Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub

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

A smoky, tender tri-tip roast grilled with a robust garlic and herb rub, paying tribute to the hearty, regional flavors of the Stockton area. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 75 minutes pairs tri-tip roast, garlic cloves, minced, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 40 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to create the garlic herb rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 lbs tri-tip roast and rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over all sides. Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until a dark crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium (about 350°F), move the roast to indirect heat, and cook for another 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until an internal temperature of 130°F (medium-rare) is reached.
  5. Step 5: Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (40 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 Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic 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 Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic 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 Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic 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 Stockton Regional Grilled Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb 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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