Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip
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Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip is everything a steak should be: juicy, flavorful, and drool-worthy. A reverse sear makes it even simpler to finish off – everyone will love it!
I’m really loving using my Traeger – it’s so versatile because you can use it for smoking the meat or just regular grilling. In this case – you actually use the Traeger as a smoker and a grill!
What is a Tri-Tip Steak?
The tri-tip steak is cut from the bottom sirloin cut – i.e. towards the back of the belly. Tri-tip is one of the most affordable cuts of beef but it’s also flavorful and has great marbling. It’s also tender – as long as you don’t overcook it. Here’s a great image of the grain of a Tri-tip from the Traeger site that will help you figure out how to cut against the grain.
How to season a tri-tip
I purchased a pre-seasoned tri-tip because it’s all I could find – this beef shortage is no joke! That said – I always trust using a simple beef seasoning rub like Historic BBQ Black. It’s made with gluten-free ingredients, lots of spices including salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and brown sugar.
You can also marinate your tri-tip roast – if you’re going that route – I think there’s nothing better than Plain Chicken’s Best Ever Steak Marinade. I can’t even compete with it! (She’s a good friend too – she’s made that steak for me herself!)
How do you smoke a tri-tip on your Traeger?
Smoking is a great way to cook your tri-tip low and slow and bring out the tenderness that is just waiting to be enjoyed! This method involves doing a reverse sear – which means we’re smoking first on our Traeger pellet grill – then finishing at a high heat on the grill. Here’s how to do it:
- When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 225℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Season tri-tip with your favorite rub – I always use Historic BBQ
- Place tri-tip directly on the grill grate and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 120℉, this should take about 60 minutes for a 1.5-2 lb tri-tip.
- Be sure to use your digital thermometer! It’s the best way to know without guesswork how done your meat is.
- When tri-tip reaches 120℉, pull off the grill and wrap in foil.
- Increase the Traeger temperature to 500°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. (We’re switching from Smoke to Grill here!)
- When grill comes to temperature, remove tri-tip from foil and sear for 4-6 minutes on each side.
- Tri-Tip is ready when internal temp is 130-135 for medium-rare – do not overcook this cut of steak.
- Pull off the grill and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice against the grain to serve.
Tips & Tricks
I recommend going to your local butcher shop – but you can find it in some major grocery stores – though it may be pre-marinated/seasoned.
I recommend Mesquite or Hickory for beef – it has the bold flavor to stand up to the beef. Flavors like pecan and cherry are better for poultry.
I always use Historic BBQ – they’re a local championship BBQ truck/team and their rubs are just delicious!
Medium rare for sure (130-135) – it can be a tough cut of meat since the grain goes in two directions – so be sure to not overcook.
No – there’s no need to flip. The smoker is enveloping the beef with the heat and smoke.
You can – but I would do that using a slow cooker as it needs to
You can also use a bottom sirloin or sometimes a Santa Maria cut (it’s another name for tri-tip).
What to serve with Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip?
If you’re looking for something to top your tri-tip recipe with – you could try a gourmet butter mix, carmelized mushrooms and onions or even a barbecue sauce! And if you’re looking for side dishes – I’ve got you covered there:
Other Delicious Traeger Recipes
Be sure to check out my Traeger section on a regular basis – I just made a brisket and can’t wait to share it with you! (You can subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss anything!)
Traeger Smoked Tri Tip
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lb Tri Tip
- 1/4 cup Historic BBQ Black Seasoning
Instructions
- When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 225℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Season tri-tip with your favorite rub
- Place tri-tip directly on the grill grate and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 120℉, this should take about 60 minutes.
- When tri-tip reaches 120℉, pull off the grill and wrap in foil.
- Increase the Traeger temperature to 500°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
- When grill comes to temperature, remove tri-tip from foil and sear for 4-6 minutes on each side.
- Temp 130-135 for medium rare
- Pull off the grill and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice against the grain to serve. Enjoy!
Now I found the perfect recipe for steak! Will make this again!
I love smoked beef. This recipe is great.
Looks mouth melting delicious and tempting. This is so easy to make. Thanks
That meat looks perfectly cooked.I am going to try this at the weekend.
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it does not disappoint! So bold and flavorful; easily, my new favorite Traeger recipe! My whole family loved it!