Print

Flavorful Smoked Tri-Tip Roast Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Tri-Tip Guide

smoked tri-tip roast - featured image

A simple and delicious smoked tri-tip roast recipe that delivers juicy, tender meat with a smoky crust, perfect for backyard gatherings and casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds tri-tip roast, trimmed of excess fat but leaving some for flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • About 2 cups hickory or oak wood chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Trim and pat dry the tri-tip, removing thick fat caps but leaving some thin layers for moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt, and chili powder in a bowl to create the dry rub. (3 minutes)
  3. Rub olive oil all over the tri-tip, then generously apply the dry rub, pressing it into every nook and cranny. Let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add soaked hickory wood chips to the coals or smoker box and maintain steady temperature.
  5. Place the tri-tip fat side up on the smoker grate away from direct heat. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Start checking at 1.5 hours.
  6. Remove the tri-tip and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

Notes

Maintain a steady smoker temperature around 225°F (107°C). Use a water pan inside the smoker to regulate heat and add humidity. Avoid piercing the meat with forks to keep juices locked in. Slice against the grain for tender bites. If smoker temperature fluctuates, add small amounts of wood chips gradually. Resting the meat for 15-20 minutes after smoking is crucial for juicy slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked tri-tip, tri-tip roast, smoked beef, backyard barbecue, easy smoked meat, juicy tri-tip, tender tri-tip, hickory smoked tri-tip