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

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.

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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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