Are you looking for a delicious yet simple marinade for your tri-tip? While this cut of steak isn’t as popular as rib-eye or strip steak, it’s still a delicious, tender, and flavorful cut.
However, it’s crucial to marinate your beef tri-tip correctly. Not only does how you season it affect its taste, but it also aids in tenderizing it.
So follow my steps below, and you’ll be a pitmaster-worthy tri-tip!
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Table of contents
Learn My Two Methods for Marinating Tri-Tip Steak
This article will teach two ways to marinate your tri-tip steak. The first recipe is for a scrumptious Santa Maria marinade that’s quite simple to make. We also have a great sesame and ginger marinade that incorporates a bit more of an Asian twist to this cut of meat.
What You Need for The Santa Maria Marinade
Soy Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Olive Oil
Minced Garlic Or Garlic Powder
Lemon Juice
Zest From Lemon
Fresh Parsley Or Dried Parsley
Basil Chopped Or Dried Basil
Pepper
Tri Tip
How to Make a Santa Maria Tri-Tip Marinade
Step 1
Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix them all until they’re thoroughly combined.
Step 2
Place the marinade and meat in a ziplock bag, remove excess air from the bag, and seal it securely, ensuring the marinade coats the meat. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, ideally 8-24 hours. Then cook in your preferred way.
What You Need for the Ginger and Sesame Marinade Recipe
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
(You can also add in a little tiny squeeze of lemon juice for that extra kick)
How to Make a Ginger and Sesame Marinade
To marinate your tri-tip using this ginger and sesame marinade, follow the steps below: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Then place the marinade and meat in a ziplock bag, remove excess air from the bag, and seal it securely, ensuring the marinade coats the meat.
Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, ideally 8-24 hours. Then cook in your preferred way.
Note: This marinade recipe is for a 3 lb tri-tip roast.
How Long to Marinate a Tri-Tip
You should marinate your tri-tip for at least 2 hours and overnight. However, you don’t want to marinate for more than 14 hours as the connective tissue can break down, and the meat can become soft.
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My Favorite Ways to Cook Steak
Grilled Tri-Tip
A smoky, juicy cut with a robust crust that pairs well with any steak dinner.
👉 Grilled Tri-Tip Recipe
Florentine-Style Grilled Steak
👉 Florentine-Style Steak Recipe
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
👉 Grilled Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Grilled Strip Steak
Cooked over high heat for a perfect sear and charred crust.
👉 Grilled Strip Steak Recipe
Tri Tip Marinade
Ingredients
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbs Garlic
- ⅓ cup Soy Sauce
- ⅓ cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 tbs Lemon Juice
- Zest from Lemon
- 3 tbs fresh Parsley chopped or 1 tbs Dried Parsley
- 1/3 cup Basil or 1 tbs Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix it all until it’s fully combined.
- Apply a binder like mustard or oil, then sprinkle the dry rub or marinade over the steak and then proceed to rub it into the meat.
- You want to make sure that it’s covering all sides of the cuts of meat. Place the tri-tip in a sealable 1-gallon freezer bag or airtight container, and then add the marinade.
- Massage the marinade all over the tri-tip with your hands, remove excess air from the bag, and seal it securely, ensuring the marinade coats the meat.
- Massage the marinade all over the tri-tip with your hands, remove excess air from the bag, and seal it securely, ensuring the marinade coats the meat. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, ideally 8-24 hours.
- This will allow the flavorful marinade to really penetrate the cut of beef.
Notes
- This is for a 3lb tri tip; if you’re marinating a 1.5 lb tri tip, half the ingredients.
Got Leftover Tri Tip?
Leftovers are the best part of cooking! Here are some of the best ways to use your leftover tri-tip. My favorite is the sandwiches!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
Hey Charlie,
I tried your marinade for a tri-tip and loved it!!
I love the zesty ginger in your second recipe! We ended up smoking the tri tip and it came out so good!
this made the best tri tip!! I usually don’t marinade it but this was so easy and delicious,