Smoked Tri-Tip with Charred Pineapple BBQ Sauce

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

Tender smoked tri-tip beef paired with a smoky-sweet charred pineapple barbecue sauce inspired by top California BBQ flavors. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 160 minutes blends tri-tip roast, kosher salt, black pepper 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 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 40 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire 2 lb tri-tip roast. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place tri-tip on the smoker grate and smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  3. Step 3: While the tri-tip smokes, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and grill 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks for 4-5 minutes until charred on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Transfer charred pineapple to a blender. Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard. Blend until smooth to create the smoky pineapple BBQ sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove tri-tip from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve sliced tri-tip drizzled with warm charred pineapple BBQ sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Tri-Tip with Charred Pineapple BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (40 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoked Tri-Tip with Charred Pineapple 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 Smoked Tri-Tip with Charred Pineapple 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 Smoked Tri-Tip with Charred Pineapple BBQ Sauce 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 with Charred Pineapple 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.

Related recipes