Introduction
Tri tip is a flavorful and lean cut of beef that is growing in popularity for backyard barbecues. When cooked correctly, tri tip can be incredibly tender and juicy with a lightly charred crust. But knowing how long to barbecue tri tip is key to getting the perfect medium-rare doneness that really brings out its best qualities. This guide will cover everything you need to know about how long to barbecue tri tip, from preparation to cooking times per pound. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to grill up tender, mouthwatering tri tip every time.
Selecting and Preparing the Tri Tip
Choosing the right cut of tri tip is an important first step. Look for a evenly shaped, 1.5 to 2 pound tri tip roast that is bright red in color with some marbling throughout. Plan on cooking approximately 1/2 pound of tri tip per person.
Before grilling, tri tip benefits greatly from some advance preparation:
- Trim off excess fat and silver skin. This helps prevent flare ups during grilling.
- Apply a dry rub. Coat the meat all over with a dry spice rub. This adds flavor and promotes browning. Use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cracked pepper, or smoked paprika.
- Marinate it. For added moisture and flavor, marinate the tri tip for 2-12 hours in the refrigerator. A marinade of olive oil, crushed garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs works nicely.
- Bring it to room temperature. Take the tri tip out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
How Long to Grill Tri Tip Per Pound
The general rule of thumb for grilling tri tip is to allow 15-20 minutes per pound of meat. However, a few factors affect the exact cooking time:
- Thickness: A thicker cut of tri tip will obviously take longer to cook than a thinner one.
- Boneless vs. bone-in: Boneless roasts will grill a bit faster than ones with the bone still attached.
- Desired doneness: For rare or medium-rare tri tip, grill for the minimum time (15 minutes/lb). For medium or beyond, extend the time to 20+ minutes/lb.
- Grill temperature: Cooking over high direct heat of 450-550°F will be faster than using a lower temperature grill zone around 300°F.
- Flip frequency: Only flipping the meat once during grilling will lead to faster cooking than flipping it multiple times.
Here are some general guidelines for grilling times based on tri tip roast size:
- 1 pound tri tip: 15-20 minutes total
- 1.5 pound tri tip: 22-30 minutes total
- 2 pound tri tip: 30-40 minutes total
- 2.5 pound tri tip: 37-50 minutes total
- 3 pound tri tip: 45-60 minutes total
The best way to test for doneness is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Remove the tri tip once it reaches your desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium well: 150-155°F
- Well done: 160°F+ (not recommended for tri tip)
Grilling Methods for Tri Tip
There are a few different grilling methods that work well for cooking tri tip:
Direct High-Heat Grilling
This traditional grilling method involves cooking the meat directly over the hot coals or gas flame. Use high heat between 450-550°F. Sear both sides of the tri tip initially for 2-3 minutes each. Then move it to a cooler side of the grill to finish cooking, flipping occasionally, until it reaches desired doneness.
Two-Zone Grilling
Similar to the above method, but you position the tri tip on the hot side of a two-zone fire to sear, then transfer it to the cooler side (about 300°F) to roast until done. This gives added control over managing the heat.
Reverse Sear
For very uniform doneness, try reverse searing. First, grill the tri tip using indirect heat at 250-275°F until it reaches about 10-15° below your target temperature. Then, sear it briefly over direct high heat just until it reaches your desired doneness.
Rotisserie Grilling
Cooking tri tip on a rotisserie spit over direct medium heat helps self-baste the meat while roasting it evenly. Cook to your desired internal temperature.
No matter which grilling method you choose, always let the tri tip rest tented with foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Now that you know exactly how long to barbecue tri tip, you can deliver perfect grilled results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Tri Tip
How do I know when tri tip is done grilling?
The most reliable way to test tri tip doneness is by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. Tri tip is done grilling when it reaches 120-125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium rare, 140-145°F for medium, 150-155°F for medium well, and 160+°F for well done.
Should tri tip be grilled fat side up or down?
It’s best to grill tri tip fat side up. This allows the melting fat to baste the meat as it cooks while preventing flare ups. Place the meat diagonally or perpendicular to the grates so the fat doesn’t directly hit the flames.
Can you grill tri tip from frozen?
It’s best not to grill tri tip directly from frozen. Thaw it first in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours until no trace of ice remains. Grilling frozen meat risks unsafe undercooking of the interior while the outside burns.
Should you sear tri tip before or after grilling?
For the best flavor, it’s ideal to sear the tri tip before and after grilling. Sear it briefly on both sides over high direct heat initially. Then after cooking indirectly, give it a final sear just until it reaches your target temperature.
How do I grill tri tip on a gas grill?
Preheat your gas grill on high for 15 minutes. Leave one side on high and turn the other to low to establish a two-zone fire. Sear the tri tip for 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat. Then move to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook to desired doneness, flipping occasionally.
What are the best wood chips for grilling tri tip?
The best wood chips for enhancing tri tip on the grill are mesquite, oak, hickory and apple. Soak the chips in water before grilling so they slowly smoke instead of burn. Alder and maple also pair nicely with beef.
Conclusion
Now that you know to allow about 15-20 minutes per pound when grilling tri tip, you can master cooking this flavorful cut of beef to tender, juicy perfection. A few handy tips like preparing the meat correctly, utilizing direct and indirect heat, and testing doneness with a meat thermometer will ensure barbecue success. In no time, you’ll earn a reputation for serving up incredible grilled tri tip at your next backyard gathering.