How to Cook Tri Tip on a Charcoal Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Cook Tri Tip on a Charcoal Grill

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But if you’re looking for the best way to bring out its flavor and tenderness, charcoal grilling is the way to go.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill so that it comes out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and charred. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing the grill and cooking the steak to perfection. So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Step	Instructions	Tips
1	Prepare the tri tip.	Trim any excess fat from the tri tip. Pat the tri tip dry with paper towels. Season the tri tip with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
2	Heat the charcoal grill to medium heat.	If using a charcoal chimney, fill it with charcoal and light it on fire. Once the charcoal is fully lit, spread it out evenly in the charcoal grill. Close the lid of the charcoal grill and let it heat up for 15-20 minutes.
3	Cook the tri tip.	Place the tri tip on the charcoal grill grate over indirect heat. Close the lid of the charcoal grill and cook the tri tip for 30 minutes per pound. After 30 minutes, flip the tri tip and cook for another 30 minutes per pound. Check the internal temperature of the tri tip with a meat thermometer. The tri tip is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
4	Rest the tri tip.	Remove the tri tip from the charcoal grill and place it on a cutting board. Cover the tri tip with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. After the tri tip has rested, slice it against the grain and serve.

How to Cook Tri Tip on a Charcoal Grill?

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

This guide will show you how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill so that it comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful.

Preparing the Tri Tip

The first step is to choose the right cut of meat. Tri tip is a triangular-shaped cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It’s a well-marbled cut of meat with a rich flavor.

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 the meat to stay juicy and flavorful when it’s grilled.

Once you’ve chosen your tri tip, it’s time to marinate it. Marinating the meat will help to tenderize it and add flavor. 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, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. It’s a classic choice for tri tip and it will give the meat a delicious sweet and savory flavor.
• Grilling marinade: This marinade is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. It’s a great choice for a grilled tri tip because it will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
• Spicy marinade: This marinade is made with hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika. It’s a great choice for those who like their meat with a little bit of heat.

No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This will give the marinade enough time to penetrate the meat and flavor it.

Grilling the Tri Tip

Once the meat has been marinated, it’s time to grill it. The key to grilling tri tip is to cook it over indirect heat so that it doesn’t burn.

To start, preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat. Then, build a fire in one side of the grill and place the tri tip on the opposite side. This will create an indirect heat zone where the meat can cook slowly and evenly.

Grill the tri tip for about 30 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it.

Determining When the Tri Tip is Done

The best way to determine when tri tip is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.

You can also check for doneness by pressing on the meat with your finger. If the meat is firm to the touch, it’s done. If the meat is still soft, it needs to cook for a little longer.

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

This guide has shown you how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill so that it comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to cook, give tri tip a try!

Tips for Grilling Tri Tip

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to the desired doneness.
• Marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
• Grill the meat over indirect heat so that it doesn’t burn.
• Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to be more tender.
• Serve the tri tip with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

How to Cook Tri Tip on a Charcoal Grill

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be grilled to perfection. It’s a great option for a backyard barbecue or a special dinner at home.

To cook tri tip on a charcoal grill, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tri tip roast (3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup wood chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the tri tip roast with the spice mixture.
4. If using wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
5. Place the tri tip roast on the grill, fat side up.
6. If using wood chips, place them on the coals.
7. Cook the tri tip roast for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Move the tri tip roast to the indirect heat zone of the grill and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Remove the tri tip roast from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Resting the Tri Tip

After cooking the tri tip roast, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy roast.

To rest the tri tip roast, simply place it on a cutting board and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Carving the Tri Tip

Once the tri tip roast has rested, it’s time to carve it. To do this, first slice the roast against the grain. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.

To slice the tri tip roast, start by cutting it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into thin slices.

Serving the Tri Tip

Tri tip is a versatile cut of beef that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular side dishes for tri tip include:

• Grilled vegetables
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Salad

Tri tip can also be served as a sandwich or wrap. Simply slice the roast and add it to your favorite bread or wrap along with your favorite toppings.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover tri tip roast, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the roast, simply place it in a covered baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tri tip roast is also a great option for freezing. To freeze the roast, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. The roast can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw the roast, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be grilled to perfection. It’s a great option for a backyard barbecue or a special dinner at home. With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily cook a tri tip roast that will impress your guests.

How long does it take to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill?

Tri tip cooks quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. A good rule of thumb is to cook tri tip for 5 minutes per side for medium rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium.

What temperature should I cook tri tip on a charcoal grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking tri tip is 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you a juicy, medium-rare steak.

What type of charcoal should I use for tri tip?

You can use any type of charcoal for tri tip, but we recommend using lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from wood that has been burned down to its natural state, and it produces a hotter, more consistent heat than briquettes.

How do I season tri tip before grilling?

Before grilling tri tip, you’ll want to season it with a dry rub. A good tri tip rub will include a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add other spices or herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

How do I grill tri tip?

To grill tri tip, first preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat. Then, oil the grates and place the tri tip on the grill. Cook the tri tip for 5 minutes per side for medium rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium.

How do I rest tri tip after grilling?

After grilling tri tip, it’s important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful steak.

How do I slice tri tip?

To slice tri tip, first cut it against the grain. This will help to make the steak more tender. Then, slice the steak into thin strips or cubes.

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

Some common mistakes people make when grilling tri tip include:

• Overcooking the steak. Tri tip is a lean cut of meat, so it’s important to cook it to the correct temperature so it doesn’t become tough.
• Not letting the steak rest. After grilling tri tip, it’s important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful steak.
• Using the wrong type of charcoal. You can use any type of charcoal for tri tip, but we recommend using lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from wood that has been burned down to its natural state, and it produces a hotter, more consistent heat than briquettes.

What are some tips for grilling tri tip?

Here are some tips for grilling tri tip:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak. This will help you to ensure that the steak is cooked to the correct temperature.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful steak.
• Use a good quality tri tip rub. A good rub will help to add flavor to the steak and create a delicious crust.
• Grill the steak over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the steak from overcooking.
• Don’t forget to enjoy your delicious tri tip!

  tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When cooked on a charcoal grill, tri tip is juicy and flavorful with a nice char. The key to cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill is to use indirect heat and to cook it to medium rare. Be sure to let the tri tip rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill like a pro!