Get ready to transform your grilling game with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed tri tip steak recipe that will have your friends and family begging for seconds! This American-style BBQ dry rub is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines bold spices, perfect grilling technique, and a promise of tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a weekend BBQ enthusiast, this recipe will elevate your cooking skills and impress everyone at your next cookout.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tri tip steak
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your tri tip steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the rub adhere better.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over the entire surface of the tri tip steak. Make sure to coat all sides evenly. For best results, let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create a two-zone fire, with one side for direct heat and the other for indirect heat.
- Once the grill is preheated, place the tri tip steak over the direct heat side of the grill. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, creating a nice crust.
- After searing, move the steak to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid. Allow the steak to cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 155°F (68°C) for medium-well.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- After resting, slice the tri tip against the grain into thin slices. This helps ensure tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious BBQ dry rub tri tip steaks!
Tips
- Pat the meat dry before applying the rub to ensure maximum flavor adherence and a perfect crust.
- Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness—don't rely on guesswork!
- Create a two-zone fire on your grill for optimal temperature control and even cooking.
- Always let the steak rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
- Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness and create beautiful, easy-to-eat slices.
- Experiment with the spice blend—you can adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
