How Long To Cook Tri Tip On Traeger At 350? Traeger grills are known for their amazing wood-fired flavors, which make cooking tri tip a breeze! With the right temperature, you can achieve an incredibly tender piece of meat that will be packed with flavor. But how long should you cook your tri tip on Traeger at 350 degrees? Here we’ll delve into the details to help get you started so you can enjoy this delicious cut of beef every time.
What Is Tri Tip And Why Is It Popular?
Tri Tip is a popular cut of beef that originates from the bottom sirloin area. It is cut into triangular shapes from the bottom sirloin primal cut and usually has a thick, flavorful fat cap. It’s usually about two to three pounds and is known for its intensely beefy flavor. This cut has become popular in recent years, thanks largely to its versatility – it can be grilled, smoked, or roasted.
It’s valued for its excellent flavor, tenderness, and versatility being used in everything from barbeques to fajitas. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive when compared to other cuts of steak. This makes it a great choice for weeknight meals or large dinner parties.
What Is Traeger?
Traeger is a leading brand of grills, smokers, and wood pellet fired grills. Most home cooks know Traeger as a brand of outdoor grills that use wood pellets for fuel. Unlike traditional charcoal or gas grills, Traeger’s use pellets made from hardwood and are powered by an electric auger that moves the pellets into the fire chamber. These grills cook food using indirect heat, meaning the firebox is off to one side, and the grill grates are over an indirect heat source.
This way of cooking gives you precise control over temperature and smoke production for perfectly cooked food every time. The result is amazing smoky flavor without direct flame flare-ups or charring from high temperatures. Plus, the Traeger platform is incredibly user-friendly and allows you to keep track of your cook times with its WiFIRE® technology. It is relatively easy to use and maintain.
Why Cook Tri Tip On Traeger At 350?
Cooking your Tri Tip on Traeger at 350 degrees is a great way to ensure the best flavor and texture for its ease of use, precise temperature control and wood-fired flavor. The temperature control of Traeger makes it simple to get consistent heat, resulting in even cooking throughout the entire piece of meat. This method of cooking allows the lower temperatures to break down connective tissue in the meat, making it incredibly tender and juicy for a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Plus, since this cut is relatively lean and leaner cuts can dry out quickly, the 350 degree temperature helps to keep it juicy. Plus, you can easily adjust the temperature up or down as needed to create different textures and flavors in your food.
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Factors That Affect Cooking Time Of Tri Tip On Traeger At 350
When cooking Tri Tip on a Traeger at 350, there are several factors that can affect the cook time. The size of the piece of meat is one of the main factors to take into consideration – larger pieces will take longer than smaller ones. Next, the fat content of your Tri-Tip will also influence your cooking time – fattier pieces will require more time to cook. Additionally, the thickness of your Tri Tip is also a factor – thicker pieces will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Finally, opening the lid often can cause fluctuations in temperature that can affect the total cook time.
In conclusion, cooking your perfect Tri-Tip on Traeger at 350 degrees is a great way to get juicy, flavorful and tender meat with minimal effort from you. This method of cooking will give you precise temperature control to get just the perfect results with each and every cook. Plus, the wood-fired flavor adds a great depth of flavor that elevates your cuts of steak to a whole new level. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering this beloved cut of beef!
How Long To Cook Tri Tip On Traeger At 350?
For optimal flavor, texture and juicy results, Tri Tip should be cooked on Traeger at 350 for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound. It is important to keep in mind that your cooking time may vary depending on factors such as the size of the cut, fat content, thickness of the meat and how often you open the lid while cooking. To ensure your Tri Tip is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should read between 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
How To Select A Great Tri Tip?
It is important to select a great Tri Tip for the best results when cooking on a Traeger. The right cut of Tri Tip should be firm and plump, with evenly distributed fat marbling throughout the meat. Additionally, it should be deep red in color and have minimal fat on the outside edges – this means it hasn’t been trimmed too much and you’ll still get that delicious beefy flavor.
Next , the fat should not have any yellowing tints – this could indicate the meat is no longer fresh. Also, it should be uniform in size with no overly thin parts – this will help ensure even cooking times throughout the piece of meat. Finally, feel the meat – it should have some give and be slightly bouncy but not too soft or hard. Trust your sense of smell – if it smells sweet and fresh, then you know you have a good cut.
Now that you know how to select a great Tri Tip and how to cook it on Traeger at 350 degrees, you’re ready to create some mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and friends!
Preparing The Tri Tip For Cooking
The art of preparing a succulent, mouth-watering tri tip for cooking is a culinary adventure that everyone deserves to experience. Before embarking on this delectable journey, the tri tip needs a tender touch and a keen eye to ensure it is seasoned to perfection., leaving your taste buds craving for more. The art of preparing tri tip begins by choosing a beautiful, well-marbled piece of meat, ensuring a deliciously robust flavor. The next step is to carefully trim any excess fat and silver skin, which would otherwise hinder optimal seasoning penetration and create an unpleasant chewiness.
Once the trimming is complete, carefully concoct your signature blend of spices to awaken the taste buds and create beautiful harmony on your plate. Generously coat the tri tip with a delectable spice rub or marinade that suits your preference, allowing it to rest and absorb the flavors for at least an hour, or overnight for even better results. Finally, don’t forget to let the meat reach room temperature before cooking, ensuring an even and perfectly cooked tri tip that will surely impress your friends and family.
Setting Up Traeger Grill For Cooking Tri Tip
The experience of cooking a perfectly juicy and tender tri-tip on a Traeger grill is an absolute delight for any culinary enthusiast. Professional-grade grilling meets unmatched flavor when you take the time to carefully set up your Traeger grill for this prime cut of meat. Start by preheating your grill to the ideal temperature, typically around 225°F for slow, even cooking. Once properly heated, ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent any unwanted flavors from interfering with the natural essence of the tri-tip.
As you let the aromatic hardwood pellets from the Traeger infuse the meat with a smoky richness, closely monitor the internal temperature of the tri-tip, usually aiming for 130°F for medium rare. The patience and precision dedicated to setting up your Traeger grill for cooking a tri-tip will be rewarded with the irresistible taste and texture that only this grill can produce.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Cook Tri Tip On Traeger At 350 Degrees
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F, ensuring the temperature is set correctly and evenly distributed so every inch of the Tri Tip will be cooked thoroughly.
- Place your room-temperature Tri Tip on the preheated grill grates and close the lid, allowing it to cook for 10 minutes before flipping it over.
- Flip the Tri Tip and close the lid, continuing to cook for another 10 minutes or until your desired doneness is achieved (for medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness. Enjoy!
With this guide, you are now ready to explore the limitless possibilities of cooking Tri Tip on Traeger at 350°F and create delicious dishes your family and friends will love. Now go forth and enjoy the art of cooking a succulent tri tip the way it should be cooked – slow, low, and with lots of love!
Tips On How To Achieve Perfectly Cooked Tri Tip
Every chef has their own special technique for achieving the perfect Tri Tip. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with a well-marbled cut of meat that is properly trimmed and seasoned with your favorite rub or marinade.
- Make sure to let the Tri Tip rest at room temperature before cooking, as this will ensure even and optimal cooking.
- Aim for a low and slow temperature when cooking, usually around 225°F on your Traeger grill for maximum flavor.
- Monitor the internal temperature closely to achieve your desired doneness – usually 130°F for medium rare.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle and create a juicy, tender Tri Tip.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and enjoy!
Happy grilling! With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to creating unforgettable meals with perfectly cooked Tri Tip.
How To Resting And Slicing The Tri Tip?
For those seeking to create a truly delectable Tri Tip dish, understanding how to rest and slice the meat is of utmost importance. This revered cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture, requires a unique approach to ensure the most satisfying culinary results. Once the meat has reached its desired degree of doneness, allowing it to rest for approximately 10-15 minutes is highly recommended. This resting period enables the redistribution of juices within the meat, which ultimately enhances its succulence and flavor.
The final, and perhaps most critical, step in preparing Tri Tip involves slicing it against the grain. This will make each piece more tender and easier to cut. With a sharp knife, make thin cuts at an angle, perpendicular to the visible muscle fibers or grain, to maximize tenderness and elevate the dining experience to new heights. By paying close attention to resting and slicing, savvy home chefs can transform an ordinary meal into a triumphant masterpiece that showcases the true potential of this highly-prized cut of beef.
What To Serve With Tri Tip?
When it comes to hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a delicious meal, choosing the perfect side dishes to serve with your tantalizing tri-tip is essential. Elevate your dining experience by thoughtfully pairing your tender, juicy tri tip with side dishes that complement and enhance the flavors of the meat. Explore options such as:
- Grilled vegetables: Richly-seasoned grilled veggies, such as asparagus or bell peppers, can add a flavorful contrast to your tri tip.
- Baked potatoes: A classic and comforting side dish that absorbs the delicious flavors of the marinade and seasoning.
- Grains: Serve alongside wild rice, quinoa, or farro for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Salads: Try creating a flavorful side salad with garden-fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
- Baked beans: An excellent accompaniment to smoky tri tip that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Sauces: Don’t forget to include a variety of sauces and dips, such as pesto or chimichurri, for added flavor.
- Desserts: Finish off your meal with a sweet treat such as homemade ice cream, berry cobbler, or creme brulee.
With these delightful pairings, you can craft an unforgettable culinary experience that truly celebrates the flavorful potential of tri tip.
No matter what side dishes you choose to serve alongside your perfectly cooked tri tip, your guests will be impressed with the flavorful results.
Some Sauce You Can Make
When it comes to serving mouthwatering tri tip, having a delicious sauce or dip on hand can take your dish to the next level. Explore the possibilities with these flavorful and easy-to-make sauces that are sure to please even the most discerning palates:
- Chimichurri Sauce: A piquant and herby condiment made with a combination of fresh ingredients, such as parsley, garlic, oregano, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy and flavorful green sauce that is perfect for spicing up grilled meats. Just blend together tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro and lime juice for a zesty topping.
- Garlic Aioli: Spice up your tri-tip with the creamy goodness of this classic garlic condiment. Simply blend together mayonnaise, fresh garlic and lemon juice for an unforgettable flavor experience.
- Mustard BBQ Sauce: Whip up a simple and smoky sauce to go alongside your tri tip by combining ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pesto: Prepare a classic Italian pesto made with fresh basil, parsley, garlic and pine nuts to add an herbal twist to your dish.
- Red Wine Reduction: Make a simple, yet sophisticated sauce by combining ingredients such as red wine, garlic and shallots in a pan and reducing it until thickened.
Whether you prefer something sweet, spicy or tangy, these sauces are sure to add the perfect finishing touch to any grilled meal. Experiment with different flavors and have fun creating unique and tasty combinations for your next dinner party.
By taking the time to perfect your cooking technique and thoughtfully selecting delicious sides and sauces, you can make sure that every dish you serve is a memorable experience that tantalizes the taste buds and delights your guests.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cooking Tri Tip On Traeger At 350
- Overcooking: Remember that tri tip is best cooked medium-rare. If you overcook it, the meat can become tough and dry.
- Not allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking: Allow your tri tip to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help ensure that the outside of the meat cooks faster and more evenly while preventing cold spots in the center of your steak.
- Not using enough seasoning: Make sure to season your tri tip generously with salt and pepper before cooking. To add an extra layer of flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs or garlic powder into the mix.
- Not preheating the Traeger: Preheat your Traeger grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking your tri tip. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and for the ideal amount of time.
- Not letting the tri tip rest: Once your steak is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier cut of steak.
- Not finishing with a delicious sauce or glaze: After you’ve cooked your tri tip, top it off with a flavorful sauce or glaze to take the meal to the next level. Whether you opt for chimichurri, pesto or something else entirely, you won’t regret taking this extra step.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your tri tip turns out juicy and flavorful each and every time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook up a delicious meal with ease!
How To Store Leftover Tri Tip?
Once you’ve cooked your tri-tip, it’s important to store the leftovers properly. To do this, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze your leftovers for up to six months.
If freezing, be sure to wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag before storing. When ready to eat, thaw the tri tip in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or oven. With these storage tips, you can make sure that your tri tip stays fresh until your next meal.
Alternative Cooking Methods For Tri Tip
If you don’t have a Traeger grill or would like to explore alternative cooking methods, there are several ways to cook tri tip.
- Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and roast for approximately 25 minutes per pound. To ensure that the meat cooks evenly, use a thermometer to check the temperature of the steak in multiple areas.
- Sous Vide: For an even more precise cooking method, try sous vide. Place the tri tip in a vacuum sealed bag and cook in a water bath at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three hours.
- Grilling: Fire up your grill and season the steak as desired. Grill on medium-high heat for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Smoking: Preheat your smoker to 220 degrees Fahrenheit and smoke for approximately 30 minutes per pound. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the steak with a thermometer to ensure that it is cooked through.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Season the tri tip and sear on each side for five minutes, or until it is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Braising: For a more tender cut of steak, try braising. Place the tri tip in a roasting pan with beef stock and cover with foil. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately two hours, or until it is fork-tender.
- Pressure Cooking: To speed up the cooking process, try using a pressure cooker. Place the tri tip in your pressure cooker with one cup of beef broth and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to let your tri tip rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. With these guidelines, you can create delicious dishes that everyone will love!
FAQs
Can I cook tri tip on a Traeger grill indoors?
Yes, you can cook tri tip on a Traeger grill indoors. Be sure to ventilate the room properly and follow all safety instructions included with your Traeger grill.
How long should I cook tri tip for?
The cooking time for tri tip will depend on the size of the steak and your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, cook your steak for approximately 25 minutes per pound.
Do I need to marinate tri tip?
No, you don’t have to marinate tri tip. However, if desired, you can marinate the steak in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use a tri-tip on a Traeger grill if it’s frozen?
Yes, you can use a tri-tip on a Traeger grill if it’s frozen. However, the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.
How can I prevent my tri-tip from getting too brown?
An easy way to prevent your tri-tip from getting too brown is by using the indirect grilling method. With this method, you’ll cook the steak away from the direct heat of your grill to reduce the risk of it charring or burning.
Do you cook tri-tip fast or slow?
The best way to cook tri-tip is by using a combination of both fast and slow cooking methods. For example, you could start with searing the steak over high heat for a few minutes and then finish it off in the oven at a lower temperature for an even cook.
Do I need to wrap my leftovers before freezing?
Yes, it’s important to wrap your leftovers before freezing. This will help keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn.
Does tri-tip get tender the longer you cook it?
Generally, the longer you cook tri-tip the more tender it will become. Braising is an excellent way to create a softer piece of meat.
Can I substitute beef broth for water when cooking tri-tip?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth for water when cooking tri-tip. This will give your steak a more flavorful and succulent texture.
Why is my tri-tip roast tough?
If your tri-tip roast is tough, it could be because you’ve overcooked it. Overcooking can cause the proteins in the meat to contract, making it difficult to chew. To ensure this doesn’t happen, try using a thermometer and cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. Additionally, be sure to let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help keep it juicy and tender.
Conclusion
Cooking Tri Tip on Traeger smoker at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is an easy and simple way to get your tri tip cooked just right. Serving up a juicy, tender piece of meat that is full of flavor is an easy accomplishment with Traeger Barbecue. The best part about it? You can do it all from the comfort of your own backyard! So there’s no need to heat up your home kitchen or set aside extra time for barbecue trips away from your home.
This method of cooking Tri Tip at 350 deg F typically takes anywhere from twenty minutes to around an hour-and-a-half depending on the preferences you have in mind. Don’t forget to let the meat rest afterwards to allow it to redistribute its juices and take advantage of every bit of flavor throughout your final meal. All things considered, using your Traeger smokers should make it easy enough for anyone looking to BBQ tri tip at home!
I’m Calvert Carlson, and I’m a barbecue chef. I’ve been blogging about my recipes for magazines and online cooking publications for years now. My expertise is smoking meat and grilling recipes, and people often ask me for tips.
I love to cook outdoors on my smoker or grill – there’s just something about the taste of smoked or grilled meat that can’t be beat.
Thanks for reading!