“Discover the Perfect Technique: Mastering the Reverse Sear Tri Tip for Juicy and Tender Results! Unleash a burst of flavors with our step-by-step guide, as we reveal the secret to achieving mouthwatering perfection every time. Elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with this foolproof method that guarantees an irresistibly succulent tri tip.”
What is a Tri Tip Steak?
A Tri Tip steak comes from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut of beef. It is known for its great marbling and when cooked correctly, it can be one of the most juicy steaks you’ve ever had. It is often described as part steak and part roast, making it a versatile and delicious cut of meat. The Tri Tip is BBQ’s best-kept secret that is sure to pleasantly surprise backyard BBQ enthusiasts.
When comparing tri tip vs brisket, the Tri Tip offers several advantages. Firstly, it is more like a steak in texture and flavor, while brisket is more like a roast. Additionally, the Tri Tip is a convenient size for a family meal and more economical since it produces fewer leftovers compared to a large brisket. With its excellent marbling and juicy taste, the Tri Tip provides a delicious alternative to traditional cuts of meat.
To cook a tri tip on Traeger grills, you can follow this simple reverse sear recipe. Start by salting the tri tip for 20 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness. Then apply your favorite beef rub generously and let it sit while preheating your Traeger grill to 200F. Smoke the tri tip for about 50 minutes before removing it from the grill and wrapping it in foil.
Crank up the Traeger grill to 500F and unwrap the tri tip before putting it back on for final searing. Sear each side for about 4 minutes or until reaching an internal temperature of 130F for medium-rare doneness. Once done, wrap the tri tip in foil again and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb. Finally, slice the tri tip against the grain and enjoy!
How to make a Tri Tip on a Traeger
To make a Tri Tip on a Traeger, start by getting a Tri Tip steak from a local butcher. Large grocery stores typically do not carry Tri Tip steaks. Ask for the largest Tri Tip they have, around 5 pounds. After trimming the excess fat, salt the Tri Tip and let it sit for 20 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and juiciness of the meat.
After rinsing and patting dry the Tri Tip, apply your favorite beef rub generously. Make sure it includes black pepper for that perfect beef taste. Preheat your Traeger grill to 200°F and place the Tri Tip on the grill for 50 minutes to infuse it with smoky flavor.
Remove the Tri Tip from the grill and wrap it in foil. Increase the temperature of your Traeger to 500°F for searing. Unwrap the Tri Tip and sear each side over high heat for about 4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare doneness.
Equipment:
To prepare and cook a Tri Tip on a Traeger grill, you will need the following equipment:
- Traeger Ironwood 650 pellet grill (or any pellet grill that can smoke and sear)
- Instant read thermometer
- Foil for wrapping the Tri Tip
- A sharp knife for cutting the Tri Tip
- A meat rub or seasoning of your choice
Ingredients:
– Tri Tip steak (5 pounds)
– Salt
– Beef rub (store-bought or homemade, with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)
– Foil
Instructions:
1. Start by getting a Tri Tip steak from a local butcher, as large grocery stores may not carry it. Aim for a Tri Tip that is around 5 pounds in size.
2. Trim any excess fat from the Tri Tip and then salt it for 20 minutes. This will help pull out moisture and create a brine effect, enhancing flavor and juiciness.
3. Rinse the Tri Tip after the 20-minute salting period and pat it dry. Apply your favorite beef rub generously, making sure it includes plenty of black pepper.
4. Preheat your Traeger grill to 200°F and place the Tri Tip on the grill. Smoke it for about 50 minutes to infuse it with a smoky flavor.
5. Remove the Tri Tip from the Traeger and wrap it in foil. Increase the temperature of the Traeger to 500°F for searing.
6. Unwrap the Tri Tip and place it back on the grill for final searing. Sear each side for approximately 4 minutes until you reach an internal temperature of 130°F, or medium-rare.
7. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the Tri Tip from the grill and wrap it in foil again. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat.
8. After resting, cut the Tri Tip against the grain of the meat into slices that are about the width of a pencil head, similar to how you would cut brisket slices.
9. Serve your perfectly cooked and juicy Traeger smoked Tri Tip steak alongside your favorite side dishes or enjoy on its own!
How to Prep and Trim a Tri Tip
To prepare and trim a tri tip, start by getting the largest tri tip available from a local butcher who knows what they are doing. Grocery stores typically do not carry tri tip steaks. Once you have the tri tip, trim off any excess fat or silver skin to ensure even cooking and better flavor penetration.
After trimming, salt the tri tip for 20 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and creates a brine effect, resulting in extra flavor and increased juiciness. Rinse the tri tip quickly after the 20 minutes and pat it dry.
Next, apply your favorite beef rub generously to the tri tip. Make sure the rub has plenty of black pepper for optimal flavor. If your rub contains generous amounts of salt, use caution with the amount applied since the tri tip was already salted prior to applying the rub.
While the tri tip sits with the rub, preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 200°F. Once at temperature, place the tri tip on the grill for approximately 50 minutes to infuse it with a smoky flavor.
After 50 minutes, remove the tri tip from the grill and wrap it in foil. Increase the temperature of your Traeger grill to 500°F. While waiting for the grill to reach this temperature, let the wrapped tri tip rest off the heat.
Once your Traeger grill reaches 500°F, unwrap the tri tip and put it back on the grill for final searing. Sear each side over high heat for about 4 minutes until an internal temperature of 130°F is reached for medium-rare doneness.
Remove the seared tri tip from heat and wrap it in foil again, allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows juices to be reabsorbed back into the center of the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender tri tip.
After the resting period, it’s time to properly cut the tri tip. Slice the tri tip against the grain of the meat, creating tender slices. Cut the slices to a width similar to that of brisket slices, about the width of a pencil head.
By following these steps, you can properly prep and trim a tri tip for a delicious and juicy result on your Traeger grill.
How to Cut a Tri Tip Properly
To properly cut a tri tip, it is important to follow these steps. First, make sure you are cutting against the grain of the meat. This will create a more tender slice of meat for eating. Additionally, cut the tri tip into slices that are about the width of a pencil head. This is similar to how you would cut brisket slices. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tri tip is cut in a way that maximizes tenderness and flavor.
Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip : Reverse Sear Style
The Tri Tip cut, located in the bottom sirloin area of the beef, is gaining popularity as a delicious and juicy steak option. It offers a convenient size for families and is more economical than brisket. With its great marbling, the Tri Tip can be cooked to perfection using a Traeger Ironwood 650 pellet grill.
To prepare a Traeger smoked Tri Tip, start by salting the meat for 20 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness. Rinse the Tri Tip and apply your favorite beef rub generously. Preheat the Traeger grill to 200F and smoke the Tri Tip for about 50 minutes to infuse it with a smokey flavor. Then, remove it from the grill, wrap it in foil, and increase the temperature to 500F.
Equipment
To prepare and cook a Tri Tip on a Traeger grill using the reverse sear method, you will need the following equipment:
- Traeger Ironwood 650 pellet grill (or any pellet grill that can smoke and sear)
- Instant read thermometer
- Foil for wrapping the Tri Tip
- A sharp knife for cutting the Tri Tip
- A cutting board to slice the cooked Tri Tip
- A meat rub with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (store-bought or homemade)
Ingredients
– Tri Tip steak (approximately 5 pounds)
– Salt
– Favorite beef rub (with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the Tri Tip steak. Trim any excess fat and salt the meat for 20 minutes, allowing it to pull moisture to the surface. Rinse the Tri Tip and pat dry.
2. Apply your favorite beef rub generously on all sides of the Tri Tip, making sure to include black pepper for added flavor.
3. Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 200°F (93°C). Once the grill is at temperature, place the Tri Tip on the grill and smoke for 50 minutes to infuse a smoky flavor into the meat.
4. Remove the Tri Tip from the grill and wrap it in foil. Increase the temperature of your Traeger to 500°F (260°C) for searing.
5. Unwrap the Tri Tip and place it back on the grill over high heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) is reached for medium-rare doneness.
6. Once cooked, remove the Tri Tip from the grill and wrap it in foil again, allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat.
7. After resting, slice the Tri Tip against the grain into thin slices, similar in width to brisket slices.
Note: The instructions provided are based on a Traeger pellet grill, but this recipe can be adapted for other pellet grills or even traditional gas or charcoal grills that can achieve smoking and searing temperatures.
Nutrition
Tri Tip steak is a flavorful and juicy cut of beef that can be a great option for a family dinner. It is lower in fat compared to other cuts like brisket, making it a healthier choice. A 3-ounce serving of Tri Tip steak provides around 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 26 grams of protein. It also contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
When prepared using the reverse sear method on a Traeger grill, the Tri Tip retains its natural juices and flavors. The slow smoking process adds a smoky flavor to the meat while keeping it tender and moist. This cooking method allows for even cooking throughout the steak.
Pairing the Tri Tip with side dishes like Texas Cavier or cheesy smashed potatoes can add variety and nutrition to your meal. These side dishes can provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals that complement the protein-rich Tri Tip.
Overall, Tri Tip is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for a family dinner. Its convenience, economical price, and easy preparation make it an excellent option for backyard BBQs or weeknight meals.
In conclusion, reverse sear tri tip is a foolproof method to achieve perfectly cooked and tender meat. By slowly roasting the tri tip at a low temperature before searing it on high heat, you can ensure a juicy interior and a flavorful crust. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this technique guarantees delicious results every time.
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