How to BBQ Right Tri Tip - Outdoor Cabinets

Tri tip is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. With the right techniques, you can make tender, juicy, and delicious tri tip on your barbecue. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to bbq right tri tip from start to finish.

What is Tri Tip?

Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It sits between the sirloin and the round primal cuts. Tri tip has become increasingly popular for barbecuing because it is flavorful, affordable, and feeds a crowd.

Some key things to know about tri tip:

Tri tip roast weighs between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds on average.
It is a lean cut with nice marbling which keeps it tender and moist during cooking.
It has excellent beefy flavor and is not overly tough like other sirloin cuts.
When sliced against the grain, it produces boneless beef steaks perfect for serving.

Benefits of BBQ Tri Tip

There are several benefits that make tri tip an ideal choice for barbecuing:

Flavor – Tri tip has robust beefy flavor that gets enhanced by smoke from grilling. The fat marbling also keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Versatile – Tri tip can be cooked whole, sliced into steaks, or cubed for kebabs or skewers. It also takes well to various marinades and rubs.
Feed a Crowd – A whole tri tip roast can feed 8-12 people easily when sliced.
Affordable – Tri tip costs less than other beef cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. You get great value for money.
Easy to Cook – Tri tip cooks relatively quickly on the grill. The uniform shape allows for even cooking.

How to Choose Tri Tip

When purchasing tri tip for grilling, keep the following tips in mind:

Weight – Select a roast between 1.5 – 2.5 lbs to feed most families. Go larger for big gatherings.
Marbling – Look for decent fat marbling throughout the meat for moisture and flavor. Avoid very lean pieces.
Color – Fresh tri tip has a bright red color. Avoid brown or grey colored meat.
Labeling – Ensure the label specifically states “tri tip.” Some stores mislabel bottom sirloin as tri tip.
Freshness – Choose tri tip that looks freshly cut, not pre-packaged for more than a few days.

Tri Tip Marinades

Marinating is key to maximizing the flavor of tri tip. The marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with layers of flavor. Here are some excellent marinade options:

Santa Maria Dry Rub

The traditional Santa Maria style uses a dry rub marinade. Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Generously coat the meat and let sit 30 minutes before grilling.

Soy Sauce & Honey

For Asian flavors, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Marinate tri tip 2-4 hours, turning occasionally.

Mexican Style

A Mexican inspired marinade uses lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and olive oil to infuse big south-of-the-border flavors.

Mediterranean

For Mediterranean flavors, marinate the meat in a mix of garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice or red wine vinegar.

How to Grill Tri Tip

Grilling tri tip using both direct and indirect heat is the best cooking method. Follow these steps:

1. Pat Dry & Bring to Room Temp

Take the tri tip out of the marinade and pat very dry with paper towels.
Allow to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before grilling.

2. Prepare BBQ Grill

Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium high heat.
Clean the grates well and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Set up for direct and indirect heat zones.

3. Sear Over Direct High Heat

Place the tri tip over the hot side of the grill.
Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms.

4. Move to Indirect Heat

Move the tri tip to the indirect heat side, away from any flames.
Insert a probe meat thermometer into the center if you have one.

5. Grill Until Done

Grill over indirect heat at 300-350°F, flipping occasionally.
Remove meat when it reaches 135°F for medium rare. The temperature will rise another 5-10° as it rests.
Total grill time is usually 45-60 minutes depending on thickness.

6. Rest, Slice & Serve

Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
Slice very thin across the grain.
Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tri Tip Grilling Times & Temps

The tri tip thickness will determine the grilling time needed. Follow these general tri tip grilling times for perfect doneness:

1.5 inch thick – Grill for 45-55 minutes until 135°F for medium rare.
2 inch thick – Grill for 55-65 minutes until 135°F for medium rare.
2.5 inch thick – Grill for 60-75 minutes until 135°F for medium rare.

Always allow the meat to rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Use these grill temperatures for different doneness levels:

Rare – 125-130°F
Medium Rare – 130-135°F
Medium – 140-145°F
Medium Well – 150-155°F
Well Done – 160°F+

Use a good quality instant read meat thermometer for the most accuracy in determining doneness. Insert into the thickest part of the meat and avoid touching any bones.

Troubleshooting Tri Tip on the Grill

Grilling tri tip can have a learning curve. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

Problem: Tri tip comes out dry and overcooked.

Solution: Don’t cook it over direct high heat the whole time. Use indirect heat and monitor temperature.

Problem: Tri tip has burnt, charred exterior.

Solution: If flames flare up, move meat to cooler area. Watch for burning drippings.

Problem: Meat is undercooked or raw inside.

Solution: Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Grill to at least 135°F before resting.

Problem: Tri tip lacks flavor or is bland.

Solution: Always marinate before grilling. Use a rub if marinating less than 2 hours.

Problem: Tri tip is tough and chewy after cooking.

Solution: Make sure to slice very thin across the grain. This cuts the muscle fibers for tenderness.

Top 10 BBQ Tri Tip Recipe Ideas

Take your tri tip to the next level with these delicious recipe ideas:

Santa Maria Style – Dry rubbed tri tip grilled over red oak coals.
Thai Peanut Tri Tip – Marinated in a Thai peanut sauce marinade.
Coffee & Chili Rubbed Tri Tip – Coated in a sweet and spicy coffee-chili rub.
Garlic Herb Crusted – Topped with a garlic herb crust of breadcrumbs, parsley and parmesan.
Soy Ginger Sesame – Flavored with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Balsamic Glazed – Brushed while grilling with a balsamic vinegar glaze.
Chimichurri Tri Tip – Topped with a vibrant Argentinean chimichurri sauce.
Mesquite Smoked – Smoked slowly over mesquite wood chips for extra flavor.
Spicy Cajun Blackened – A Cajun spiced blackening rub provides some heat.
Blue Cheese Stuffed – Stuffed with a blue cheese and chive filling for a unique twist.

With the right prep, marinade and grilling technique, you can master how to bbq right tri tip to juicy and flavorful perfection. It’s an ideal cut of meat for feeding a crowd at your next barbecue. Now get outside and start grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Tri Tip

What is the best wood for smoking tri tip?

The best woods for smoking tri tip are mesquite, hickory and oak. These impart a rich smoky flavor that complements the beef wonderfully. Fruit woods like apple and cherry also pair nicely.

Should I marinate tri tip overnight?

You don’t need to marinate tri tip overnight, but it’s recommended to get the most flavor infusion. Marinating for 2-6 hours is sufficient if you’re short on time. Just don’t marinate for less than 30 minutes.

What is the best way to cook tri tip in the oven?

To cook tri tip in the oven, set the temperature to 425°F and roast to an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium rare doneness. Baste occasionally with marinade and tent with foil. Rest before slicing.

How long can I leave tri tip in the marinade?

It’s best not to marinate tri tip for more than 24 hours as the acids in the marinade can start to break down and “cook” the meat. Marinade for 6 hours max for best results. Discard used marinade.

Should I sear tri tip before roasting in the oven?

Yes, always sear or grill tri tip over high heat first to get a nice brown crust. Then transfer to a baking sheet or pan and finish cooking in the oven. The sear locks in moisture and flavor.

What is the leaner side of a tri tip roast?

There is a visible line of fat separation that runs lengthwise across the tri tip. The side that tapers to a point is the leaner side. When grilling, begin with the fattier side facing the heat source first.

Can I grill tri tip from frozen?

It’s best not to grill frozen tri tip. Always thaw in the refrigerator for 24-36 hours before marinating and grilling for food safety and even cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover tri tip?

To reheat leftover grilled tri tip, place the sliced meat in a skillet with a little beef broth and cook over medium heat until warmed through. Or reheat carefully in the microwave.

How do I get a good sear on tri tip?

Getting a good sear requires high heat. Use your grill’s sear zone setting or heat your skillet or grill to 450-500°F. Coat the meat lightly in oil and sear 30-60 seconds per side just until browned.

What side dishes go well with tri tip?

Great sides for tri tip include roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, grilled veggies, Caesar salad, bread rolls, and chimichurri sauce. Potatoes and rice complement the flavors especially well.

Final Thoughts

From prep to presentation, tri tip makes for a fantastic grilling option that’s sure to satisfy. While it does require some special handling, the payoff is a gorgeous cut of beef that’s both affordable and packed with flavor. If you closely follow the tips provided, you’ll be a tri tip pro in no time – churning out perfectly cooked, mouthwatering barbecue in any outdoor cooking situation.