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Smoked Tri Tip

Published: Apr 6, 2023 by Great Grub, Delicious Treats · · This post may contain affiliate links

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Smoked Tri Tip is a real treat for any grill master. This tasty beef roast is relatively inexpensive and is known for its incredible flavor and tender texture. The meat is also very lean which keeps it from becoming too dry or tough.

A white plate with a smoked tri tip on it with some pieces sliced.

Spring is here, which means smoking and grilling are just on the horizon. If you’re looking for a delicious recipe to ring in the grilling season, then you’ve found it with this delicious smoked tri tip. This is a super easy smoker recipe that can feed a crowd, especially when paired with all your favorite grilling sides, and it’s so easy to make, you’d have to actively try to ruin it. A delicious tri tip recipe that delivers a ton of flavor without a ton of work. That’s exactly what I want when I’m having guests over!

Smoked Tri Tip

This recipe starts with a nice 3-pound tri tip roast. I rub it liberally on all sides with a mixture of black pepper, salt, and Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub. Then, I smoke it until it’s tender and juicy. Finally, I crank up the heat, baste the roast with barbecue sauce and sear it for 4 minutes on both sides to get a nice, charred BBQ exterior to go with that juicy interior and smoky flavor. It’s pure smoker perfection, and it’s always a hit with everyone.

A whole smoked tri tip on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Tri-Tip Recipe

  • Easy to make: This is a simple recipe to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients.
  • Delicious: Tri tip is tender and juicy with a smoked flavor that will tantalize your tastebuds.
  • Versatile: Smoked tri tip can be served with your favorite sides or can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, wraps and salads.
  • Affordable: Tri tip is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat which makes it a great option for budget-minded cooks.

Smoked Tri Tip Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this recipe. There’s nothing to it!

  • Tri tip roast
  • Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse rub
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Barbecue sauce
A horizontal photo of a smoked tri tip on a white plate with some of it sliced.

How to Make Smoked Trip Tip

Making this recipe is just as easy as shopping for the ingredients. It only takes a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prep

Remove the tri tip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes. Then, preheat the smoker to 225 degrees for 15 minutes with the lid closed.

Step 2: Rub the Tri Tip

Combine the steakhouse rub, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Then, rub it liberally on all sides of the tri tip and let it sit while the smoker preheats.

Step 3: Smoke

Place the tri tip directly on the grill and insert the probe into the thickest part of the roast. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees – approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. Then transfer the roast to a plate and cover it with foil.

Step 4: Sear

Increase the temperature to 450 degrees, preheating for 15 minutes. Return the tri tip to the grill and brush it with barbecue sauce. Sear for 4 minutes, then flip the roast, brush with sauce, and sear the other side for 4 minutes.

Step 5:

Remove the tri tip from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then, slice against the grain and enjoy.

A close up of some bite-size pieces of smoked tri tip on a white plate.

Tips for Making the Best Smoked Tri Tip

  • Use a dry rub to impart a ton of flavor and help keep the roast tender and juicy.
  • Smoke only until the roast is medium rare. Don’t overcook it!
  • Let your tri tip rest for at least 15 minutes so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
  • Always cut against the grain. The best tri tip will be tough if you cut it with the grain.

Variations

  • Smoke tri tip with different types of wood, such as hickory, maple, or oak.
  • Use your favorite store-bought or homemade dry rub for this recipe.
  • Any BBQ sauce works well. Use your favorite brand or make your own!
  • Add red pepper flakes to the rub for a kick of heat.
  • Smoke Tri-tip steak or brisket instead.

What to Serve with Smoked Tri Tip

There are many things you can serve with smoked tri tip. Here are a few ideas:

  • Grilled vegetables: A simple grilled vegetable salad is a great way to add color and flavor to your meal. Try grilling zucchini, peppers, onions, and corn on the cob.
  • Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with any type of meat. For a flavorful twist, add some roasted garlic or Parmesan cheese to your mashed potatoes.
  • Rice: Rice is a versatile side dish that can be cooked in many different ways. For a smoky flavor, cook your rice in chicken broth or vegetable broth with smoked paprika added.
  • Salad: A salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Try a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, and croutons.
  • Bread: A crusty bread is a great way to soak up the juices from your smoked tri tip. Try a rustic bread or a baguette.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many other things you can serve with smoked tri tip. The most important thing is to find what you like best.

A close up of a bite of tri tip on a fork.

Recipe FAQ

What is tri tip?

Tri tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin and is a popular cut of meat for grilling and roasting, and is known for its flavorful and tender texture. It is also very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as oven baked, braised and smoked.

Where is tri tip from?

Tri tip is part of the bottom sirloin, part of the rear flank area of the cow.

Do you smoke tri tip at 225 or 250?

You can smoke it at either temperature. Both result in a cut of meat that’s tender and juicy so long as it’s cooked to medium rare.

How long to smoke a 3.5 pound tri tip at 225?

It takes about 30 minutes per pound to smoke tri tip, so it will take about an hour and 45 minutes.

What is the ideal internal temperature for smoked tri tip?

135 degrees is the perfect temperature for trip tip. This is medium rare and makes for a tender, juicy cut of meat.

When should you add barbecue sauce when smoking a Tri Tip?

Barbecue sauce is typically added after the tri tip has been cooked in the last 15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Smoking a Tri Tip

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Smoking tri tip at too high of a temperature instead of low and slow.
  • Not seasoning the tri tip with enough rub.
  • Slicing the tri tip before letting it rest.
  • Overcooking the tri tip.
    A double collage photo of a smoked tri tip.

    How to Store and Reheat Leftover Tri Tip

    Store the tri tip in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

    To reheat the tri tip, place it on a roasting rack above a baking dish filled with a few cups of water. Bake at 250 for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the roast, until heated through.

    Try This Delicious Smoked Tri Tip Recipe Today

    This easy smoked tri tip is simple to make and full of delicious smoky flavor. It only takes a few minutes of prep, then you mostly just let the smoker do its thing. That’s it! A smoked recipe this easy and delicious is just begging to be tried this grilling season. Once you do, you’ll be hooked.

    A three collage photo of a smoked tri tip on a white plate.

    More Delicious Beef Recipes on the Blog

    Smoked Shotgun Shells – This shotgun shells recipe is loaded with a mixture of ground beef, hot Italian sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, diced jalapenos, and a blend of seasoning stuffed into manicotti shells. Next, it’s wrapped in bacon, and finally, it’s basted with BBQ sauce and smoked to crispy perfection.

    Smoked Mac and Cheese – Rich and creamy, cheesy, smoked mac is made on a smoker or in the oven. It’s loaded with 5 types of cheese and pasta that cradles the delicious cheese sauce, and is the ultimate side dish recipe and truly an American favorite comfort food recipe.

    Smoked Corn on the Cob – This delicious corn on the cob recipe is made on the smoker which adds a little smoky flavor to this classic summertime favorite. Always a welcomed addition to the menu especially for backyard BBQs, summer cookouts, family gatherings, and more.

    And, this Candied Smoked Bacon, from Deliciously Seasoned, isn’t smoked but is made with Applewood smoked bacon.

    Sliced smoked tri tip on a white plate.

    Smoked Tri Tip

    Great Grub, Delicious Treats
    This smoked tri tip recipe is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a tender and juicy cut a beef that is loaded with smoky flavor.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 305 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pound tri tip roast, excess fat trimmed
    • 2 tablespoons Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse rub
    • 2 tablespoons black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons salt
    • ½ cup barbecue sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Remove tri tip from the fridge and let sit out at room temperature for 45 minutes.
    • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees for 15 minutes with the lid closed.
    • In a small bowl, add the steakhouse rub, black pepper and salt. Stir to combine.
    • Season all sides of the tri tip with the seasoning. Rub it into the meat on all sides and let it sit while the smoker is preheating.
    • Place the tri tip directly on the grill grates and insert the probe into the thickest part of the tri tip.
    • Close lid and smoke until the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135° for approximately 1 ½ hours – 2 hours.
    • Remove tri tip from the grill and place on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil.
    • Increase the temperature to 450 degrees and let preheat for 15 minutes.
    • Return tri tip to the grill, brush with barbecue sauce, sear for 4 minutes, turn over and brush with the remaining barbecue sauce, and sear for 4 minutes.
    • Remove tri tip and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing, making sure to slice against the grain.
    • Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

    Notes

    Nutritional values are approximate.
     
    Please note that these values can change with different brands and any modifications made to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements.
     
    Recipe inspired from Traeger

    Nutrition

    Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 36gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 2019mgPotassium: 615mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 75IUCalcium: 64mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Smoked Recipes, Smoked Tri Tip, Tri Tip Recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Slices of smoked tri tip on a white plate.
    Bites of cut pieces of tri tip on a white plate.
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    Welcome to Great Grub, Delicious Treats! Hello, my name is Terri and I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm a self taught cook/foodie at heart, mom to three kids, photographer and have a love for amazing food. I left my full time job of being a hospice admissions RN, which was super tough and extremely sad, and at times, very rewarding to be there for the patients and families to blog full time which I absolutely love. I hope you enjoy, and check out, all of the delicious recipes on my site while you're here! And don't forget to sign up to receive every new recipe right to your email. Thanks again for stopping by! :) Read More…

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