FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Tri Tip Recipe
• What Is Tri Tip?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook Tri Tip
• How Long To Grill Tri Tip?
• Tips For Grilling Tri Tip
• How To Cut Tri Tip?
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Tri Tip Recipes
• Recommended Tools
• Tri Tip Recipe (Tender & Easy) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

I’m always experimenting with roasts and sirloin steaks from different cuts of beef, and this grilled tri tip recipe is the latest! Like a prime rib roast or beef sirloin tip roast , this tri tip roast comes out juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or making a holiday dinner , this recipe will make all the steak lovers swoon.

This cut is popular in California. I was inspired to create this tri tip recipe after I tried it at a restaurant there. You can grill, smoke, or oven-roast it, but I opted for the grilling method to get that smoky flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Tri Tip Recipe

• Juicy, tender beef
• Easy, flavorful dry rub
• Deliciously charred exterior crust
• Simple pantry ingredients
• So easy to make
• Perfect for outdoor gatherings

What Is Tri Tip?

Tri tip, also known as triangle tip or bottom sirloin roast, is a triangular boneless cut of beef sourced from the bottom sirloin area of the cow. It’s meaty, flavorful, and relatively lean, without a lot of connective tissue. You can make a whole tri tip roast, or cut it into steaks, commonly known as Newport steak or Santa Maria steak.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for this beef tri tip recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Tri Tip Roast – This tri tip recipe is for the entire roast, not tri tip steaks. Look for a well-marbled cut of meat with even thickness to ensure juicy and tender results.
• Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Any heat-safe oil, such as avocado oil, would also work.
• Spices – Season the roast with a combination of garlic powder , sea salt (or kosher salt), onion powder , black pepper, smoked paprika (or regular), cumin , and cayenne pepper . Feel free to experiment with dried herbs as well.

VARIATION: Try a dry rub or a tri tip marinade!

• Dry rub – Skip the olive oil, and instead rub the meat with Montreal steak seasoning or brisket rub for a smoky, spicy and savory flavor. Use 2 tablespoons of dry rub per pound of meat.
• Marinade – Marinate the roast in my classic balsamic marinade for steak , or use the one I use for my flank steak recipe . A good amount of time to marinate is at least 1 hour, but no more than 24 hours.

How To Cook Tri Tip

This section shows how to make this grilled tri tip recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Prep the grill. To prevent sticking, clean the grill grates with an oiled paper towel before heating. You can use a gas grill, propane grill, or charcoal grill — any kind works fine. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, leaving half of the burners off for indirect heat.
2. Mix the seasonings. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
3. Season the tri tip. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature before grilling.

1. Grill. Place the roast on the grill over direct heat, and sear on both sides. Then, move to the other side of the grill over indirect heat, and cook until it reaches your desired doneness. (See times and temperatures below.)
2. Rest. Remove the grilled tri tip roast recipe from the grill and place it on a platter or cutting board. Let it rest before slicing. (See slicing tips below.)

How Long To Grill Tri Tip?

Cook tri tip on the grill for 5 minutes per side over direct heat, then move to indirect heat and cook for 30-40 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 125-130 degrees F for medium rare or 135-140 degrees F for medium, and will rise another 5-10 degrees while resting.

Tips For Grilling Tri Tip

Master the art of grilling tri tip with some tips I’ve learned along the way:

• Trim if needed. The tri tip may come with a fat cap, which is a thick, white layer of fat. I recommend trimming it before grilling. There may also be sections of membrane or “silver skin” that you might want to remove. The butcher might do these things for you.
• Find the grain first. It’s helpful to note the grain before seasoning the meat, as it’s easiest to see when the meat is raw. This will help give you a better sense of how to slice it (see instructions below).
• Use a thermometer. The times above are a good starting point, but for best results, use a probe thermometer . Insert it into the thickest part of the meat when you move the roast to the cooler side of the grill, and set it to your desired tri tip internal temp. (See recommended temperatures on the recipe card below.) If you don’t have a probe, a regular meat thermometer also works, but is less hands-off.
• Resting is important. This lets the juices settle, so that they don’t run out when you slice the roast and it will stay juicy inside.

How To Cut Tri Tip?

Cutting a tri tip is a little more challenging than other roasts, because it has two different grain directions. It’s important to identify where the grain splits, which is easiest to do before you cook it. Once you know that, simply use a sharp knife to cut slices against the grain on each half.

See the pictures below for how the muscle fibers (grain) on a tri tip typically run, and how to slice it.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Place leftovers from the tri tip recipe in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 275 degrees F, with a little beef broth at the bottom of the baking dish and the top covered in foil. This ensures it remains juicy and tender. (I use the same method to reheat reverse sear steak .)
• Freeze: Allow the meat to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip lock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Tri Tip Recipes

Complete your tri tip feast with these fresh and simple side dishes:

• Fresh Salads – Slice the roast and serve it over greens for a steak salad , or serve a tangy cucumber and tomato salad or a classic Greek salad on the side.
• Baked Potatoes – Make baked potatoes in the Instant Pot while you’re grilling the tri tip, or make air fryer baked potatoes for a quick and easy side. Don’t forget a variety of toppings like sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon to customize the perfect loaded baked potato.
• Grilled Vegetables – While you have your grill fired up, cook up some grilled asparagus (pictured above), grilled eggplant , or grilled zucchini .
• Classic Sides – Serve up traditional favorites with tri tip recipes like creamy mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower ) or buttery Mexican street corn . And, when I need something quick and easy, I whip up some air fried brussels sprouts .
• Sauces – This roast is flavorful on its own, but if you want to add a sauce, it’s delicious with creamy horseradish sauce or chimichurri .
• Surf & Turf – Pair this flavorful roast with a seafood recipe like grilled lobster for a classic surf and turf meal.

Recommended Tools

• Probe Thermometer – A must for cooking beef to the proper temperature. This one allows you to close the grill, and it will beep when it reaches the right temp, so you don’t have to check on it. A regular meat thermometer also works, though.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2.5 lb Tri tip roast (trim any large pieces of fat) ▢
• 3 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 2 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Clean the grates of your grill or grill pan with an oiled paper towel before heating. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (~400 degrees F (204 degrees C)) for at least 10 minutes . Leave half of the burners off for indirect heat.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
3. Pat the tri tip roast dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
4. Place the tri tip on the grill over direct heat. Sear for 5 minutes , until grill marks form, then flip and sear for another 5 minutes . Then, move the roast over indirect heat (a burner that’s not turned on), close the grill and cook for about 30-40 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 125-130 degrees F (52-54 degrees C) for medium-rare, or 135-140 degrees F (57-60 degrees C) for medium, using a meat thermometer to check. (Internal temperature will rise an additional 5-10 degrees while resting.)
5. Once the roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes .
6. Slice the tri tip roast against the grain into thin slices. Tri tip has two different grain directions. It’s important to identify where the grain splits. Cut perpendicular to the grain on each half. (See photos above for a visual demonstration.)

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 6-7 ounces, or 1/6 entire recipe

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Grilled Tri Tip Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Tri Tip Recipe (Tender & Easy)

Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering grilled tri tip recipe. This tri tip roast is juicy, tender, and so easy to make!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/tri-tip-recipe/

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb Tri tip roast (trim any large pieces of fat)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Clean the grates of your grill or grill pan with an oiled paper towel before heating. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (~400 degrees F (204 degrees C)) for at least 10 minutes . Leave half of the burners off for indirect heat.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
3. Pat the tri tip roast dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
4. Place the tri tip on the grill over direct heat. Sear for 5 minutes , until grill marks form, then flip and sear for another 5 minutes . Then, move the roast over indirect heat (a burner that’s not turned on), close the grill and cook for about 30-40 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 125-130 degrees F (52-54 degrees C) for medium-rare, or 135-140 degrees F (57-60 degrees C) for medium, using a meat thermometer to check. (Internal temperature will rise an additional 5-10 degrees while resting.)
5. Once the roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes .
6. Slice the tri tip roast against the grain into thin slices. Tri tip has two different grain directions. It’s important to identify where the grain splits. Cut perpendicular to the grain on each half. (See photos above for a visual demonstration.)

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 6-7 ounces, or 1/6 entire recipe

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)