Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tri-tip steak seasoned with a bold California-inspired dry rub, grilled to perfection with a smoky crust and juicy center. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 50 minutes pairs tri-tip roast, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp kosher salt in a small bowl to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 lbs tri-tip roast with paper towels and rub all over with 2 tbsp olive oil. Generously coat the tri-tip with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to high heat (450°F to 500°F). Place tri-tip on the grill and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a dark crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Reduce grill heat to medium (350°F), move tri-tip to indirect heat, and continue cooking covered for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tri-tip roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Tri-Tip with California BBQ Dry Rub?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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