BBQ Tri-Tip Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Tri-Tip is a flavorful and tender cut of beef perfect for grilling enthusiasts. This recipe guides you through seasoning, slow grilling, and finishing with a savory BBQ glaze to elevate your cookout experience.

Ingredients

• 1 3-pound tri-tip roast
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup preferred BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting up for two-zone grilling to create a hot searing area and a cooler indirect heat zone.
2. Step 2: Rub the tri-tip roast evenly on all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, gently warm the olive oil, melted butter, and BBQ sauce together until well blended. This will be your basting sauce for the meat.
4. Step 4: Place the tri-tip on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Grill for about 20 minutes, turning every 5 to 7 minutes. After each turn, baste the meat with the warmed sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Move the tri-tip to the hot direct heat zone and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of about 130°F for medium-rare.
6. Step 6: Remove the roast from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill while cooking.
• Adjust seasoning amounts to taste or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
• If you don’t have BBQ sauce, a mix of Worcestershire sauce and honey makes a tasty basting alternative.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover sliced tri-tip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. BBQ sauce can be added after reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is the best internal temperature for tri-tip?

The ideal internal temperature for tri-tip is about 130°F for medium-rare, which keeps the meat juicy and tender. Cook longer if you prefer medium or well done.

Can I cook tri-tip without a grill?

Yes, tri-tip can be cooked in the oven or on a stovetop using a cast-iron skillet. Use the indirect cooking method by roasting at 350°F and finishing with a high-heat sear.

BBQ Tri-Tip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This BBQ Tri-Tip recipe features a succulent 3-pound tri-tip roast seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then grilled to perfection using a two-zone method. The roast is basted with a rich mixture of olive oil, melted butter, and BBQ sauce to keep it moist and flavorful. Finished with a sear over direct heat, this tri-tip is juicy, tender, and perfect for slicing thinly against the grain for serving.

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Ingredients

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Meat

• 1 3-pound tri-tip roast

Seasoning

• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

Basting Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup preferred BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting up for two-zone grilling. This allows you to sear the meat over direct heat and cook it slowly over indirect heat.
2. Season roast: Rub the tri-tip roast evenly on all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to let the seasonings penetrate and the meat to come to temperature for even cooking.
3. Prepare sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, melted butter, and BBQ sauce. Warm gently over low heat until the mixture is well blended, creating a flavorful basting sauce to keep the meat moist during grilling.
4. Grill indirectly: Place the tri-tip on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat zone). Grill for about 20 minutes, turning the roast every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even cooking. After each turn, baste the meat generously with the warmed sauce to maintain moisture and infuse flavor.
5. Sear and rest: Move the tri-tip to the direct heat side of the grill and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches around 130°F for a medium-rare doneness. Remove the roast from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

• Resting the meat after grilling is crucial for juicy slices.
• Adjust cooking time based on desired doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
• Two-zone grilling helps achieve a perfect sear without overcooking the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ tri-tip, grilled tri-tip roast, BBQ beef, summer grilling, tri-tip recipe