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Contents
Introduction
When it comes to grilling, mastering the 3 lb tri tip is a game-changer. Seriously, nothing beats that smoky flavor and juicy texture that only a perfectly grilled tri-tip can deliver. But here’s the question: how long to cook 3 lb tri tip on grill? Let’s break down everything, from ingredients to grilling techniques, so you can serve up a delicious meal that’ll impress your friends and family.
Ingredients

To get started, we need to gather those essential ingredients. Here’s a quick look at what I found across three fantastic sources:
Link1: The Kitchn
– Tri-tip (3 lb)
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder
– Optional: red wine vinegar for marinating
Link2: Hey Grill Hey
– Tri-tip (3 lb)
– Steak seasoning
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Optional: Worcestershire sauce
Link3: AllRecipes
– Tri-tip (3 lb)
– Soy sauce
– Brown sugar
– Pepper
– Optional: Your favorite barbecue sauce for slathering afterwards
Mixed and matched, this lineup of ingredients is going to elevate your grilling game. Use a marinade, dry rub, or both to really make that tri-tip shine.
Preparation Steps

Marinating the Tri-Tip
Marinating is the secret weapon for tenderizing your tri-tip. Here’s how to do it:
1. From Link1: Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Allow the tri-tip to marinate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for flavor!
2. From Link2: Use steak seasoning for a bold flavor. A simple coat of Worcestershire sauce can also do wonders if you’re short on time.
3. From Link3: A blend of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a sweet-savory marinade. Let it soak in for at least an hour.
Seasoning the Tri-Tip
After marinating, it’s time to season up! Here’s what I recommend:
1. Sprinkle a generous amount of spices all over—don’t skimp!
2. Feel free to taste-test your favorite spice combinations to suit your palate.
Grilling Instructions
Now onto grilling techniques! I’m super excited to share these key steps that will surely give you a flavorful tri-tip every time.
Grilling Techniques
– Link1 emphasizes preheating the grill to medium-high heat at about 450°F.
– Link2 provides a fantastic tip: sear one side for about 5-7 minutes before flipping it.
– Link3 suggests keeping the lid closed during cooking. This helps lock in those juicy flavors.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
This is where it gets a bit tricky, but here’s the scoop:
– For a 3 lb tri-tip, I usually estimate about 1.5 hours of grilling time if you’re going for medium-rare (135°F) or medium (145°F).
– Flip the tri-tip every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Reference the cooking time from The Kitchn.
– That internal temperature is key! A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Stick it into the thickest part of the meat; trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Tri-Tip
Alright, you’ve grilled it to perfection. But hold up, don’t dive right in! You need to let that meat rest.
Resting the Meat
– Link1 suggests letting it rest for about 10 minutes. This makes all the difference. The juices will redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
– Link2 and Link3 agree: if you skip resting, risk a dry tri-tip. No one wants that!
Serving Suggestions
After resting, it’s time to slice up that beauty:
– Link1 recommends slicing against the grain to ensure tenderness.
– Link2 suggests serving with some barbecue sauce for that extra touch.
– Link3 is all about plate presentation; add some grilled veggies for color and nutrients!
Conclusion
So there you go! Now you know how long to cook 3 lb tri tip on grill, along with killer tips and flavorful ingredients. I’d love to hear how your tri-tip turns out! Drop a comment below, share your BBQ pics, or explore more exciting recipes at Smokerestaurant.com.