Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice Rub

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

Tender smoked tri-tip beef rubbed with a blend of warm spices and herbs, reflecting the celebrated BBQ styles found in California. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 195 minutes pairs tri-tip beef roast, paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp kosher salt to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry a 2.5 lb tri-tip beef roast with paper towels and rub evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat all sides generously with the prepared spice rub.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups applewood chips to generate smoke. Place the tri-tip on the smoker grate away from direct heat.
  4. Step 4: Smoke the tri-tip for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until an internal temperature of 135°F (medium rare) is reached, checking the temperature with a meat probe.
  5. Step 5: Remove the tri-tip from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 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 Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice 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 beef roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice 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 Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice 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 Smoked Tri-Tip Barbecue with California Spice 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.

Related recipes