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
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Ingredients

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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.

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.

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