Smoked Tri-Tip

5 from 3 votes

If you are in the mood for some delicious Tri-Tip and own a smoker, then read on and learn how to smoke a Tri-Tip.

smoked tri-tip

I love Tri-Tip. And since I love using my smoker I decided to try a Smoked Tri-Tip instead of Grilled Tri-Tip or Slow Cooker BBQ Tri-Tip or even my Baked Tri-Tip.

smoked tri-tip

Tri-Tip is a triangular-shaped piece of beef located at the bottom of the sirloin region of the cow. It’s pretty lean but has just enough fat to keep it juicy and flavorful during cooking.

This cut of meat gained popularity in California during the 1950s and is now a favorite across the US and probably a few other countries.

raw tri-tip

Before you apply your dry rub to your meat, pat your meat down with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Next, you need a binder to help the dry rub stick to the meat. You can use olive oil or even yellow mustard. I prefer to use Yellow Mustard when cooking Tri-Tip.

Once the binder has been applied, liberally apply the dry rub all over the meat. Make sure you take the proper precautions not to cross-contaminate! I suggest you use one hand to apply the dry rub and the other to rub the dry rub into the meat.

dry rub on tri-tip roast

I’m also including a very simple seasoning, but you can use your own rub if you have one. Personally, I like to use my Santa Maria Tri-Tip Seasoning.

Smoking tri-tip will add an extra layer of flavor and smoky goodness to this delicious cut of meat. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together while infusing it with that much-desired smokiness.

tri-tip on the grill

You can use some Dijon Mustard or Spicy Brown Mustard instead of the yellow mustard and horseradish mixture for the binder. If you decide not to use a binder, make sure the dry rub adheres to the meat.

tri-tip cooked medium rare

I strongly suggest you get a digital thermometer if you don’t already own one. Even if it’s a cheap one. When cooking meat like this tri-tip, you need to cook to internal temperature, not time.

side view of trip-tip. cooked medium-rare

Once sliced you can serve with your favorite sides like baked beans, corn on the cob or even potato salad. Whatever you are in the mood for!

You can also serve it up on your favorite bun with some BBQ Sauce and crunchy coleslaw. I love Tri-Tip Sandwiches.

smoked tri-tip

Equipment Needed

Using the right equipment can make a big difference. Here are my favorite tools for this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases to keep these recipes free.

You will need the following ingredients to make this Smoked Tri-Tip recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Tri-Tip, Horseradish, Yellow Mustard, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ground Cloves and Ground Ginger.

  1. In a small bowl, combine the horseradish and yellow mustard. Mix till well combined.
  2. In another small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients together.
  3. Coat the tri-tip with yellow mustard and horseradish mixture. Generously season all sides of the tri-tip with the dry rub and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and cook until the internal temperature of the tri-tip reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. It can take up to 1 hour per pound to reach those temperatures.
  5. If your smoker is equipped with a searing function, you can optionally crank up the heat and sear on each side for a couple of minutes to get that nice char on the outside.
  6. Let the tri-tip rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain.

More Recipe Ideas

Printable Recipe Card

smoked tri-tip

Smoked Tri-Tip

If you are in the mood for some delicious Tri-Tip and own a smoker, then read on and learn how to smoke a Tri-Tip.
5 from 3 votes

↑ Click stars to rate

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Author Rodney
Servings 6
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 3 lbs Tri-Tip, silver skin and excess fat removed
Binder
Dry Rub
  • ¼ Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
  • ½ Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
  • ½ Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1 Tsp Ground Ginger

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the horseradish and yellow mustard. Mix till well combined.
  • In another small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients together.
  • Coat the tri-tip with yellow mustard and horseradish mixture. Generously season all sides of the tri-tip with the dry rub and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your smoker to 225°F and cook until the internal temperature of the tri-tip reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. It can take up to 1 hour per pound to reach those temperatures.
  • If your smoker is equipped with a searing function, you can optionally crank up the heat and sear on each side for a couple of minutes to get that nice char on the outside.
  • Let the tri-tip rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases to keep these recipes free. We truly appreciate your support!

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 48gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 1443mgPotassium: 803mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

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One Comment

  1. Janice says:

    This recipe is very tasty. The combination of yellow mustard and horseradish gives the meat a great taste.

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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