Master the Art of Tri Tip: How to Perfectly Cook it on a Charcoal Grill

AvatarByErick Benitez How To Cook (Dishes)

In the sizzling world of grilling, there are few cuts of meat as beloved as the tri tip. This juicy and flavorful cut, also known as the Santa Maria steak, is a staple in many backyard barbecues and cookouts. While some may opt for gas grills or stovetop cooking methods, nothing beats the smoky goodness that comes from cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill. But fear not, even if you’re new to charcoal grilling, mastering this savory dish is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill like a pro, bringing out all of its mouthwatering flavors in every bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends at your next cookout with this delicious technique.

Tri tip is a type of beef cut loved by many for its tenderness and rich flavor. While it can be cooked in various ways, using a charcoal grill is one of the best methods to bring out its unique taste. The smoky aroma and charred edges from grilling on charcoal add an extra layer of depth to the already delicious tri tip. If you want to learn how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and give you tips to ensure your tri tip turns out perfectly every time.

Choosing and Preparing Your Tri Tip

The first step in cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill is selecting the perfect cut of tri tip. Look for a triangular-shaped piece with good marbling and a layer of fat on one side. This fat will help keep the meat moist during cooking and add extra flavor.

Before grilling, let your tri tip sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow for more even cooking and prevent charring on the outside while still being undercooked inside.

While prepping your tri tip, be sure to trim any excess fat or silver skin from the surface. This will prevent flare-ups on the grill.

Setting Up Your Charcoal Grill

When using a charcoal grill, it’s essential to have a proper setup that ensures even heat distribution for an evenly cooked tri tip.
Start by filling one chimney starter with charcoal briquettes. Place crumpled newspaper or fire starter cubes under or inside the chimney starter and light them up. Once the flames are visible at the top, wait for about 15 minutes until all the coals are fully lit.

Next, spread out your hot coals evenly in one section of your grill, leaving an empty space next to it for indirect heat cooking. Place a drip pan in the open space and fill it with water. This will help keep the temperature inside the grill consistent and prevent flare-ups.

Seasoning Your Tri Tip

Now that your grill is set up, it’s time to prepare your tri tip for grilling. The key to a flavorful tri tip is in the seasoning. For a simple and delicious option, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. However, feel free to play around with different spices and herbs according to your taste preferences. You can also use a pre-made rub or marinade.

Make sure to coat the entire tri tip evenly with your chosen seasoning mixture or rub. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes before placing it on the grill.

Cooking Your Tri Tip

Place your seasoned tri tip on the hot side of the grill directly over the coals. Let it sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side to achieve a nice crusty exterior.

Then, move the tri tip to the cooler side of the grill (directly above the drip pan) and cover the grill with its lid or aluminum foil. This will create an oven-like effect and allow for indirect heat cooking.

Monitor the internal temperature of your tri tip using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare doneness, remove from grill at an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium doneness, remove at an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C). For well-done meat, remove at an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Let your tri tip rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and juicy piece of meat.

Serving Suggestions

There are countless ways to enjoy your perfectly grilled tri tip. You can slice it into thin pieces and serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a more casual meal, you can use the sliced tri tip to make delicious sandwiches or tacos. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your mouthwatering tri tip!

Tips for Success

– Make sure to let your tri tip sit at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
– Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature for desired doneness.
– Resist the urge to constantly flip or move your tri tip while grilling as this can disrupt the cooking process.
– Let your tri tip rest after cooking for best results.
– Experiment with different seasoning and marinade combinations for a unique flavor profile.

What is Tri Tip?

Tri tip is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin primal section of the cow. It is a triangular-shaped muscle that is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. In the United States, tri tip is often referred to as “Santa Maria steak” due to its popularity in the Santa Maria Valley region of California. This cut of meat has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility in cooking methods and delicious taste.

Selecting the Perfect Tri Tip

When choosing a tri tip for your charcoal grill, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, look for a well-marbled piece of meat with good color. The marbling indicates that the meat will be juicy and flavorful when cooked. Additionally, make sure there is some fat on the outside of the cut as this will help keep it moist during cooking.

Preparing Your Charcoal Grill

To achieve the best results when cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill, it’s important to properly prepare your grill. Start by building a fire with full chimney’s worth of charcoal on one side of your grill. Once the coals are hot and covered in ash, spread them out evenly on one side of the grill while leaving the other side empty. This creates two heat zones – a hot zone and an indirect heat zone.

Seasoning Your Tri Tip

Before adding your tri tip to the grill, it’s important to season it properly. Start by generously coating all sides of the meat with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an added depth of flavor, you can also mix garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into your salt and pepper blend. Be sure to thoroughly coat your tri tip with this seasoning mixture.

Cooking Your Tri Tip

Once your charcoal grill is prepped and your tri tip is seasoned, it’s time to start cooking. Place the tri tip directly over the hot zone of your grill, fat side down. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes before flipping it over and searing the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will create a crust on the outside of the meat and help seal in the juices.

Next, move your tri tip to the indirect heat zone and close the lid of your grill. This will allow for slow, indirect cooking that will evenly cook your tri tip. For medium-rare, cook for about 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 135°F. For medium, cook for 30 minutes or until the thermometer reads 145°F.

Resting and Slicing Your Tri Tip

Once your tri tip has reached its desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender final product. After resting, slice against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness.

Serving Your Tri Tip

Tri tip can be served in a variety of ways depending on personal preference. It makes a delicious main dish when paired with grilled vegetables or served sliced on a bed of greens as a steak salad. It also makes excellent sandwiches when sliced thin and served on crusty bread with your favorite toppings.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill can be intimidating for some, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here are some common mistakes that can occur when cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill and how to avoid them:

– Underseasoning: Be sure to generously season all sides of your tri tip to avoid a bland end result.

– Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the internal temperature of your tri tip to avoid overcooking. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the grill.

– Not resting the meat: Resting is key to achieving a tender and juicy tri tip. Don’t skip this important step!

With these expert tips and techniques, you can confidently cook a delicious tri tip on your charcoal grill. Remember to start with a good quality cut of meat, properly season it, and cook it over high heat for a delicious crust before moving it to indirect heat for even cooking. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll have perfectly cooked tri tip every time. So fire up that charcoal grill and get ready to impress your friends and family with your new tri tip cooking skills!

Q: What is a tri tip and why is it best cooked on a charcoal grill?
A: Tri tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin section of the cow. It is best cooked on a charcoal grill because the intense heat from the coals adds flavor and creates the perfect crust on the meat.

Q: How should I prepare the tri tip before cooking it on a charcoal grill?
A: Start by patting the tri tip dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, season it with your desired rub or marinade. Let the tri tip sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Q: How do I set up my charcoal grill for cooking tri tip?
A: Start by arranging the hot coals in a two-zone fire, with one side having more coals for high heat and the other side having fewer coals for medium-low heat. Place a drip pan under the grates on the low heat side to catch any drippings.

Q: What is the ideal temperature for cooking tri tip on a charcoal grill?
A: The ideal temperature range for cooking tri tip is between 350-400°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, which should be around 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.

Q: Is it necessary to flip or move the tri tip while grilling?
A: Yes, flipping and moving the tri tip regularly helps it cook evenly and prevents burning. Aim to flip or turn it every 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Q: How long does it take to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill?
A: On average, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook a 2-pound tri tip on a charcoal grill. However, cooking times may vary based on the size of the cut, temperature of the grill, and desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to accurately determine when it is done.

In conclusion, learning how to cook tri tip on a charcoal grill requires some basic techniques and skills, but with practice and experimentation, it can yield delicious and flavorful results. Starting with selecting a high-quality tri tip cut and preparing it properly by trimming any excess fat or silver skin, marinating it for at least 4 hours, and allowing it to come to room temperature before grilling are important steps in achieving a tender and juicy meat.

The two-zone cooking method on a charcoal grill is essential for cooking tri tip evenly and avoiding flare-ups. Keeping an eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is crucial in determining when the meat is done to your liking. Additionally, allowing the meat to rest before slicing it helps retain its juices and results in a more flavorful bite.

Experimenting with different marinades, wood chips for smoking, and rubs can add depth of flavor to the meat, providing endless possibilities for unique variations of this dish. And while grilling tri tip on a charcoal grill may seem intimidating at first, mastering this method of cooking will not only result in delicious meals but also enhance your overall grilling skills.

Whether you prefer medium-rare or well-done tri tip, cooking it on a charcoal grill gives you control over the heat source and allows you to

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.