The Best Tri Tip Marinade

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful tri tip steak that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, then this Best Tri Tip Marinade is exactly what you need. This marinade takes your tri tip to the next level, infusing it with rich flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for more. We’re talking a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes, plus just the right balance of herbs and spices to make your meat sing. The best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients.

Trust me, this marinade is the secret to perfectly seasoned tri tip every time. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or cooking on the stovetop, this marinade ensures your tri tip is bursting with flavor from edge to edge. If you want a steak that’s both tender and full of rich, bold flavors, this marinade is your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love The Best Tri Tip Marinade

Flavor-packed: The marinade combines the right balance of acidity, savory, and smokiness to infuse your meat with incredible flavor.

Tenderizes the meat: The marinade helps break down the muscle fibers in the meat, making it incredibly tender and juicy once cooked.

Easy and Quick: No need to fuss with complicated ingredients—just whisk together the ingredients and let the meat marinate for a few hours.

Versatile: You can use this marinade not just for tri tip, but also for other cuts of beef, chicken, or even pork.

Grill or Oven-friendly: This marinade is perfect for grilling, roasting, or even pan-searing, so you can use it no matter how you plan to cook your tri tip.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in The Best Tri Tip Marinade

Olive Oil: The base of the marinade, helping to coat the meat and lock in moisture during cooking.

Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor to the marinade, making the tri tip perfectly seasoned.

Balsamic Vinegar: The slight tang of balsamic vinegar enhances the overall flavor profile and tenderizes the meat.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a fragrant, savory kick that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the tangy and savory flavors, creating a well-rounded marinade.

Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice helps break down the meat fibers for tenderness while adding a bright, zesty flavor.

Dried Rosemary: For a herby, earthy note that complements the rich flavors of the tri tip.

Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to balance out the other flavors.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick.

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Tri Tip

Place the tri tip in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tri tip, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

Step 3: Preheat and Cook

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If grilling, cook the tri tip for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness (for medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F). If roasting, cook in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain for the most tender results. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including marinating time)

How to Serve The Best Tri Tip

With Roasted Vegetables: Pair this tri tip with a side of roasted potatoes, carrots, or green beans for a complete meal.

On a Salad: Slice the tri tip thinly and serve it on top of a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

With Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect complement to the smoky flavors of the tri tip.

Sandwiches: Slice the cooked tri tip thinly and serve it on a crusty bun with your favorite condiments for a delicious sandwich.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the tri tip rest after cooking is crucial for keeping the juices inside. A quick rest helps it stay tender and flavorful.

Make It Ahead: You can make the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to marinate the tri tip for at least 2 hours before cooking.

Grill vs. Oven: While grilling adds a smoky flavor, roasting in the oven gives the meat a nice crust while staying tender inside. Both methods work great!

Cut Against the Grain: Always slice the tri tip against the grain to ensure it stays tender.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use this marinade for other meats?
A1: Yes! This marinade works wonderfully for beef, chicken, and even pork. It will add incredible flavor to any cut of meat.

Q2: How long should I marinate the tri tip?
A2: For best results, marinate the tri tip for at least 2 hours. However, marinating it overnight will give you a more flavorful and tender roast.

Q3: Can I freeze the marinade?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the marinade for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using it on your tri tip.

Q4: How can I make the marinade spicier?
A4: Add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I cook the tri tip in a slow cooker?
A5: While the slow cooker isn’t the best method for a crispy, grilled exterior, you can cook your marinated tri tip in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for a super tender, fall-apart meal.

Q6: Can I use a tri tip steak instead of a roast?
A6: Absolutely! If using tri tip steak, cook it over medium-high heat on the grill or stovetop for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Q7: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried rosemary?
A7: Yes! You can use fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon), or try other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.

Q8: Can I marinate the tri tip for more than 24 hours?
A8: It’s best not to marinate the meat for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

Q9: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A9: Store leftover tri tip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q10: How can I reheat leftover tri tip?
A10: To reheat, warm the tri tip in a low oven (300°F) until heated through. You can also slice it and briefly heat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Conclusion

This Best Tri Tip Marinade is a total game-changer for your beef recipes. It’s simple, flavorful, and elevates the tri tip to a whole new level. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing, this marinade ensures your tri tip will be juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s the best!

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