The Ultimate Guide to Smoking Tri Tip

By Debra Smith | Published on 2022-05-09

Are you looking for the perfect smoked tri tip recipe? Look no further! This ultimate guide to smoking tri tip will teach you everything you need to know about smoking this delicious cut of beef. We'll cover the basics of smoked tri tip, as well as tips and tricks for smoking tri tip on a Traeger Grill, Pit Boss Grill, Kamado Joe Grill, Big Green Egg Grill, and Weber Kettle Grill. We'll also discuss competition-style smoked tri tip and provide you with some tips for the perfect smoked tri tip. So grab your favorite smoking device and let's get started!

Smoked Tri Tip Basics

Smoked Tri Tip is a flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling and smoking. It is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin, and is usually sold as a roast or steak. It is a lean cut of meat, so it is important to cook it low and slow to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The key to a great smoked tri tip is to use a dry rub to give it flavor and to smoke it at a low temperature for a long period of time.

When smoking tri tip, it is important to choose the right wood. The type of wood you use will depend on the flavor you are looking for. For a mild, sweet flavor, use fruit woods like apple or cherry. For a more robust flavor, use hickory or mesquite.

Once you have chosen the right wood, it is important to prepare the tri tip for smoking. Start by trimming off any excess fat and patting the tri tip dry. Then, rub the tri tip with your favorite dry rub and let it sit for at least an hour before smoking. This will allow the rub to penetrate the meat and give it a great flavor. Finally, place the tri tip on the smoker and let it cook low and slow for the perfect smoked tri tip.

Smoking Tri Tip on a Traeger Grill

Smoking tri tip on a Traeger Grill is a great way to get the perfect smoked flavor. Traeger grills are known for their ability to provide consistent heat and smoke, making them ideal for smoking tri tip. To get the best results, you'll want to preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and use a combination of oak and hickory wood pellets.

When smoking tri tip on a Traeger, you'll want to place the tri tip directly on the grill grates and smoke it for 1-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. During the smoking process, you'll want to be sure to check the temperature of the tri tip every 30 minutes or so to ensure that it doesn't overcook.

Once the tri tip has reached the desired temperature, you can remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful tri tip. With a Traeger, you can easily achieve the perfect smoked tri tip every time.

Smoking Tri Tip on a Pit Boss Grill

Smoking tri tip on a Pit Boss Grill is a great way to get that delicious smoky flavor without having to invest in a large smoker. Pit Boss grills are designed to be easy to use and provide consistent results. To get started, you will need to prepare your Pit Boss Grill for smoking. Start by preheating the grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grill is preheated, you will need to add your wood chips or pellets to the firebox. You can use any type of wood chips or pellets to get the desired smoky flavor. Once the wood chips are added, you can place the tri tip on the grill. Make sure to leave enough space between the pieces of meat so that they can cook evenly.

Once the tri tip is on the grill, you will need to monitor the temperature and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also need to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure that it is cooked to the desired doneness. The tri tip should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, and 170 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done. Once the tri tip has reached the desired internal temperature, you can remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Smoking tri tip on a Pit Boss Grill is a great way to get that delicious smoky flavor without having to invest in a large smoker. With a little practice and patience, you can easily achieve perfect results every time.

Smoking Tri Tip on a Kamado Joe Grill

Smoking tri tip on a Kamado Joe grill is a great way to get a delicious, smoky flavor. The Kamado Joe is a ceramic charcoal grill that is designed to retain heat and moisture, making it perfect for smoking. The key to smoking tri tip on a Kamado Joe is to use indirect heat. This means that you will need to set up a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill hotter than the other. You will also need to use a combination of hardwood and charcoal to achieve the right temperature and smoke flavor.

Once you have your two-zone fire set up, you can place your tri tip on the cooler side of the grill. You will want to smoke the tri tip at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should plan to smoke it for about 2-3 hours. During this time, you will need to monitor the temperature of the grill and add more charcoal and wood as needed.

Once the tri tip is cooked to your desired doneness, you can remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make for a juicier, more flavorful tri tip. With a little practice, you can master the art of smoking tri tip on a Kamado Joe grill and enjoy delicious, smoky results every time.

Smoking Tri Tip on a Big Green Egg Grill

Smoking tri tip on a Big Green Egg Grill is a great way to get that perfect smoky flavor. The Big Green Egg is a ceramic charcoal grill that is designed to retain heat and provide even cooking. It is also great for smoking meats like tri tip. To get started, you will need to prepare your Big Green Egg for smoking. Start by lighting the charcoal and allowing it to burn until it is covered with a light layer of ash. Then, place the plate setter in the Big Green Egg and add your wood chips. Place your tri tip on the plate setter and close the lid.

Next, you will need to adjust the temperature of the Big Green Egg. The ideal temperature for smoking tri tip is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the temperature by adjusting the vents on the Big Green Egg. Once the temperature is set, you can let the tri tip smoke for about 2-3 hours. Make sure to check the temperature of the meat periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly.

When the tri tip is finished smoking, remove it from the Big Green Egg and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavor to develop. Once the tri tip has rested, you can slice it against the grain and serve. Enjoy your perfectly smoked tri tip!

Smoking Tri Tip on a Weber Kettle Grill

Cooking tri tip on a Weber Kettle Grill is a great way to get that classic smoky flavor that you’d expect from a traditional barbecue. The key to success when smoking tri tip on a Weber Kettle Grill is to use indirect heat. To do this, you’ll need to set up your grill with two zones. Place your charcoal on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. This will create an area of indirect heat on the side without the charcoal.

Once your grill is set up, place the tri tip on the side of the grill without the charcoal. You’ll want to cook the tri tip at a low temperature, around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. Close the lid and let the tri tip cook for about 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

To get that classic smoky flavor, you can add wood chips or chunks to the charcoal. You can use any type of wood you like, but hickory, mesquite, and apple are all great choices. Add the wood chips or chunks to the charcoal about 30 minutes before you start cooking. This will give the wood time to start smoking and infuse the tri tip with that delicious smoky flavor.

Competition-Style Smoked Tri Tip

Competition-style smoked tri tip is a delicious way to enjoy this cut of beef. It requires a bit of extra effort and attention to detail, but the results are worth it. The key to competition-style smoked tri tip is to smoke it low and slow. This means cooking it at a temperature of around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. The goal is to achieve a perfect balance between the smoky flavor and the tenderness of the meat.

When smoking tri tip for competition-style, it's important to use the right wood. The best woods for smoking tri tip are oak, hickory, and mesquite. These woods will impart a deep, smoky flavor that will make your tri tip stand out. It's also important to use a good quality rub to season the meat. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is a great place to start.

Finally, it's important to pay close attention to the internal temperature of the meat. The ideal temperature for competition-style smoked tri tip is between 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the meat reaches this temperature, it's ready to be served. With a little practice and patience, you can create a delicious competition-style smoked tri tip that will impress your friends and family.

Tips for the Perfect Smoked Tri Tip

When it comes to smoking tri tip, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect result. First, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef that is best when it is well-marbled with fat. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful when it is cooked.

Second, it is important to choose the right wood for smoking the tri tip. Different woods impart different flavors, so it is important to choose one that will complement the flavor of the meat. Hickory, mesquite, and oak are all popular choices for smoking tri tip.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the tri tip is cooked to the right temperature. The internal temperature should be between 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, and 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium. Anything higher than this will result in a dry and tough piece of meat. To ensure that the tri tip is cooked to the right temperature, it is best to use a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

Conclusion

Smoked tri tip is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you’re using a Traeger, Pit Boss, Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg, or Weber Kettle Grill, you can create the perfect smoked tri tip with the right techniques and tips. With this ultimate guide to smoking tri tip, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your smoking skills and create the perfect smoked tri tip every time!