If you're a meat lover, chances are you've heard of smoked Tri-Tip. It's a popular cut of beef in the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason: it's lean, flavorful, and quick to cook on a smoker or grill. Plus, it's more affordable than brisket and doesn't require hours of cooking time. In this post, we'll share some secrets to perfectly smoking this delicious cut of beef, along with a recipe and wine pairing suggestions.
Secrets to Smoking the Perfect Tri-Tip
When it comes to smoking Tri-Tip, there are a few things to keep in mind to achieve that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture:
Choose the Right Cut: Tri-Tip ranges from 1.5 to 3 pounds, with 2 pounds being the sweet spot. Look for a cut that is well-trimmed and has a good amount of marbling.
Don't Overcook It: Because Tri-Tip is so lean, it's important not to overcook it. Smoke it for 60-90 minutes at an average cooking temperature of 225°F until the thickest part of the meat registers around 127°F with an instant-read digital thermometer.
Keep the Heat Low: You don't need a smoker to achieve that optimal smoke flavor. Use a Weber Kettle Grill and prep the grill for indirect cooking. Use a small amount of charcoal and place it around the edge of the grill. On top of those coals, add your wood chunks. Use a chimney starter and a few coals to get a heat base, and then place the starter coals at the front of the line of charcoal. It will then slowly light the other coals as if it's a fuse.
Let it Rest: Once the temperature of the meat reaches 127°F, wrap it in foil and put it into a cooler (without ice!). This will act as a warmer and allow the meat to continue cooking and allow the juices to slowly redistribute evenly. Leave it in the cooler for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Keep it Simple: You can marinate or use your favorite dry rub to season your Tri-Tip if you wish, but we like to keep it simple and go with a liberal amount of salt and pepper.
Smoked Tri-Tip Recipe
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 60-90 mins
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 Tri-Tip Beef Roast (around 2 lbs, give or take)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons salt and fresh ground pepper (equal parts, mixed together)
Instructions:
Prepare your Weber Kettle Grill for indirect grilling, using a train of unlit charcoal along the outer edge of one side. On top of the train, add your wood chunks. Add roughly 10 lit briquettes to the beginning of your charcoal train, where it will light it like a fuse and place a wood chunk on top. Let the grill preheat, with the lid closed, until it reaches 225 degrees.
Cover the tri-tip in olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Place it on the grill, over indirect heat, unwrapped for 60-90 minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 127°F (or up to 130°F) for medium rare to medium and remove.
Wrap tri-tip in foil and place in a small cooler (with NO ice) to keep warm for anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
Cut across the grains in thin strips and serve with favorite sides, like smoked collard greens, or top with chimichurri sauce.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing wine with Tri-Tip, you'll want to consider the lean and flavorful nature of the cut. A full-bodied style Pinot Noir is an excellent choice, especially if you're in Oregon wine country. Pinot Noir is typically associated with pork or salmon, but it can work just as well with beef, especially lean cuts like Tri-Tip. The savory characteristics of the smoke and rub pair perfectly with the savoriness of a good Pinot Noir.
If you prefer something bigger, you can also try pairing Tri-Tip with Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, or Tempranillo. However, be cautious of wines with high tannins, as they can overpower the flavor of the meat.
Tips for Making Your Next Steak Dinner Delicious
If you want to take your steak dinners to the next level, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Cut: Make sure to choose a steak that has aged properly and has a good amount of marbling.
Cook it for Longer: To increase the flavors of the steak, cook it for a longer period of time. However, make sure not to overcook it, or you'll end up with a tough, dry steak.
Pair it with Wine: A red wine with good tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with a strong, robust meat like ribeye or Tri-Tip steak.
Add Some Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavors of your steak by adding some herbs and spices to the cooking process. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Serve it with Sides: Consider serving your steak with a flavorful sauce, like au jus, or a roasted vegetable dish to balance out the richness of the meat.
Smoked Tri-Tip is a delicious and affordable alternative to brisket that can be cooked in just 60-90 minutes. Keep the heat low, don't overcook it, and let it rest before serving. And don't forget to pair it with a full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Syrah for the perfect flavor combination. With these tips, you'll be cooking up tender and juicy Tri-Tip in no time!
