Prepare to revolutionize your dinner game with a recipe that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine a tri-tip so tender and flavorful that it'll have your guests begging for the recipe. Uncle Charlie's Grape Jelly Tri-Tip is not just another roast – it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. The unexpected combination of grape jelly, soy sauce, and mustard creates a glaze so irresistible, you'll want to lick the pan clean!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb tri-tip roast
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Remove tri-tip roast from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together grape jelly, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined, creating a rich marinade.
- Place tri-tip in a large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container and pour marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove tri-tip from marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
- Place tri-tip in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet, fat side up. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Roast in preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, basting with reserved marinade every 30 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). For medium, target 145°F (63°C).
- Once desired temperature is reached, remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice tri-tip against the grain into thin strips, which ensures tenderness and optimal texture.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling any remaining pan juices over the sliced meat for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your tri-tip rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Marinate Like a Pro: For maximum flavor, let the meat marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more those delicious grape jelly marinade flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Basting is Crucial: Don't skip the basting step! Every 30 minutes, brush the reserved marinade over the tri-tip to keep it moist and develop a beautiful, glossy exterior.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is your secret weapon for perfectly cooked meat. Different doneness levels require precise internal temperatures.
- Slicing Matters: Always slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rest Period is Non-Negotiable: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly juicy.Pro Tip: This recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks. The grape jelly marinade adds a unique sweet and savory twist that will have everyone asking for your secret!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
