Smoked Tri Tip Recipe

If you’re looking for a bold and smoky cut of beef that’s tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Smoked Tri Tip Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, tri tip delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started with smoking meat, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your guests.

Smoked Tri Tip Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Calories

350

kcal

Smoked Tri Tip Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (2 to 3 lb) tri tip roast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

• Wood chips or chunks for smoking

Directions

• Trim any excess fat from the tri tip if needed.
• Rub the roast with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
• In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and rosemary.
• Apply the seasoning mix evenly over the entire surface of the tri tip.
• Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the smoker.
• Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of wood chips (oak, hickory, or mesquite are great for beef).
• Place the tri tip directly on the smoker grates.
• Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, or adjust for your preferred doneness (about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on thickness and consistency of heat).
• Once the tri tip reaches desired temp, remove it and increase the smoker or a grill to high heat.
• Sear the tri tip for about 2–3 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust.
• Let the meat rest for 10–15 minutes tented loosely with foil.
• Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

Smoked tri tip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of sides and sauces. Try serving it with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or smoked corn on the cob
• Creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad
• Classic BBQ sauce or chimichurri for a zesty twist
• Warm sandwich rolls or tortillas for tri tip sandwiches or tacos

Slicing it

Savings Suggestions

To keep your smoked tri tip recipe budget-friendly:

• Buy in bulk: Look for whole tri tips at warehouse clubs or local butchers—often cheaper per pound.
• Use leftovers creatively: Turn extra slices into sandwiches, stir-fry, or breakfast scrambles.
• Smoke multiple cuts at once: Save on wood and fuel by smoking more than one roast for future meals.
• Freeze portions: Smoked tri tip freezes well and can be reheated for quick dinners.
• Make your own rub: Skip the store-bought rubs and mix your own with pantry spices.