Make Smoked Tri Tip that cooks so juicy and tender and full of smoky flavor! It cooks beautifully pink from edge to edge for delicious results every time.

Tri Tip sliced on a cutting board
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Tri Tip is triangular cut and from the bottom sirloin that delivers big beef flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow. Finish off with a high-heat sear for amazing texture and flavor.

This show-stopping centerpiece of meat is perfect for backyard cookouts, game-day parties and weeknight leftovers that taste even better the next day. So if you are looking for your next smoker recipe, fire up the smoker and gather your favorite sides for this simple Smoked Tri Tip Recipe.

You may even like to try this Smoked Brisket or these The Best Meats to Smoke.

Ingredients

  • Tri-Tip Roast – We usually get 2-3 pounds which serves about 8 people
  • Olive Oil – Feel free to use oil of your choice
  • Simple Seasoning – Use Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder
  • Butter – We used unsalted butter

Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.

How to Make Smoked Tri Tip

Step 1 – Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tri tip on a piece of parchment paper with a small bowl of salt and oil on the side

Step 2 – Trim the tri-tip by removing any fat and silver skin.  Pat the tri-tip dry.

Seasoned Tri Tip on a piece of parchment paper

Step 3 – Rub both sides of the tri-tip with olive oil and season it with the salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Gently rub the seasoning into the tri-tip. Then place directly on the grill grates.

Butter in a cast iron skillet

Step 4 – Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.

Cooked Tri Tip in a cast iron skillet

Step 5 – Sear both sides of the tri-tip for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6 – Remove the tri-tip from the pan and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the tri-tip against the grain and serve!

Sliced Smoked Tri Tip
Sliced beef on a plate with herbs and spices.

Smoked Tri Tip

5 from 1 vote
Smoked Tri Tip is a budget‑friendly beef roast that turns melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender on the smoker. This easy recipe walks you through seasoning, low‑and‑slow smoking, and resting the tri tip for deep smoky flavor and a juicy, crowd‑pleasing slice every time.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Let Rest 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 504

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Trim the tri-tip by removing any fat and silver skin.  Pat the tri-tip dry.
  • Rub both sides of the tri-tip with olive oil and season it with the salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Gently rub the seasoning into the tri-tip.
  • Place the tri-tip directly on the grill grates in the smoker and cook for 2-2.5 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  Sear both sides of the tri-tip for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the tri-tip from the pan and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Slice the tri-tip against the grain and serve!

Recipe Notes

The directions are to prepare the tri-tip to medium. 
Below are the internal temperatures needed based on how you like your beef prepared. 
115 degrees F – rare roast 
125 degrees F – medium rare roast 
135 degrees F – medium roast
145 degrees F – medium well roast 
150 degrees F – well done roast 
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 504kcal, Carbohydrates 2g, Protein 47g, Fat 33g, Saturated Fat 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 16g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 170mg, Sodium 1933mg, Potassium 775mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 0.1g, Vitamin A 271IU, Vitamin C 0.03mg, Calcium 66mg, Iron 4mg

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Serving Suggestions

Smoked Tri Tip can be served with many side dish recipes. We love making Smoked Mac and Cheese and Smoked Asparagus for a complete meal idea. We have even made Smoked Baked Potatoes and Grilled Broccolini.

The options are endless and we often use the leftovers to top a salad or make a tri tip sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other type of skillet?

Feel free to use any heavy-duty skillet to sear the tri tip. You can also do this on your stovetop if you prefer.

Can I use other type of seasonings?

Yes, this tri tip can be seasoned with other types of spices. We have used Beef Rub Recipe and Coffee Rubbed Steak to change the flavor.

How to Store Leftover Tri Tip

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Freeze Tri Tip

Freeze the leftover tri tip in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.

Sliced smoked tri tip

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Grill on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. From the Best Blackstone recipes, to grilling, and easy smoker recipes, together we are going to cook real food, with easy ingredients… for real families!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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