For those looking for Best way to cook Tri Tip perfect barbecue meal, tri tip is a delicious and economical cut of beef that can be easily cooked on the grill. Traditionally from California, this cut of meat has become increasingly popular around the country due to its amazing flavor as well as its affordability.
There are many different ways to cook tri-tip, but in this post we’ll outline our favorite method using an indirect heat cooking technique to create perfectly seared and juicy results every time. So if you’re looking for an easy grilling recipe that produces delicious and tender tri-tip with minimal effort then grab your tongs, get your fire started and read on!
What is a Tri Tip?
Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It’s an affordable and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling on its own or in dishes like tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. While it can be found all around the country, tri tip popular in California where it originated.
Types Of Tri Tip
There are two different types of tri tip that you may come across at your local butcher or grocery store: full and partial.
The full variety comes from the entire bottom sirloin, so it will be larger in size and a bit more expensive than partial cuts.
Partial cut comes from just part of the bottom sirloin and is typically cheaper to purchase than full cuts. Both types of tri tip have great flavor, but partial cuts tend to be smaller in size which can make them easier to work with on the grill.
Best Way to Cook Tri Tip
There are a few different ways to cook tri tip, but our favorite method involves using an indirect heat cooking technique. With this approach, the meat is cooked over the hot side of the grill until it’s seared on all sides and then moved to the cooler part of the grill where it will finish cooking more slowly. This technique helps ensure that your tri tip comes out tender, juicy and perfectly seared on the outside every time!
Here’s how you do it:
1. Start by lighting your grill and preheating it to medium-high heat (about 375 degrees F). In a large bowl, mix together some salt, pepper, garlic powder or other seasonings of your choice for added flavor.
2. Pat the tri tip dry then generously rub it all over with the seasoning mix.
3. Place your tri tip on the hot side of the grill and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning with a pair of tongs.
4. Move your tri tip to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (for medium rare) or 145 degrees F (for medium).
5. Let your meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips and serving with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread or potato salad.
As you can see, cooking tri tip is quite easy with the right method. So if you’re looking for a delicious and simple way to prepare this tasty cut of beef, give our indirect heat grilling technique a try and start enjoying perfect results every time!
Looking for a delicious and easy way to cook tri-tip? Look no further than our favorite indirect heat grilling technique! With this approach, you simply sear your meat over high heat until it’s nicely browned on all sides, then move it to the cooler part of your grill where it will continue to cook slowly until it reaches your desired level of doneness. This method results in perfectly seared and juicy tri-tip every time, so if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare this cut of beef, give our indirect heat grilling technique a try!
How Long To Cook Tri Tip
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the length of time required to cook tri tip will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and thickness of your meat, the temperature of your grill/oven, and your desired level of doneness. Some general guidelines suggest cooking tri tip for anywhere from 10-20 minutes per side over medium heat if you are aiming for medium rare or 20-30 minutes per side over low heat if you are aiming for well done.
However, the best way to ensure that your tri tip comes out perfectly cooked every time is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature and remove it from the heat when it reaches your desired level of doneness. Whether you enjoy your tri tip rare, medium, or well done, with the right cooking method and a reliable meat thermometer, you can easily achieve the perfect level of doneness every time!
How to Cook a Tri Tip on a Grill?
1. Start by lighting your grill and preheating it to medium-high heat (about 375 degrees F).
2. Pat the tri tip dry, then season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings of your choice.
3. Place the tri tip on the hot side of the grill and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning with a pair of tongs.
4. Move the tri tip to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (for medium rare) or 145 degrees F (for medium).
5. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips and serving with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook a tri-tip on the grill, try our favorite indirect heat grilling technique! With this method, you simply sear the meat over high heat until it’s nicely browned on all sides and then move it to the cooler part of the grill where it will continue to cook slowly until it’s perfectly seared and juicy. This approach results in perfectly cooked and flavorful tri-tip every time, so if you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to prepare this cut of beef, give our indirect heat grilling technique a try today!
How to Smoke Tri Tip?
1. Start by lighting your smoker and preheating it to 250-275 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together your favorite seasoning rub or dry rub, along with salt and pepper.
2. Pat the tri tip dry and generously rub it all over with the seasoning mixture.
3. Place the tri tip on the smoker grate and close the lid, allowing it to smoke for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (for medium rare) or 145 degrees F (for medium).
4. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips and serving with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
How to Cook Tri Tip on a Hot Grill?
1. Start by lighting your grill and preheating it to high heat (about 450-500 degrees F). Pat the tri tip dry, then season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings of your choice.
2. Place the tri tip on the hot side of the grill and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning with tongs as necessary to prevent burning. Then move it to the cooler part of the grill and close the lid. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (for medium rare) or 145 degrees F.
3. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips and serving with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, coleslaw, or potato salad.
Tips and Tricks for Making Tri Tip
The secret to cooking tri tip perfectly is choosing a good cut of beef! Since this is such a lean cut of beef, you want to look for one that still has some fat marbled throughout. Also avoid any cuts that have been vacuumed-sealed or are packaged in water. Finally, check the expiration date to make sure it’s not too old or close to expiring — this is a very perishable cut of meat!
If you want to further enhance the flavor of your tri tip, you can also soak it in garlic and pepper marinade before cooking. This step will add even more bold and savory flavors to your beef, especially when paired with other bold ingredients like hot peppers, fresh herbs, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or mustard.
Another great way to complement the flavor of your tri tip is by pairing it with fresh vegetables. Try serving it alongside roasted potatoes coated in olive oil and seasonings or with grilled squash, onions, and peppers.
How To Choose Tri Tip?
The first step to choosing the best tri tip is to pick a good cut of beef. As mentioned above, you want your choice to have some good fat marbled throughout it and avoid any cuts that are packaged in water or have been vacuum-sealed. You will also want to check the expiration date so that you’re not buying anything too old. Beyond that, just follow our tips below for picking out your favorite tri tip!
Pick Good Quality: The first thing to look for when selecting which tri tip is high quality meat. If possible, choose USDA or USDA Prime steak as you will get more tender, juicy meat than if you were to select from lesser grades. Also try and select cuts that have a good amount of marbling, which means that the meat is tender and has some fat running through it. You will know if you have too much marbling if there are large white sections on the outside of your steak.
Look for a Good Color: As with any cut of meat, the color is an important indicator of quality. In this case, you want to look for a beef tri tip that has a deep pink or red color throughout instead of grayish or brown hues. This will indicate that your beef is not old and has been properly aged by the butcher.
Pay Attention to Packaging: The package itself should be clean looking, as any dirt and grime can mean that bugs may have gotten into your meat at some point. Also look for any signs that the meat has been frozen and make sure to avoid anything that says it has any added water as this will just take up space in your freezer and throw off the weight of your meat. Finally, check for a good expiration date so you’re not getting something too old!
Once you have found some high quality tri tip from a reputable butcher or grocery store, you’re ready to cook it! Follow our simple tips above to ensure that you get the best results and serve up an amazing dish with bold flavors that everyone will enjoy!
How To Prepare Tri Tip?
The key to preparing tri tip is to start by getting the meat prepped and ready for cooking. This means that you need to remove it from its packaging and pat it dry before seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can also marinate it in a garlic-pepper mixture or your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Pat Dry: Before you get started on your tri tip recipe, make sure that all of the excess moisture on the surface has been removed. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat as well as ensure an even cook without steaming the beef inside. To do this, just pat your steak down with a paper towel before moving on to any other preparation steps.
Season: Next, season the surface of your tri tip with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional flavors at this step by mixing in any herbs or spices that you want to use. If you’re planning on marinating the meat, do this now as well so that all of your ingredients are ready for cooking!
Prepare for Cooking: Once your steak is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to cook it! Make sure that you have a hot grill or pan before adding the beef to the heat source. As a general rule, never place cold meat directly onto searing-hot coals or a super hot pan as this will result in uneven cooking and possibly even burning or sticking.
Cook: Once you have got your steak on the heat, it’s time to let it cook. Be sure not to move it around or mess with the surface as this can result in the loss of juices and a tougher piece of meat overall. For medium rare, set your heat source at about 300 degrees F and cook for about 10 minutes on each side for best results.
Rest: The last step is to rest your tri tip before eating. This will give the meat a chance to even out and cool down so that any remaining juices are reabsorbed into the meat instead of running out onto your cutting board or plate. You can simply cover it up with some foil or place it in a warm oven until ready to serve!
Eating a tri tip is all about the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender, juicy beef is complemented by the salty, peppery seasonings, which in turn are added to and enhanced by any sauces or marinades used. A great rule of thumb to follow is that you should always use more salt and pepper on the surface of the meat than you think you will need as this will help bring out the best flavor in your steak.
How to Cut a Tri Tip
1. Start by using a sharp knife to trim the fat from your tri tip. You can either leave a small layer of fat on the surface or remove it completely, depending on your preference.
2. Next, set your tri tip on a flat surface and use your knife to cut it in half along its length. This will give you two smaller steaks that are easier to work with than a large one.
3. To slice the tri tip, place one piece against your cutting board with the grain running horizontally across the middle of the steak (rather than from top to bottom). Then, hold your knife parallel to the cutting board and make thin slices down through the meat until you reach its edge. Be sure not to cut all the way through, as this will result in uneven pieces of meat.
4. Once you have sliced your steak, you can continue cutting smaller slices or turn it over to slice it against its grain for a more tender texture. For either method, make sure that you hold your knife steady and use a consistent pressure to get even cuts every time.
5. you are looking for thinner slices of tri tip, simply rotate the steak around until you reach an end and slice again to be left with small strips of beef perfect for eating on their own or adding to salads and sandwiches!
You might be interested: Top 6 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use & Commercial
How to Store Tri Tip after Cooking
One of the best parts about cooking tri tip is that it’s a very simple process. Since this particular cut of meat is so lean, there isn’t much prep work or seasonings needed prior to cooking. Even once your steak has finished grilling or baking, it’s easy to take care of and store for later use.
The best way to keep your cooked tri tip fresh is by wrapping it up tightly in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also vacuum seal your steak if you have one available or place it in a resealable bag with excess air removed before sealing. Either way, be sure to only loosely seal the top so that air can circulate freely around the surface of the meat without being exposed directly to the surface.
How to Store Raw Tri Tip
Prepping tri tip for cooking is a whole other process entirely, and it’s important to get this part down before you move on to actually grilling the meat. Since this cut of beef is so lean, there are certain steps that you will have to take in order for it to cook properly.
The first step when preparing raw tri tip is to trim off any excess fat from the outside edge of the meat. You will notice that many cuts of steak have a small layer of white fat running through them, which should be trimmed away as best as possible without sacrificing too much steak overall. This can be done using your hands or with a sharp knife prior to seasoning and cooking the meat.
After this, you want to identify the natural grain of your steak and cut it along that particular line to get the perfect size portions for cooking. This will determine how you actually cook your tri tip since the fat on a cut is always going to run with the grain of the steak. For example, if your steak has fat running up and down its length, then you need to slice against (rather than along) that direction when grilling so that your pieces still stay tender and juicy as they cook through.
How Long Can You Keep Tri Tip in the Fridge?
One of the great ways to save money on ingredients for meals is by purchasing them in bulk. But this can make it difficult to store leftovers, especially when it comes to the different types of meat that you cook.
Since tri tip is such a lean cut of beef, it’s important to store your leftover portion in the refrigerator immediately after cooking and before taking your next bite. You can expect for this cut of steak to stay fresh for up to three or four days when stored properly. However, it’s important to note that any meat with high enough fat content will last much longer than leaner cuts since fats help keep bacteria from growing on surfaces over time.
How to Reheat Tri Tip
Whether you are planning on heating up your leftover portions or burning off the of a freshly cooked steak, there are several different ways to do so without ruining the flavor and texture. The most important thing to remember when reheating tri tip is that result should not be overcooked and should always be handled carefully to keep it tender and juicy.
Microwave Oven Method: This is by far one of the fastest methods for cooking tri tip once again, but it does have a tendency to dry out meat over time since microwave energy can actually evaporate moisture away from surfaces rapidly. For best results, I recommend cutting your steak into thin slices if possible before microwaving in short bursts, pausing frequently between each 5-10 second burst to prevent overheating the meat.
Induction Hob Method: If you have an induction hob available, then reheating your tri tip is a perfect way to avoid drying out your meat even more. Induction heat takes longer than microwave energy to cook food, but it also allows dishes to retain moisture and natural juices much better overall since the range doesn’t transfer excess heat into the surface of your dish directly. I recommend placing a pot lid or another piece of metal over the top of your roast while cooking on an induction hob to help trap any steam that forms within the dish itself and keep it moist as it heats through once again.
Conventional Oven Method: The classic method of heating up leftover tri tip can also be used if you can’t find an induction hob or microwave in your kitchen. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with a metal roasting pan inside and carefully place your leftover steak into the center of the pan before covering it up entirely with another sheet of metal or aluminum foil. I recommend leaving it in the oven for around 15-20 minutes to help get hot, although this is largely going to depend on how thick your cut is since reheated tri tip does have a tendency to dry out quickly when cooked more than once.
Electric Skillet Method: As one of my favorite ways to cook meat from scratch, electric skillets are also great for keeping meats consistent during reheating as well. Since heat is transferred through surface contact, an electric skillet can heat up to around 350 degrees F if you keep the temperature down low and test it periodically to avoid burning your slices quickly.
What to Serve with Tri Tip
Tri Tip is a very lean and tender cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin roast. It’s popular in California, where it originated, but since its discovery by foodies across the nation, tri tip has been catching on fast. Its pronounced flavor and texture makes it perfect for grilling, which means simple preparations are often best when serving with tri tip.
There are several sides that pair well with this impressive meal:
A fresh garden salad topped with feta cheese is always a safe choice if you’re looking for something light to serve alongside your grilled meat. You can’t go wrong with any type of salad dressing — whether vinaigrette or creamy blue cheese (or even ranch). However, if you’re looking for something a bit heartier, consider serving your tri tip with some lightly seasoned roasted potatoes or roasted veggies.
For those who prefer their foods spicy, a side of chimichurri sauce is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of grilled tri tip. Chimichurri is an Argentinian condiment typically made from parsley and other herbs, vinegar, and spices. While it’s traditionally served with grilled steak in Argentina, it can be used as a dipping sauce or marinade for meat or even stirred into rice or pasta dishes.
No matter how you choose to serve it, tri tip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Whether you’re grilling it yourself or picking up some pre-made tri tip at the grocery store, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So get cooking and start serving up your own version of one of California’s best!
Looking for more great side dishes to serve with your grilled tri tip? Check out these delicious options:
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These crispy potatoes are seasoned with garlic and parmesan for a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with just about any grilled meat.
Spinach Salad With Balsamic Dressing: A fresh spinach salad topped with tangy balsamic dressing is both hearty and healthy, making it the perfect accompaniment to any beef cut.
Garlic Roasted Mushrooms: These flavorful mushrooms are cooked in a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs for an addictive side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
FAQs:
Where Can I Buy Tri Tip?
If you’re interested in making delicious tri tip at home, then there are a few places where you can purchase this cut of steak:
What is the Best Way to Cook This Cut?
While all of these methods for cooking tri tip described above will result in a tender and juicy end product, one of my favorite ways to cook this particular type of meat is by using dry rubs or spice pastes. In fact, most cooks agree that the best way to get rich flavors infused into any beef roast or steak is by applying spice paste directly to the surface before cooking it. Dry rubs of course do a great job of adding flavor as well, but they should always be cooked with marinades or wet rubs as well since they don’t often have high enough water content on their own.
How Can I Store This Meat?
When you’re buying fresh cuts at the butcher counter, using vacuum seal bags or foil will help keep your meats fresh for longer periods of time compared to wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil alone. Since moisture does escape from meats through their surface easily over time, this can help prevent any bacteria from growing on your meat and discarding contaminated foods more quickly than if you were storing tri tip without a protective layer around it.
How Can I Know if This Cut is Spoiled?
Any cut of meat that begins to turn color or shift toward a discolored state is probably no longer safe for consumption and should be discarded as quickly as possible to avoid any harmful bacteria spread. Remember, always check the color of your tri tip roast before cooking since greyish yellow colors could mean that it has started to dry out slightly from being packed away in the refrigerator too late.
How do you make tri tip more tender?
There are a few things that you can do to make this cut of meat more tender. First, make sure that you choose cuts with a nice fat cap (the layer of fat on the top) because this will keep your tri tip from drying out in the oven or grill. Also, remember to let your tri tip come to room temperature before grilling and be careful not to overcook it. Additionally, always use high heat while cooking it since this will help keep all the juices inside and prevent evaporation. Finally, don’t forget to marinate or season your meats with spices and herbs before grilling so that they take on great flavor even before grilling!
What Spices Should I Use if I Plan to Grill?
There are many different types of spices that work well when you’re grilling tri tip. For example, some popular options include garlic powder, salt and pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Ultimately the best approach is to try a few different combinations until you find one that pairs well with your personal flavor preferences.
How do I know if my tri tip is cooked through?
The easiest way to determine whether your tri tip is fully cooked through or not is by checking the internal temperature using a food thermometer. According to USDA guidelines, beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F for safe consumption. However, most chefs prefer to cook tri tip to a slightly higher temperature of at least 150 degrees F, since this will result in a more tender and juicy finished product.
Do you need to marinate or season tri tip before cooking it?
Whether or not you should marinate or season your tri tip depends on the flavor profile that you’re going for. Marinating your steak with red wine, soy sauce, mustard, or herb-based mixtures, for example, can help infuse rich and savory flavors into your meat while also adding moisture. If you prefer more subtle flavors though, then seasoning with just salt and pepper prior to grilling is often enough to achieve delicious results. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference when choosing how you season your tri tip.
What Side Dishes Go Well With Tri Tip ?
There are many different side dishes that can be served with the tri-tip steak, such as grilled vegetables or a baked potato topped with sour cream or butter. Of course, you could also serve this lean cut of meat with something like grilled corn on the cob for a simple yet satisfying meal. Ultimately it’s up to you to choose which kind of side dish complements your personal palate and what works best with the flavor profile of your main protein!
How to reheat tri tip on the grill
If you have a leftover tri tip that needs to be reheated, then the one and only best way to do so is by grilling it. This will help the flavor of your meat come through even more and also give it a delicious smoky note. To do this, simply pre-heat your grill on high heat for about 15 minutes with the lid closed. Then, place your tri tip on the hot surface and cook it until any parts that are still cold show signs of steaming up or sizzling.
Your food thermometer should read at least 150 degrees F in order for the steak to be safe for consumption, but if you want to eat it medium rare (130-140 degrees F) just keep testing it every few minutes until you’ve reached the perfect temperature for your palate. Be careful not to overcook the meat, since this can make it too dry and chewy.
Is tri tip good for a hot dog buns?
Tri-tip steak is absolutely perfect for using as hot dog buns! This is because these cuts of meat have an incredibly rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with something like a bun. So if you’re looking for an easy way to turn your next barbecue into something extra special then try grilling up some tasty tri-tip steaks and serving them on homemade buns or store-bought rolls (depending on whether you’re in a pinch) instead of regular hot dogs.
Conclusion
Grilling is the best way to cook Tri Tip. The meat comes out juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for an easy recipe, try this one: Season the Tri Tip with salt, pepper, and garlic powder then grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes per side. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Now that you know the basics of how to cook a tri-tip, it’s time to fire up your grill and get cooking! This cut of meat is relatively easy to cook, and if you follow these simple tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a delicious and juicy steak. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and get cooking!
James Burney is the founder of Acadia House Provisions is a restaurant that with local & upscale dishes and high-quality kitchen supplies and food products. James was born and raised in Maine, and he has always been passionate about cooking. After working in a number of prestigious restaurants he started Acadiahouseprovisions.com with the goal develop into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine. His goal is to make it easy for people to cook delicious meals at home without spending a fortune.