Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce

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

Juicy grilled tri-tip steak infused with a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce, inspired by the celebrated BBQ flavors of Bakersfield. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes blends tri-tip steak, olive oil, ketchup into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and set aside as the BBQ sauce.
  2. Step 2: Rub 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over 2 lbs tri-tip steak, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place tri-tip steak on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, brushing generously with the chipotle BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes to build a smoky glaze.
  4. Step 4: Remove steak from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with remaining chipotle BBQ sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce?

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 Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce 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 Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce?

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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