Tri tip is a wonderfully flavorful and lean cut of beef that takes beautifully to the grill. With the right techniques, you can achieve a tender, juicy and delicious grilled tri tip. Here is a detailed guide on how long to BBQ tri tip to perfection.
Introduction
Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It has become increasingly popular for grilling and BBQ, prized for its rich beefy flavor and leanness.
Cooking tri tip on a BBQ or grill helps develop a lovely char while keeping the interior nice and juicy. However, grilling tri tip can be tricky – it’s easy to overcook and dry it out. The key is knowing exactly how long to grill tri tip based on thickness, temperature and desired doneness.
Follow this guide to learn how long you should BBQ tri tip to achieve the best results, along with tips for choosing, preparing and serving fabulous grilled tri tip.
How Long To BBQ Tri Tip Based On Thickness
The most important factor determining BBQ time for tri tip is thickness. Follow these general guidelines based on tri tip thickness:
1-inch thick
- Grill for 12-15 minutes total
- Turn halfway through
- Pull off grill at 135°F for medium-rare
1.5-inches thick
- Grill for 18-22 minutes total
- Turn halfway through
- Pull off grill at 135°F for medium-rare
2-inches thick
- Grill for 25-30 minutes total
- Turn halfway through
- Pull off grill at 135°F for medium-rare
2.5 to 3-inches thick
- Grill for 30-38 minutes total
- Turn halfway through
- Pull off grill at 135°F for medium-rare
As you can see, the thicker the tri tip, the longer the grilling time. A good rule of thumb is to grill approximately 8-10 minutes per pound for medium-rare doneness.
Always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness rather than relying on time alone. This ensures the meat comes off at just the right moment for your desired doneness.
BBQ Tri Tip Cooking Times For Varying Doneness
You can grill tri tip to different levels of doneness according to taste and preference. Use these guidelines for doneness temperature and time:
- Rare – 120-125°F – grill approximately 7-9 minutes per pound
- Medium-Rare – 130-135°F – grill approximately 8-10 minutes per pound
- Medium – 140-145°F – grill approximately 9-11 minutes per pound
- Medium-Well – 150-155°F – grill approximately 10-12 minutes per pound
- Well Done – 160°F and above – grill approximately 11-13 minutes per pound
Keep in mind carryover cooking will continue to raise the internal temperature 5-10°F after removing meat from the grill. Allow meat to rest tented in foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips For Grilling Tri Tip
Follow these tips for flawlessly grilled tri tip:
- Bring meat to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Pat dry tri tip well before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
- Use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper and garlic powder or get creative with herbs and spices.
- Place tri tip on hot grill at 450-500°F to get a good sear.
- Use tongs instead of a fork for turning to avoid piercing meat.
- Flip only once during grilling unless roast is very thick.
- Use both indirect and direct heat zones for larger cuts.
- Let rest before slicing across the grain for most tender results.
What If It’s Under or Overcooked?
It’s easy to under or overshoot when determining how long to BBQ tri tip. Here’s what to do if the roast is under or overcooked:
Undercooked – If the center is still too rare for your liking, pop it back on the grill for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired internal temp.
Overcooked – If it’s slightly overdone, thinly slice and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and bold seasoning or sauce to add moisture. For very overcooked meat, chop or shred for tacos or sandwiches to mask dryness.
Serving Suggestions For Grilled Tri Tip
Tri tip pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides. Serve sliced grilled tri tip with:
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, onions
- Fresh greens like a spinach salad
- Grilled potatoes, sweet potatoes or squash
- Macaroni and cheese or baked beans
- Corn on the cob, grilled or roasted
- Warm bread for juicy sandwiches
Sliced tri tip also shines in tacos, sandwiches, over a salad, or enjoyed on its own with just a bit of sea salt. Leftovers are fantastic for quick weeknight meals.
Conclusion
Learning how long to BBQ tri tip results in juicy, tender and flavorful grilled beef perfection. Follow the guidelines in this article for grilling times based on thickness and desired doneness. With the right techniques, tri tip cooked over an open flame or grill becomes an incredible centerpiece for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners and more.