Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip - The Food Hussy (2024)

Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip is everything a steak should be: juicy, flavorful, and drool-worthy. A reverse sear makes it even simpler to finish off – everyone will love it!

I’m really loving using my Traeger – it’s so versatile because you can use it for smoking the meat or just regular grilling. In this case – you actually use the Traeger as a smoker and a grill!

What is a Tri-Tip Steak?

The tri-tip steak is cut from the bottom sirloin cut – i.e. towards the back of the belly. Tri-tip is one of the most affordable cuts of beef but it’s also flavorful and has great marbling. It’s also tender – as long as you don’t overcook it. Here’s a great image of the grain of a Tri-tip from the Traeger site that will help you figure out how to cut against the grain.

How to season a tri-tip

I purchased a pre-seasoned tri-tip because it’s all I could find – this beef shortage is no joke! That said – I always trust using a simple beef seasoning rub like Historic BBQ Black. It’s made with gluten-free ingredients, lots of spices including salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and brown sugar.

You can also marinate your tri-tip roast – if you’re going that route – I think there’s nothing better thanPlain Chicken’s Best Ever Steak Marinade. I can’t even compete with it! (She’s a good friend too – she’s made that steak for me herself!)

How do you smoke a tri-tip on your Traeger?

Smoking is a great way to cook your tri-tip low and slow and bring out the tenderness that is just waiting to be enjoyed! This method involves doing a reverse sear – which means we’re smoking first on our Traeger pellet grill – then finishing at a high heat on the grill. Here’s how to do it:

• When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 225℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
• Season tri-tip with your favorite rub – I always use Historic BBQ
• Place tri-tip directly on the grill grate and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 120℉, this should take about 60 minutes for a 1.5-2 lb tri-tip.
  • Be sure to use your digital thermometer! It’s the best way to know without guesswork how done your meat is.
• When tri-tip reaches 120℉, pull off the grill and wrap in foil.
• Increase the Traeger temperature to 500°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. (We’re switching from Smoke to Grill here!)
• When grill comes to temperature, remove tri-tip from foil and sear for 4-6 minutes on each side.
• Tri-Tip is ready when internal temp is 130-135 for medium-rare – do not overcook this cut of steak.
• Pull off the grill and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice against the grain to serve.

Tips & Tricks

What to serve with Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip?

If you’re looking for something to top your tri-tip recipe with – you could try agourmet butter mix, carmelized mushrooms and onions or even a barbecue sauce! And if you’re looking for side dishes – I’ve got you covered there:

• Traeger Grilled Vegetables
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Herb Roasted Potatoes

Other Delicious Traeger Recipes

Be sure to check out my Traeger section on a regular basis – I just made a brisket and can’t wait to share it with you! (You can subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss anything!)

• Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
• Smoked Turkey Breast
• More Easy Traeger Recipes

Traeger Smoked Tri Tip

Traeger Smoked Tri Tip is everything a steak should be: juicy, flavorful, and drool-worthy. A reverse sear makes it even simpler to finish off – everyone will love it!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5lbCalories: 400kcalProtein: 46gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 120mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.6mg