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Home » Recipes » Roasts

BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

Published: Apr 12, 2024 by Debra Clark · 6 Comments

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I don't know about you, but anytime I can make smoky-style beff at home? Yeah, I'm in! There's something about a great bbq tri tip that says welcome sunshine and summertime. I'm a big fan of grilling, what can I say?

BBQ Tri Tip on platter surrounded by grilled veggies.

Next time try this recipe for 4 Ingredient Salisbury Steak using ground beef - delicious!

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  
  • Ingredients for the BBQ Tri Tip Recipe
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • 👍 Tips
  • BBQ Tri Tip Temperature
  • Equipment
  • 🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
  • Top Tip
  • Deb's tips
  • Serving with
  • Related recipes
  • BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  

Today we're talking grilled beef. That super delicious open-the-fridge-grabbing-a-snack (well after dinner is done) grilled Tri Tip steaks.

Yes it's THAT good! In a word.... YUM!!

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip is a lean cut of beef that grills up tender and moist. (If you do it right that is!) It doesn't take all day, and that thinly sliced beef is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients for BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

Ingredients for the BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

  • tri-tip beef roast - also known as a triangle roast, bottom sirloin butt or a Santa Maria steak. The tri tip steak is taken from the sirloin ares. The Tri Tip cut is rich and flavorful. The triangular cut is lean cut of meat - so it can dry out quickly!
  • dry rub - use a rich flavorful rub. The link is for my recipe, but you can use your favorite.
  • BBQ sauce - this delicious homemade sauce is super yummy but if you have a great off-the-shelf sauce, by all means use that!
  • olive oil - helps the dry rub adhere to the roast giving it even more flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

Step by step instructions to BBQ Tri Tip
  1. Rub the roast with olive oil and sprinkle with dry rub or steak seasoning. Preheat the grill to heat. Insert a meat thermometer (or have an instant read thermometer handy) Place roast on hot grill, cook on side one for 3 minutes, turn meat and grill on side two.
  2. Lower gas to medium-low. The temperature of your grill should be between 275-325 degrees. Grill for approximately 20 minutes, baste with sauce.
  3. Using a meat thermometer, cook the steak to your desired temperature: 140°F for medium rare, 145°F for medium. Do not overcook, this cut has very little fat and can dry out quickly
  4. Remove the triangle steak from grill and allow the meat to rest. Cut thin slices against the grain. Serve and enjoy!

👍 Tips

  • I promise I use this dry rub or steak seasoning recipe - you'll have all of the ingredients for both! Using a simple rub makes a nice crust on the outside the meat and helps seal in the flavor.
  • You can use a gas grill or charcoal grill for this tri tip roast recipe.
  • What temp is tri tip done? Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes covered with foil.
  • Thinly slice against the grain. This will ensure a juicy, mouthwatering roast!
Steak on platter with thermometer.
Check the temperature of the Santa Maria Tri Tip with an instant read thermometer.

BBQ Tri Tip Temperature

A list of internal temperature for the level of doneness you're looking for.

  • 135°F for rare
  • 140°F for medium rare
  • 145°F for medium

No need to be intimidated and don't think your meal won't be tender and mouthwatering. This will be as good (better?) than your fav BBQ joint and more fun! What I love about grilling

  • no standing in line
  • less expensive
  • you're the star of the grill!

Expert Tip: Get an instant read grill thermometer. That way you can ensure it's perfectly cooked every time! There's a link below.

Slicing into the roast to check for doneness will allow the juices to escape and results in a dry roast. For best results use an instant read thermometer.

  • Rest roast to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the grill. It will allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.
  • Slicing against the muscle fibers will result in a more tender juicy steak.

I think you should try this BBQ Tri Tip Recipe right away! It's so easy and it's a great weeknight meal.

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

If you're interested in grill probe, I highly recommend it - takes the guess work and ensures tender steak every time!

  • Grill Thermometer - I have a few other great grill accessories in my Amazon storefront.
Platter of BBQ Tri Tip, surrounded by grilled vegetables.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

Is tri tip a tough cut of meat?

It's very lean and it can be tough if not cooked correctly. It's not hard to cook though, just follow the step-by-step directions below!

How long does it take to cook a 3 pound tri tip?

It will take just over 30 minutes - this is an easy weeknight meal!

What temperature do you grill tri tip?

Sear it on both sides at a high heat and then reduce the heat cooking between 275-325 degrees.

How do you slice it?

Slice it against the grain. This will make it super tender. Slicing with the grain will result in tough meat. Tri-tip actually has two different grains; watch for the grain changes so you continue slicing against the grain.

Where can you buy Tri Tip?

This particular cut of meat is readily available. It can be found at your local grocery store, or the local butcher shop.

Do you need to trim the fat cap?

No, there's no need to remove the fat cap. It will add flavor.

Does this cut of meat have connective tissue?

A tri tip has had the connective tissue or silver skin removed.

Top Tip

Grill, then allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes covered with foil. Thinly slice the steak against the grain for the most tender steak.

Deb's tips

It's a lean cut that's very affordable. When cooked correctly it's tender and flavorful. Without a doubt, this is the BEST way to BBQ a Tri-Tip cut! It's one of my favorite recipes for an easy grilled steak.

Grill, thinly slice the steak against the grain. You'll enjoy dinner and then spend the rest of the evening sneaking into kitchen and grabbing slices out of the refrigerator.

It's that delicious! I love this BBQ Tri Tip Recipe!

Sliced grilled steak on platter surrounded by grilled vegetables.
BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

Serving with

  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - also made on the grill these are so good!
  • 3 Ingredient Steamed Green Beans - this simple microwave recipe makes perfectly steamed green beans every thing
  • Make a big pot of crock pot baked beans - one of the best side dishes for your cookout.
  • The very BEST salad every! Filled with crunch and marinated vegetables, it's almost a meal in itself. Perfect with the meat - Steakhouse Salad: No boring salads here!
  • Dip the beef in melted compound butter! This Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce is SO GOOD!
  • The BEST Macaroni Pasta Salad - summertime needs a great macaroni salad!!
  • a Paloma or the Last Word Cocktail is a great compliment to this meal!

Related recipes

Beef... it's what's for dinner! And if you enjoy this tasty meal, then here are a few more of my favorite beef recipes!

  • This simple recipe for Home Cooked Roasted Beef is super simple. And because it's made in the crockpot this is a hands-free easy dinner!
  • Beef Noodle Casserole is what's for dinner! Super saucy and cheese this simple meal is a family favorite!
  • Here's a great article if you're looking to perfect your at-home grilling game!

Be sure to tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover or leave a comment below. I can't wait to hear what you think of this recipe. Now... let's get cooking!

BBQ Tri Tip on platter surrounded by grilled veggies.
5 from 2 votes

BBQ Tri Tip Recipe

Easy step by step instructions to cook a tri tip on the grill. This method will ensure juicy, tender beef every time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Resting time5 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 488kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • Instant Read Grill Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 3 lb. tri-tip roast
  • ¼ cup dry rub this is my recipe, but use your favorite!
  • 1 cup bbq sauce
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Rub the tri tip roast with olive oil and sprinkle with rub, making sure to get in all the nooks and crannies.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit for an hour for the meat to absorb the flavor.
  • Heat the grill to high heat. Insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat. 
  • Grill on side one for 3 minutes (fat side down first), flip grill on side two. Low the gas and reduce the grill heat to medium-low. This is give it a great crust. The temperature of your grill should be 275-325.
  • Grill for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of registers to your preferred doneness. Flipping occasionally. Right before removing from the grill baste both sides with bbq sauce.
  • Remove from grill, rest on platter tented with foil to keep the meat warm. Slice thinly against the grain of the meat. Serve with additional bbq sauce to pass. Enjoy!

Notes

135°F for rare
140°F for medium-rare
145°F for medium
After removing the roast from the grill, let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Thinly slice the steak against the grain. This makes the slices more tender.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 610mg | Potassium: 858mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 4.8mg

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lois says

      May 07, 2019 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      That is just a fabulous dinner. Looks so tender and good. Will be making in very soon.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        May 11, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        Most definitely!! It's dynamite and so easy too!

        Reply
    2. Rust says

      May 06, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Burgers and steaks, and a sheet of veggies.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        May 11, 2019 at 1:22 pm

        Great choices Rust! Right there with you!!

        Reply
    3. Angela Paris says

      May 06, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      Deb this grilled tri tip looks amazing!
      Pinning this one for later 🙂

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        May 11, 2019 at 1:22 pm

        YOu'll love it, such an excellent meal!!

        Reply
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