How to BBQ the Perfect Tri Tip

How to Bbq Tri Tip: The Ultimate Guide

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. It is a relatively lean cut with a rich, beefy flavor. When cooked properly, tri tip is tender and juicy with a slight char.

In this guide, we will show you how to bbq tri tip to perfection. We will cover everything from choosing the right cut of meat to marinating and grilling it. So whether you are a novice griller or a seasoned pro, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know to cook the perfect tri tip.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

The first step to bbq tri tip is choosing the right cut of meat. Tri tip is a triangular-shaped cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It is a relatively lean cut with a good amount of marbling.

When choosing a tri tip, look for a piece of meat that is about 2-3 pounds and has a good amount of marbling. The marbling will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks.

You can also ask your butcher to cut the tri tip into thin steaks or strips. This is a great option if you are short on time or if you are not comfortable grilling a whole piece of meat.

Marinating the Meat

Marinading is a great way to add flavor and moisture to tri tip. There are many different marinades you can use, but some of the most popular include:

  • Teriyaki marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and garlic. It is a classic choice for tri tip and it will give the meat a delicious, umami flavor.
  • Ginger-soy marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. It is a great option for tri tip if you want a slightly sweet and spicy flavor.
  • Cumin-lime marinade: This marinade is made with cumin, lime juice, olive oil, and garlic. It is a great option for tri tip if you want a bright and flavorful marinade.

No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat and make it even more delicious.

Grilling the Meat

Grilling tri tip is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the tri tip with oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill.
3. Grill the tri tip for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

The cooking time for tri tip will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. If you are grilling a thick piece of meat, you may need to cook it for longer.

It is also important to let the tri tip rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.

Tips for Grilling Tri Tip

Here are a few tips for grilling tri tip to perfection:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. This will help you to ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through.
  • Don’t overcook the meat. Tri tip is a relatively lean cut of meat and it can dry out quickly if it is overcooked.
  • Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.

With these tips, you can easily grill the perfect tri tip every time. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal!

Step Instructions Tips
1 Preheat your grill to 225 degrees F. If using a charcoal grill, build a two-zone fire with the coals on one side and the cooking grate on the other.
2 Rub the tri-tip with a dry rub of your choice. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own. Here is a simple recipe:

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

3 Place the tri-tip on the grill over the indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees F.
4 Move the tri-tip to the direct heat and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the desired degree of doneness is reached. Let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Choosing the Right Tri Tip

When choosing a tri tip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Size: Tri tips are typically sold in 2- to 3-pound pieces. The larger the tri tip, the more cooking time it will need. If you’re short on time, choose a smaller tri tip.
  • Cut: Tri tips are sold either bone-in or boneless. Bone-in tri tips are more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless tri tips are easier to cook, but they can be a bit dry if not cooked properly.
  • Marbling: The marbling of a tri tip refers to the amount of fat that is distributed throughout the meat. Tri tips with more marbling will be more flavorful and juicy, but they will also be more expensive. Tri tips with less marbling will be less flavorful and juicy, but they will also be less expensive.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can choose the tri tip that is right for you.

Preparing the Tri Tip

There are a few different ways to prepare tri tip. You can marinate it, dry rub it, or brine it.

  • Marinating: Marinating tri tip in a flavorful liquid will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, vinegar, wine, herbs, and spices. Marinate the tri tip for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours.
  • Dry Rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that is applied to the meat before cooking. Dry rubs help to add flavor and protect the meat from drying out. Apply the dry rub to the tri tip and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours.
  • Brining: Brining tri tip in a salt water solution will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Brine the tri tip for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours.

Once you’ve prepared the tri tip, you’re ready to cook it.

Cooking the Tri Tip

Tri tip can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or in a smoker.

  • Grilling: Grilling tri tip is a popular method of cooking because it produces a delicious, smoky flavor. To grill tri tip, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the tri tip for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the tri tip rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Oven Roasting: Oven roasting tri tip is a great way to cook it if you don’t have a grill. To oven roast tri tip, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the tri tip for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the tri tip rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Smoking: Smoking tri tip is a great way to add a rich, smoky flavor to the meat. To smoke tri tip, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the tri tip for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the tri tip rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. By choosing the right tri tip, preparing it properly, and cooking it correctly, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.

Here are some additional tips for cooking tri tip:

  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the tri tip is cooked to the desired temperature.
  • Let the tri tip rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Serve tri tip with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tri tip is a great choice for a cookout, a potluck, or a special occasion. With its delicious flavor and versatility, tri tip is sure to please everyone.

How To Bbq Right Tri Tip?

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be grilled, smoked, or roasted. It’s a great choice for a backyard barbecue or a special occasion meal.

To cook tri tip correctly, you need to start with a high-quality cut of meat. Look for a tri tip that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat. The fat will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks.

Once you’ve chosen your meat, it’s time to season it. Tri tip is a very flavorful cut of meat, so you don’t need to go overboard with the seasoning. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you need.

To grill tri tip, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the meat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

To smoke tri tip, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the meat for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

To roast tri tip, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the meat for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking the Tri Tip

Grilling

Grilling is a great way to cook tri tip because it allows the meat to develop a nice sear. To grill tri tip, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the meat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Smoking

Smoking is another great way to cook tri tip. Smoking adds a delicious smoky flavor to the meat. To smoke tri tip, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the meat for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Roasting

Roasting is a great way to cook tri tip if you don’t have a grill or smoker. To roast tri tip, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the meat for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Resting and Serving the Tri Tip

Resting

After you’ve cooked your tri tip, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving

Tri tip is a versatile cut of meat that can be served in a variety of ways. Some popular serving suggestions include:

  • Sliced and served with grilled vegetables
  • Carved and served with a horseradish sauce
  • Shredded and served in tacos or burritos
  • Chopped and served in a salad

No matter how you serve it, tri tip is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How long should I cook tri tip on the grill?

The cooking time for tri tip will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook the tri tip for 3-4 minutes per side over direct heat, then move it to indirect heat and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side. For a well-done steak, cook the tri tip for 5-6 minutes per side over direct heat, then move it to indirect heat and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes per side.

What temperature should I cook tri tip to?

Tri tip is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked to a variety of doneness levels. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For a well-done steak, the internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to grill tri tip?

There are a few different ways to grill tri tip, but the most common method is to cook it over direct heat for a few minutes per side, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. This method will create a flavorful, juicy steak with a nice sear.

What seasonings should I use on tri tip?

Tri tip is a flavorful cut of meat that doesn’t need a lot of seasoning. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to create a delicious steak. You can also add other seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a more flavorful steak.

How do I make tri tip tri-tip?

Tri-tip is a type of cooking method that involves grilling the steak over indirect heat until it is cooked to the desired doneness. This method creates a juicy, flavorful steak with a nice sear.

What are some common mistakes people make when grilling tri tip?

There are a few common mistakes people make when grilling tri tip. One mistake is cooking the steak over too high of heat. This can cause the steak to become tough and dry. Another mistake is not letting the steak rest before slicing it. This can cause the juices to run out of the steak, making it dry and flavorless.

How can I store tri tip leftovers?

Tri tip leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, simply slice it thin and pan fry it in a little oil until it is heated through. You can also reheat the steak in the microwave, but it will not be as flavorful as reheated on the stovetop.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to BBQ tri tip. We covered the basics of choosing the right cut of meat, marinating it, and cooking it to perfection. We also provided some tips for troubleshooting common problems.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will be able to use the information to cook a delicious and juicy tri tip steak.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Tri tip is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that is perfect for grilling.
  • When choosing a tri tip, look for a piece of meat that is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
  • Marinating tri tip is optional, but it can help to add flavor and tenderness to the meat.
  • Tri tip should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare.
  • Tri tip can be grilled, smoked, or roasted.
  • Troubleshooting common problems:
  • If the meat is tough, it was not cooked long enough.
  • If the meat is dry, it was cooked too long or over high heat.
  • If the meat is charred, it was cooked over too high heat.

We hope that you enjoy your next tri tip steak!

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Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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