Grilled Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb Rub

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

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Juicy tri-tip steak grilled over smoky charcoals and seasoned with a fragrant herb rub inspired by California Bay regional flavors. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs tri-tip roast, dried bay leaves, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground dried bay leaves, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to create the herb rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 lbs tri-tip roast with paper towels, then rub evenly all over with 2 tbsp olive oil followed by the prepared herb rub, pressing to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear for 5 minutes per side until a crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Move the tri-tip to indirect heat, cover, and grill for an additional 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare is reached.
  5. Step 5: Remove the tri-tip from the grill, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with seasonal grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb 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 Grilled Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb 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 Grilled Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb 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 Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb 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 Tri-Tip with Smoky California Bay Herb Rub?

American beef 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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