Mastering the Art of Tri Tip: A Guide to Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or a novice griller, one thing is for sure: the Blackstone griddle has become a staple in many households. With its versatility and ease of use, it’s no wonder this flat-top grill has gained such popularity. And while it’s commonly used for breakfast items and burgers, have you ever considered cooking a tri tip on your Blackstone griddle? This underrated cut of meat may seem intimidating to cook, but fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking tri tip on a Blackstone griddle and show you how simple and delicious it can be. So fire up your griddle and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering dish.

Preparing the Tri Tip

To cook a delicious tri tip on a Blackstone griddle, it’s important to start with preparing the meat. Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin area of the cow. It’s quite lean with minimal marbling, making it relatively easy to overcook. Therefore, proper preparation is key to ensure a tender and juicy end result.

First, remove the tri tip from its packaging and rinse it with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board. Trim off any excess fat or silver skin from the surface of the meat. This will prevent flare-ups and help the seasonings better penetrate into the meat.

Next, rub the entire tri tip with a generous amount of olive oil. This will act as a binder for your seasonings and also create a nice crust when searing on the griddle. Now it’s time to season your tri tip. You can use your favorite store-bought seasoning or make your own blend using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

After seasoning all sides of the tri tip, cover it in plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to develop and penetrate into the meat before cooking.

Setting Up Your Blackstone Griddle

Before heating up your Blackstone griddle, make sure to clean it thoroughly with hot soapy water and then dry it completely. Once cleaned, turn on all burners to high heat and let them preheat for about 10-15 minutes.

When cooking tri tip on a griddle, you need both direct heat for searing and indirect heat for slower cooking to achieve that perfect medium-rare doneness. To achieve this setup on your Blackstone griddle, turn off one or two burners on one side of the griddle, leaving the other side on high heat.

Cooking the Tri Tip

Now it’s time to cook the tri tip on your Blackstone griddle. Start by placing the tri tip on the side with all burners turned off. This is known as the indirect heat cooking zone. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your tri tip. You can check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for a temperature of about 130-135°F for medium-rare.

Once your tri tip reaches this temperature, transfer it to the hot side of the griddle, known as the direct heat cooking zone. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms. Use tongs to flip it over and sear each side again for another 2-3 minutes.

Resting and Serving

After searing both sides, remove the tri tip from the griddle and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and create a more tender texture when slicing. After resting, slice against the grain into thin strips and serve with your favorite sides.

Some popular dishes to make with blackstone include sandwiches, tacos, salads or simply served as a main dish with roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Tips and Tricks

It’s always best to cook tri tip at room temperature so make sure to take it out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking.

For additional flavor, you can add some wood chips onto your Blackstone griddle before cooking. Hickory and mesquite are great options for beef.

Avoid overcrowding your griddle when cooking tri tip as this will prevent proper searing and result in steaming the meat, causing it to be tough.

If you prefer a well-done tri tip, you can cook it for a bit longer in the indirect heat zone until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Clean your Blackstone griddle immediately after use to prevent any buildup and make clean up easier for the next time. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any food particles, then wipe down with hot soapy water and dry completely.

With these tips and tricks, you’re now ready to cook a delicious tri tip on your Blackstone griddle. Enjoy the mouthwatering results and impress your friends and family with your griddling skills. Happy cooking!

What is Tri Tip?

Tri Tip, also known as bottom sirloin roast, is a flavorful and lean cut of beef that is popular in many parts of the world. It is a triangular shaped cut located at the bottom of the sirloin section. Tri Tip can be cooked in various ways, but one of the most delicious methods is on a Blackstone griddle.

Why Use a Blackstone Griddle?

Blackstone griddles are versatile outdoor cooking equipment that can handle almost any type of food, including Tri Tip. They provide a large cooking surface, making it easy to cook for a large group of people. The heat is evenly distributed on the surface, ensuring that your Tri Tip cooks evenly and retains its tenderness and natural juices.

Another advantage of cooking Tri Tip on a Blackstone griddle is its ability to control temperature. The heat zone management system allows you to adjust the temperature according to your desired level. This feature makes it easier to sear and cook your Tri Tip to perfection.

Preparing Your Tri Tip for Griddling

Before you start griddling your Tri Tip, there are a few preparation steps that you need to follow:

– Trim off any excess fat from the meat.
– Season with your desired rub or marinade. You can use store-bought seasonings or make your own using herbs and spices.
– Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Your Tri Tip on Blackstone Griddle

Now that your Tri Tip is prepared, it’s time to start griddling!

1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle on medium-high heat (around 375°F).
2. Place your Tri Tip directly on the surface and let it sear for 3-4 minutes.
3. Flip the Tri Tip over and sear for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
4. Using the heat zone management system, move the Tri Tip to a cooler zone and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, cook until it reaches 130-135°F; medium-rare, 135-140°F; medium, 140-150°F; and well done, 155°F or above.
6. Once your Tri Tip is cooked to your liking, remove it from the griddle and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips and Tricks

– For added flavor, you can baste your Tri Tip with a mixture of butter and herbs while cooking.
– Make sure to use tongs when flipping your Tri Tip to prevent piercing the meat and losing its juices.
– Allow plenty of space around the Tri Tip on the griddle to prevent overcrowding.
– You can add some wood chips or pellets to your Blackstone griddle for a smoky flavor.
– Always clean your griddle after each use to prevent any buildup of food and grease.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don’t have access to a Blackstone griddle, there are other ways to cook Tri Tip that will still result in a delicious meal.

1. Grill – You can grill your Tri Tip on high heat for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
2. Oven – Preheat your oven at 375°F. Place your seasoned Tri Tip on a baking dish or cast iron skillet and roast for around 20 minutes per pound of meat.
3. Smoker – Smoking adds an extra layer of flavor to your Tri Tip. Preheat your smoker at 225°F and smoke for about an hour per pound of meat.

Serving Suggestions

Your perfectly cooked Tri Tip is now ready to be served. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy it:

– Slice and serve as a main course with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
– Make sandwiches using your favorite bread and toppings.
– Slice thin for tacos or fajitas.
– Add chopped Tri Tip to your favorite pasta dish.

Cooking Tri Tip on a Blackstone griddle is an easy way to prepare this delicious cut of beef. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can achieve a tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked Tri Tip. So fire up your Blackstone griddle and start griddling your way to an amazing meal!

1) How do I prepare the tri tip before cooking on a Blackstone griddle?

Before cooking, make sure to season the tri tip with your preferred blend of spices and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a crispier crust when grilled.

2) What is the recommended temperature settings for cooking tri tip on a Blackstone griddle?

The ideal temperature for cooking tri tip on a Blackstone griddle is between 375-400°F. This allows for a perfect sear and ensures the meat’s internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare doneness.

3) How long should I cook tri tip on a Blackstone griddle?

Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tri tip, but generally, it takes 15-20 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. It’s important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches at least 130°F.

4) Can I cook frozen tri tip on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can cook frozen tri tip on a Blackstone griddle. However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking as this will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption from the marinade.

5) Should I flip the tri tip while cooking it on a Blackstone griddle?

Absolutely! Flipping the tri tip allows for even heat distribution and helps form a nice crust on both sides of the meat. Aim to flip every 5-7 minutes until your desired internal temperature is reached.

6) Do I need to let the cooked tri tip rest before slicing?

Yes, it’s crucial to let the cooked tri tip rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender final result. Cover the tri tip with aluminum foil while resting to keep it warm.

Overall, learning how to cook tri tip on a Blackstone griddle is a valuable skill for any grill master or home cook. By following the proper techniques and tips, this versatile cut of meat can be transformed into a delicious and impressive meal.

Firstly, it is essential to properly prepare the tri tip before cooking by trimming excess fat and seasoning with a dry rub or marinade of your choice. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

Next, the key to cooking tri tip on a Blackstone griddle is to achieve the perfect sear. This can be achieved by preheating the griddle to a high heat and searing each side of the meat for a few minutes before reducing the heat and allowing it to cook through.

It is also important to note that resting the tri tip after cooking is crucial in retaining its juices and ensuring tenderness. This step should not be skipped as it can make all the difference in the final result.

Additionally, playing with different flavor combinations such as adding wood chips for smoke or using various seasonings can elevate the taste of your tri tip even further.

Furthermore, versatility is one of the greatest aspects of cooking tri tip on a Blackstone griddle. It can be cooked whole, sliced up