with foil for 20 minutes, then slice across the grain.
Keep the roast away from flames so the garlic and herbs do not burn.
Choosing a Beef Roast
Use a boneless New York strip roast for this recipe. Beef tenderloin is leaner, standing rib roast is generally fattier, and rump roast is less tender.
Roast Temperature and Doneness
The recipe uses the USDA recommendation for beef roasts: 145°F (63°C) before removing the meat from the oven, followed by at least a 3-minute rest. The longer rest in this recipe also allows time to finish the side dishes before carving.
The internal temperature can continue rising during resting. The amount varies with the roast’s size, shape, and cooking temperature, so do not assume it will rise by a fixed number of degrees.
Lower temperatures commonly used for medium-rare roast beef fall below the USDA recommendation. The cooking endpoint here has been chosen to follow that guidance.
Tips for a Better Strip Roast
- Choose an evenly shaped roast. A piece with reasonably consistent thickness cooks more evenly than one with a very thin end. Look for some marbling within the meat rather than judging it only by the outer fat cap.
- Keep the herb coating even. Thick clumps of garlic on top can burn while the meat underneath is still cooking. Spread the paste over the whole surface.
- Keep the roast uncovered during cooking. A tightly covered pan traps steam and softens the crust. Use a loose foil shield only if the top is getting too dark.
- Identify the grain before seasoning. Notice the direction of the muscle fibers so you can cut across them when carving. Thin slices are particularly useful for sandwiches the next day.
What to Serve with New York Strip Roast
Serve the sliced roast with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots or steamed green beans.
For a holiday meal, classic green bean casserole is another option. Plan its oven time separately because the roast starts at a higher temperature. Prepared horseradish or a spoonful of Dijon mustard also works alongside the beef.
Make Ahead and Freezing
Season ahead: The overnight seasoning step can be done up to 24 hours before roasting. Keep the beef refrigerated until you are ready to preheat the oven.
Freeze before cooking: Wrap the seasoned raw roast tightly, then place it in a freezer bag or add a protective layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw completely on a tray in the refrigerator before roasting. A roast this size may need several days, so check that the center has thawed rather than assuming one night is enough.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Divide leftover beef into smaller portions and refrigerate in shallow, covered containers within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Use within 3–4 days.
Reheat: Arrange slices in a baking dish with a small splash of beef broth or water. Cover and heat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until the beef reaches 165°F (74°C). Reheating will cook the meat further, so warm only what you plan to serve. Properly refrigerated leftovers can also be sliced thinly and served cold in sandwiches.
Freeze cooked leftovers: Pack portions with any saved juices in airtight freezer containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality, then thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Follow USDA guidance for storing and reheating leftovers.
Can I Use a Bone-In Strip Roast?
Yes, but the roasting estimate above is written for a boneless roast. Bone-in cuts can differ in shape and thickness, so monitor the center temperature and keep the thermometer away from the bone. The same total weight also provides less boneless meat.
For easier carving, ask the butcher to remove the bones and tie them back onto the roast; remove them after resting.





