Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary beef dinner into an extraordinary flavor explosion! This Zesty Citrus Tri Tip Marinade isn't just a recipe—it's a game-changing technique that infuses tender beef with bright, tangy notes that will have your dinner guests begging for your secret. With a perfect balance of fresh citrus, aromatic garlic, and a hint of honey, this marinade promises to elevate your grilling game from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tri tip beef
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
- Place the tri tip beef in a large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container, and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is completely covered.
- Seal the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Remove the tri tip from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F) or prepare a hot charcoal grill with direct and indirect heat zones.
- Remove the tri tip from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and pat the meat dry with paper towels to promote better searing.
- Grill the tri tip over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side to create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Move the tri tip to indirect heat, close the grill lid, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the tri tip from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the tri tip against the grain into thin strips and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh citrus zest if desired.
Tips
- • Always bring your tri tip to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking • Pat the meat dry before grilling to achieve that perfect caramelized crust • Use a meat thermometer to hit the ideal medium-rare temperature (130-135°F) • Let the meat rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness • Slice against the grain for the most tender and flavorful result • For extra zest, garnish with fresh citrus zest just before serving • If you don't have a grill, this marinade works beautifully with oven roasting or pan-searing methods
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
