Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa

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

Juicy grilled tri-tip steak served with a smoky charred corn and roasted pepper salsa, celebrating California’s BBQ culture. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs tri-tip steak, olive oil, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Rub 2 lbs tri-tip steak evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 ears of husked fresh corn on the grill, turning every 2 minutes, cooking for 8-10 minutes until kernels are charred and tender. Transfer corn to a cutting board and cut kernels off the cob.
  3. Step 3: Grill 1 large red bell pepper and 1 small seeded jalapeño pepper whole for 5-7 minutes until skin is blistered and blackened. Place peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes, then peel skins off and finely chop.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine charred corn kernels, chopped roasted red bell pepper, chopped jalapeño, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Grill tri-tip steak for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  6. Step 6: Serve sliced tri-tip steak topped with the charred corn and roasted pepper salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa?

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 steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa?

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 Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tri-Tip Steak with Charred Corn and Roasted Pepper Salsa?

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.

Related recipes