Have you been trying to achieve a perfectly grilled tri-tip that’s both tender and packed with flavor?
This triangular cut of beef, known for its rich marbling and bold taste, is a hidden gem among grilling enthusiasts. With just the right balance of seasoning, heat, and patience, tri-tip transforms into a succulent dish that steals the show at any gathering. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to ensure your tri-tip always comes out juicy and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will surely love this grilled tri-tip recipe because it’s packed with rich, smoky flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
The tri-tip’s natural marbling ensures each bite is tender and juicy, while a simple seasoning blend lets the beef’s bold taste shine through.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides or salads, making it the perfect addition to any meal!
What You’ll Need
- Tri-Tip Roast
- Steak Rub (you can use store brought or follow my recipe below to make your own)
Basting Liquid
- Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Garlic
How to Grill Tri Tip
Step 1: Prep The Meat
Trim off the fat cap from the tri-tip. If marinating, mix up your marinade ingredients and let the roast soak for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step 2: Season Generously
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F.
Coat the tri-tip thoroughly with your beef rub. If you are not using a store-bought rub, combine the spices below to make your own rub.
2 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp ground black pepper
3 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried rosemary
Step 3: Cook The Tri-Tip
Place the tri-tip on the grill’s indirect heat side. Close the lid and cook for 30-40 minutes, flipping the roast every 6-7 minutes.
After each flip, brush the roast with basting liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Sear for the Perfect Finish
Once the internal temperature hits 120°F, move the roast to the direct heat side. I find that my cast iron pan on the stovetop gets a hotter temperature, so I take my steak inside and sear it there.
Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Slice
Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve!
What Temperature to Cook At
Set your grill to medium heat, around 350°F, and cook the tri-tip over indirect heat. See the table below for when to move your steak to the direct heat for different types of doneness.
Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and remember that the temperature will rise slightly as the meat rests.
What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach For Grilled Tri-Tip
Achieve your ideal doneness by following these temperature tips for cooking tri-tip.
| Doneness | Move to Direct Heat at | Final Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 115°F | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 125°F | 135°F |
| Medium | 135°F | 145°F |
| Medium Well | 145°F | 155°F |
| Well Done | 150°F | 160°F |
Using a meat thermometer ensures accuracy. Remember to let the roast rest, as the temperature will rise a few degrees during that time.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
To store the leftover grilled tri-tip, allow it to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the tri-tip in a freezer-safe bag or container, which can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen tri-tip in the fridge overnight. For best results, gently reheat the meat in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 250°F until warmed to preserve its tenderness and prevent drying.
What To Serve With Grilled Tri-Tip
Although you can serve almost any dish with grilled tri-tip, the best side dishes to pair with it are listed below.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
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Grilled Tri Tip
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound tri-tip roast fat cap removed
- 3 tablespoons beef rub or use my homemade rub below
Basting Liquid:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic finely chopped
Optional Marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
- ½ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Homemande Beef Rub
- .5 tbsp kosher salt
- .5 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- .5 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Trim off the fat cap from the tri-tip.
- If marinating, mix up your marinade ingredients and let the roast soak for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F.Coat the tri-tip thoroughly with your beef rub. If you are not using a store-bought rub, combine the spices below to make your own rub.
- Place the tri-tip on the grill’s indirect heat side.
- Close the lid and cook for 30-40 minutes, flipping the roast every 6-7 minutes.
- After each flip, brush the roast with mopping liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once the internal temperature hits 120°F, move the roast to the direct heat side.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
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.
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