How to Cook Tri Tip on a Charcoal Grill (Perfect Every Time!)

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. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill so that it comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful.

We’ll start by explaining how to choose the best tri tip steak for grilling. Then, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to marinate, cook, and rest your tri tip. We’ll also provide some tips for making the most of your tri tip grilling experience.

So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill like a pro!

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Step	Instructions	Tips
1	Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.	You want the coals to be glowing red and evenly distributed.
2	Oil the tri tip and season it with salt and pepper.	Make sure to get all sides of the steak coated in oil and seasoning.
3	Place the tri tip on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.	Flip the steak every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
4	Let the tri tip rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.	The steak will continue to cook as it rests, so don’t overcook it.

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Choosing the Right Tri Tip

When it comes to choosing the right tri tip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Size: Tri tips are typically sold in two sizes: small (2-3 pounds) and large (3-4 pounds). The size of the tri tip you choose will depend on how many people you are cooking for.
• Cut: Tri tips are cut from the bottom sirloin, which is a flavorful and tender cut of beef. The tri tip is a triangular-shaped muscle that is well-marbled with fat. This fat renders during cooking, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.
• Marbling: The marbling of a tri tip refers to the amount of fat that is distributed throughout the muscle. Tri tips with a high degree of marbling will be more flavorful and juicy than those with less marbling.
• Grade: The grade of a tri tip refers to the quality of the meat. Tri tips are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest grade and 5 being the highest. Tri tips that are graded higher will be more expensive, but they will also be more flavorful and juicy.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right tri tip:

• Look for a tri tip that is well-marbled with fat.
• Choose a tri tip that is about 1 inch thick.
• If you are unsure about the grade of the tri tip, ask the butcher for help.

Preparing the Tri Tip

Once you have chosen the right tri tip, it is time to prepare it for cooking.

• Marinating: Marinating a tri tip is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, red wine, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Marinating the tri tip for several hours or overnight will allow the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the meat.
• Dry brining: Dry brining is a method of seasoning meat by rubbing it with a mixture of salt and spices and letting it sit for several hours or overnight. Dry brining helps to draw out moisture from the meat, which helps to create a more flavorful and juicy steak.
• Rubbing: Rubbing a tri tip with a flavorful rub is a great way to add flavor and crust to the meat. Rubs can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper.

Here are a few tips for preparing the tri tip:

• Marinate the tri tip for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
• Dry brine the tri tip for 24 hours before cooking.
• Rub the tri tip with a flavorful rub before cooking.

Cooking the Tri Tip

The tri tip is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips for cooking the tri tip:

• Grilling: Grilling is the most popular way to cook tri tip. To grill the tri tip, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the tri tip for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 8-10 minutes per side for medium.
• Searing: Searing the tri tip is a great way to add a flavorful crust to the meat. To sear the tri tip, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the tri tip for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a brown crust forms.
• Roasting: Roasting the tri tip is a great way to cook it evenly. To roast the tri tip, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the tri tip for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.

Here are a few tips for cooking the tri tip:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tri tip.
• Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it.
• Serve the tri tip with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. By following these tips, you can cook the perfect tri tip every time.

Here are a few additional tips for cooking tri tip:

• Use a sharp knife to slice the tri tip against the grain.
• Serve the tri tip immediately after slicing it.
• Enjoy

3. Cooking the Tri Tip

The tri tip is a triangular-shaped cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It’s a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When cooked on a charcoal grill, the tri tip develops a delicious smoky flavor and char.

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

• 1 tri tip roast (3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the tri tip with the spice mixture.
4. Place the tri tip on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Move the tri tip to the indirect heat zone and cook for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the tri tip from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill is between 135 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and develop a delicious smoky flavor. If you cook the tri tip too hot, it will dry out and become tough. If you cook the tri tip too low, it will not cook through properly.

Time

The amount of time it takes to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the size of the roast. A 3-pound tri tip will take about 1 hour to cook, while a 4-pound tri tip will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Maneuvering

When cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill, it’s important to maneuver the meat so that it cooks evenly. To do this, you’ll need to rotate the tri tip every 10-15 minutes. You’ll also need to baste the tri tip with the juices from the pan every few minutes.

4. Resting and Serving the Tri Tip

After you’ve cooked the tri tip, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy roast.

To serve the tri tip, slice it against the grain into thin strips. You can serve the tri tip with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When cooked on a charcoal grill, the tri tip develops a delicious smoky flavor and char. By following these simple steps, you can cook the perfect tri tip on your charcoal grill.

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

Tri tip typically takes about 30 minutes to cook per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of the grill.

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

The ideal temperature for cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the steak while leaving the inside juicy and tender.

**What type of charcoal should I use to cook tri tip?

You can use any type of charcoal to cook tri tip, but we recommend using lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from 100% wood, and it burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes. This will help to create a more flavorful crust on the steak.

**How do I prepare tri tip before cooking it?

Before cooking tri tip, you should first trim any excess fat from the steak. You should also season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

**How do I cook tri tip on a charcoal grill?

To cook tri tip on a charcoal grill, first build a fire in your grill. Once the coals are hot, spread them out evenly in the grill. Place the tri tip on the grill, and cook it for 30 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

**How do I rest tri tip after cooking it?

After cooking tri tip, you should let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it. This will help to redistribute the juices throughout the steak, and make it more tender and flavorful.

**What are some common mistakes people make when cooking tri tip?

Some common mistakes people make when cooking tri tip include:

• Cooking the steak at too high of a temperature. This can cause the steak to become tough and dry.
• Not letting the steak rest before slicing it. This can cause the juices to run out of the steak, making it dry and less flavorful.
• Over seasoning the steak. This can overpower the natural flavor of the steak.

**How can I make tri tip more flavorful?

There are a few ways to make tri tip more flavorful, including:

• Marinating the steak in a flavorful marinade before cooking it.
• Using a dry rub on the steak before cooking it.
• Cooking the steak over indirect heat. This will help to create a more flavorful crust on the outside of the steak while leaving the inside juicy and tender.

**What are some side dishes that go well with tri tip?

Some side dishes that go well with tri tip include:

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

**How do I store tri tip leftovers?

Tri tip leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat tri tip leftovers, you can either microwave them or heat them in the oven.

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 can be juicy, flavorful, and smoky. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill, from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing it for the grill. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook perfect tri tip every time. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and get cooking!

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

• Tri tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It is a triangular-shaped cut with a thick, fatty cap.
• Tri tip is best when cooked to medium rare or medium.
• To cook tri tip on a charcoal grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides for 5-7 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Tri tip can be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

With these tips, you’ll be able to cook juicy, flavorful, and smoky tri tip every time you fire up the grill.