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.

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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.
What's in this post: Smoked Tri Tip
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.

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

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.

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

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!


Smoked Tri Tip
Ingredients
- 1 Tri-Tip Roast 2-3 pounds
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
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
Nutrition Facts
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
Feel free to use any heavy-duty skillet to sear the tri tip. You can also do this on your stovetop if you prefer.
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.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze the leftover tri tip in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.

More Easy Smoked Recipes
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