Learn how long to smoke tri tip and secrets for making your smoked beef meat tender and flavorful. In this post, we’ll share with you how to smoke tri tip at different temperatures (such as 225°F or 180°F) so that you’ll cook your smoked tri tip to perfection every time.

Overcooked tri tip roast or steak is dry and chewy, while undercooked meat can be unsafe. Achieving the perfect smoked tri tip requires careful attention to cooking time and temperature.

What Is Tri Tip?

Tri tip is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin area. It’s known for its rich marbling and robust flavor. 

You can prepare this versatile cut using various cooking methods, including smoking, grilling, and roasting.

What Size Tri Tip Is Best For Smoking?

When smoking tri tip, it’s best to select a cut that is large enough to retain its juiciness during the cooking process. 

Aim for a tri tip that weighs around 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, as this size is ideal for smoking and ensures even cooking.

How To Prepare Tri Tip For Smoking

• Start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the tri tip, leaving a thin layer to enhance flavor and juiciness. 
• Season the meat with your preferred dry rub or marinade, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight to enhance the flavor.

Best Temp For Smoking Tri Tip

Smoking tri tip requires maintaining a steady temperature throughout the cooking process. The recommended temperature range for smoking tri tip is between 180°F and 250°F. Within this range, you can achieve a deliciously smoked tri tip with varying levels of tenderness and flavor.

How To Smoke Tri Tip

To smoke tri tip, you will need a smoker or grill with the ability to maintain a consistent temperature. Below are the step-by-step instructions.

• Preheat your smoker or grill to the desired temperature.
• Place the tri tip directly on the grates or use a wire rack to elevate it slightly.
• Close the lid and let the meat smoke undisturbed for the majority of the cooking time.
• Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Once the tri tip reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker or grill.
• Let the tri tip rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips And Tricks

• Use hardwood chips or chunks, such as oak, hickory, or mesquite, to impart smoky flavors to the tri tip.
• Baste the tri tip during the cooking process to keep it moist.
• Let the tri tip rest after smoking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will give you a more tender and flavorful meat.

How Long To Smoke Tri Tip

The cooking time for smoked tri tip can vary depending on the temperature you choose. Below are the estimated cooking times for different smoking temperatures.

How Long To Smoke Tri Tip At 180

At a lower temperature like 180°F (82°C), you can expect to smoke a tri tip for about 2.5 to 3 hours. This longer cooking time at a lower temperature allows for a more gentle and gradual cooking process, resulting in a more tender and juicy tri tip.

How Long To Smoke Tri Tip At 225

When smoking tri-tip at 225°F (107°C), the cooking time is around 1.5 to 2 hours. This temperature strikes a balance between tenderness and efficiency, producing a tri tip with a delicious smoky flavor.

How Long To Smoke Tri Tip At 250

At a slightly higher temperature of 250°F (121°C), smoking tri-tip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The increased heat shortens the cooking time while still yielding a flavorful and succulent meat.

Tri Tip Internal Temp

To ensure that your tri-tip is cooked to perfection, you’ll need to monitor its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. 

For medium-rare tri-tip, the ideal internal temperature is around 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will rise a few degrees during the resting period after cooking. Here is a complete chart showing the internal temperature for tri tip for each doneness:

Doneness	Description	Internal Temp When Removed from Heat	Final Internal Temp
Rare	Cool red center	120°F (48°C)	125°F (50°C)
Medium rare	Warm red center	130°F (54°C)	135°F (57°C)
Medium	Warm pink center	140°F (60°C)	145°F (63°C)
Medium well	Pale pink center	150°F (66°C)	155°F (68°C)
Well done	Little or no pink	155°F (68°C)	160°F (71°C)

How To Serve Tri Tip

After smoking the tri-tip to your desired doneness, make sure to let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the meat to retain its juices and enhances the overall tenderness. 

Once rested, slice the tri-tip against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Tri-tip pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Below are some of our favorites to complement the rich flavors of smoked tri-tip:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold and robust red wine matches the richness of the tri tip, with its dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.
• Syrah/Shiraz: Known for its spicy and peppery notes, Syrah/Shiraz provides a perfect accompaniment to the smokiness of the tri-tip.
• Zinfandel: With its jammy fruit flavors and medium to full body, Zinfandel adds a touch of sweetness and complements the savory flavors of the smoked tri-tip.

FAQs

What is the average cooking time for smoked tri-tip roast?

The average cooking time for smoked tri-tip ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the temperature used.

How long should I smoke a tri-tip on a charcoal grill?

When using a charcoal grill, you can follow the same temperature and cooking time guidelines mentioned above.

What is the estimated smoking time for a tri-tip in an electric smoker?

The smoking time for tri tip can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the cut, the smoker’s temperature, and personal preference. As a general guideline, smoking a tri tip in an electric smoker at a temperature of around 225°F (107°C) will take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Should I smoke tri tip at 225 or 250?

Both temperatures can yield excellent results, but it’s note that higher temperatures can shorten the overall cooking time. Smoking tri tip at 225°F (107°C) will result in a slightly longer cook, while smoking it at 250°F (121°C) will be faster but may result in a slightly different texture.

Should I smoke tri tip at 180 or 225?

It depends on your personal preference and how much time you are budgeting. You can smoke your tri tip at a lower temperature of 180°F (82°C), and it will significantly increase the cooking time. 

The majority of recipes and experienced smokers recommend a temperature of 225°F (107°C) as it provides a good balance between tenderness and a reasonable cooking time.