To create an incredible BBQ tri tip recipe, start by selecting a well-marbled beef chuck cut with a 1/2-inch fat cap for even cooking. Craft a spicy rub blend with salt, pepper, chili powders, cumin, garlic and onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Marinate the steak, coat it generously in the rub, and grill over an open flame until browned and cooked to desired doneness. For grilling, use dry seasoned wood like oak, mesquite, or hickory for steady intense heat. Preheat your grill to high, sear, and finish cooking to an internal temp of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Rest the meat, slice thinly against the grain, and pair with Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon wines or pickled vegetables.

Unleash the mouthwatering flavors of a spicy rub tri tip grilled over an open flame—a true BBQ enthusiast’s delight! This comprehensive guide takes you on a journey from choosing the perfect cut to mastering grilling techniques. Learn to create a flavorful rub blend that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Discover tips for seasoning, marinating, and lighting your open flame grill to achieve tender, juicy results every time. Serve with creative suggestions and pairings for an unforgettable BBQ experience. Try our BBQ tri tip recipe today!

• Choosing the Perfect Tri Tip Cut for BBQ
• Creating a Flavorful Spicy Rub Blend
• Seasoning and Marinating the Meat
• Lighting and Maintaining Your Open Flame Grill
• Grilling Techniques for Tender, Juicy Results
• Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Choosing the Perfect Tri Tip Cut for BBQ

When it comes to choosing the ideal cut for a mouthwatering BBQ tri tip, opt for a well-marbled, leaner section of the beef chuck. This cut, known as the tri tip, is prized for its rich flavor and tenderness when grilled properly. Look for a piece with good fat distribution; this ensures even cooking and adds flavor throughout. A good rule of thumb is to select a piece with approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of fat cap, which will render down during the grilling process, keeping the meat moist and tender.

For a satisfying BBQ tri tip recipe, consider the cut’s unique shape—a triangular point—which allows for even heat distribution when grilled over an open flame. This method of cooking highlights the natural juices and flavors locked within the meat, resulting in a succulent and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Creating a Flavorful Spicy Rub Blend

Creating a flavorful spicy rub blend is key to transforming your BBQ tri tip recipe into a mouthwatering sensation. Start by combining coarse sea salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor infusion. Next, add a mix of chili powders, such as cayenne, paprika, and chipotle, for that distinct spicy kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices like cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, which contribute depth and complexity to your rub. For an extra punch, incorporate dried herbs like thyme and rosemary, imparting a subtle aromatics that elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Once your rub blend is ready, generously coat your tri tip steak before allowing it to come to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking and helps the flavors penetrate the meat. With an open flame grill, sear the steak until nicely browned on both sides, locking in those tantalizing spices. Continue grilling over low heat, basting occasionally with a marinade or barbecue sauce, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness for the perfect BBQ tri tip recipe that’s sure to impress.

Seasoning and Marinating the Meat

When it comes to a mouthwatering BBQ tri tip recipe, seasoning and marinating are key steps that can transform your cut of meat. Start by selecting a high-quality tri tip steak, ensuring it’s well-marbled for ultimate flavor. Next, create a bold and balanced rub using a combination of coarse salt, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. This mix will add depth and heat to your grill marks.

To marinate, place the tri tip in a large resealable bag and coat it generously with your rub, making sure every side is evenly seasoned. Seal the bag and massage it gently to distribute the marinade. Let the meat rest at room temperature for an hour or two, or even refrigerate it overnight for extra flavor infusion. This step ensures that the spices penetrate the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful BBQ tri tip ready to be grilled over an open flame.

Lighting and Maintaining Your Open Flame Grill

Lighting an open flame grill for a BBQ tri tip recipe is an art in itself. Start by gathering dry, seasoned wood that will catch fire easily and burn steadily. Oak, mesquite, or hickory are popular choices known for their intense flavors. Arrange the wood in a pyramid shape within your grill’s firebox, leaving space for air circulation to ensure consistent burning. Use long-handled matches or a lighter designed for outdoor use to ignite the kindling, which should catch fire quickly and spread to the larger logs. Once the fire is established, add larger pieces of wood gradually to maintain a healthy flame without smothering it.

Maintain the open flame by regularly adding small amounts of fuel wood, keeping the grill’s vents adjusted for optimal air flow. Aim for a steady, intense heat that will sear the tri tip nicely while allowing slow, even cooking. Monitor the fire frequently and adjust as needed to ensure consistent performance throughout the grilling process. For a BBQ tri tip recipe, aim for a internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare doneness before moving it to a cooler section of the grill to rest and finish cooking.

Grilling Techniques for Tender, Juicy Results

For a truly mouthwatering BBQ tri tip recipe, mastering grilling techniques is key to achieving tender, juicy results. Start by selecting a quality cut of meat – look for a boneless tri tip steak with good marbling. This natural fat content is what will keep your meat moist and delicious during the cooking process. Preheating your grill to high heat creates a searing effect on the surface of the meat, locking in those juicy flavors. Use direct heat from an open flame, like your charcoal or gas grill, to achieve this.

A simple spice rub made with coarse salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural taste of the tri tip. Rub it generously all over the steak before grilling. As the meat cooks, slow down towards the end to prevent burning. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness – this ensures a tender and succulent finish. Letting the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling allows those delicious juices to redistribute throughout, resulting in a juicy, flavorful BBQ tri tip that’s sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

After grilling your perfect BBQ Tri Tip Recipe over an open flame, it’s time to enjoy this tender and flavorful cut. For a classic serving suggestion, slice the tri tip thinly against the grain and arrange on a platter with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also serve it as a main course with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

To elevate your dining experience, pair this spicy rub tri tip with a selection of complementary flavors. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the richness of the meat. Alternatively, opt for a full-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the spiciness of the rub. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a side of pickled vegetables or a zesty coleslaw to balance the heat.