Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style Dry Rub

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

Smoky grilled tri-tip steak seasoned with a bold dry rub inspired by Raider Nation flavors, perfect for a Father's Day game day feast. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 70 minutes pairs pounds tri-tip roast, paprika, brown sugar 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: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon chili powder to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 pounds tri-tip roast and rub the 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the meat. Generously coat the tri-tip with the dry rub mixture, pressing it into the surface. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear for 5 minutes per side to develop a crust.
  4. Step 4: Move the tri-tip to indirect heat and continue grilling for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove the tri-tip from the grill and brush it with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to add brightness. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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 Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style 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 pounds tri-tip roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style 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 Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style 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 Grilled BBQ Tri-Tip with Raider-Style 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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