Grilling Tri Tip On Gas Grill: Perfect Timing Guide

Looking to whip up a perfectly grilled tri tip on your gas grill? Wondering how long it takes to achieve that juicy, tender goodness? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll dive right into the answer, while guiding you through the process of grilling tri tip to mouthwatering perfection on your trusty gas grill. So, how long to grill tri tip on a gas grill? Let’s get started and uncover the secret to a sizzling success!

How Long to Grill Tri Tip on Gas Grill

Grilling tri tip on a gas grill can be a delicious and rewarding experience. However, the key to a perfectly cooked tri tip lies in knowing how long to grill it. The cooking time can vary depending on factors such as the size of the tri tip, the desired level of doneness, and the temperature of your gas grill. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of grilling tri tip on a gas grill, including the ideal cooking times and techniques to achieve a juicy and flavorful result.

Understanding Tri Tip

Before we dive into the grilling process, let’s take a moment to understand what tri tip is. Tri tip is a flavorful and triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin region of the cow. It is a relatively lean and tender cut, packed with rich marbling that adds to its succulence. Tri tip is known for its robust beefy flavor and versatility in cooking methods, making it a popular choice for grilling enthusiasts.

Prepping the Tri Tip

Properly prepping your tri tip is crucial for achieving a delicious outcome on the grill. Follow these steps to ensure your tri tip is ready to be cooked:

1. Start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the tri tip. Leaving a thin layer of fat can enhance flavor and juiciness during cooking.
2. Next, season the tri tip generously with your desired rub or marinade. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors. Popular choices include garlic, salt, pepper, and various herbs and spices.
3. Cover the seasoned tri tip and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
4. Remove the tri tip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat.

Gas Grill Setup

Before grilling your tri tip, it’s essential to set up your gas grill properly to achieve optimal results. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your gas grill is clean and free from any debris or residue.
2. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). This initial high heat will sear the tri tip, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.
3. If your gas grill has multiple burners, turn off one side and leave the other side on. This will create a two-zone cooking setup, allowing you to sear the tri tip on the direct heat side and finish cooking it on the indirect heat side.

Cooking the Tri Tip

Now comes the exciting part – grilling the tri tip to perfection. The cooking time for tri tip on a gas grill can vary depending on the size of the cut and the desired level of doneness. Here’s a general guideline to help you achieve your preferred doneness:

Medium-Rare (135°F to 140°F or 57°C to 60°C)

For a medium-rare tri tip, follow these steps:

1. Place the seasoned tri tip directly over the high heat side of the grill.
2. Sear the tri tip for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until a crust forms and it releases easily from the grill grates.
3. Once seared, move the tri tip to the indirect heat side of the grill and continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C).
4. Remove the tri tip from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Medium (145°F to 150°F or 63°C to 66°C)

If you prefer a medium tri tip, slightly adjust the cooking time:

1. Follow the same steps for searing the tri tip over high heat for about 5 minutes per side.
2. Move the tri tip to the indirect heat side of the grill and continue cooking for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C).
3. Allow the tri tip to rest before slicing to maximize tenderness and juiciness.

Medium-Well (150°F to 155°F or 66°C to 68°C)

For a medium-well tri tip, adjust the cooking time accordingly:

1. Follow the initial searing steps over high heat, approximately 5 minutes per side.
2. Move the tri tip to the indirect heat side and continue cooking for about 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F to 155°F (66°C to 68°C).
3. Remember to let the tri tip rest before slicing to retain its juiciness.

Well-Done (160°F or 71°C and above)

If you prefer your tri tip well-done, here’s how to achieve it:

1. Follow the searing steps over high heat for about 5 minutes per side.
2. Move the tri tip to the indirect heat side of the grill and continue cooking for approximately 30-35 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and above.
3. Allow the tri tip to rest before slicing.

Slicing and Serving

Once your tri tip has rested, it’s time to slice and serve it. Slicing tri tip against the grain is crucial to ensure tenderness. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the direction of the grain by identifying the lines of muscle fibers running through the meat.
2. Slice the tri tip perpendicular to these lines, creating thin slices of meat.
3. Arrange the sliced tri tip on a serving platter, and feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce.

Now, sit back, indulge in the juicy and flavorsome tri tip, and enjoy the fruits of your grilling expertise!

Remember, these cooking times are guidelines, and individual grills and cuts of tri tip may vary. It’s always best to use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your tri tip reaches the desired level of doneness. Experiment with different flavors and techniques to find your perfect grilling method. Happy grilling!

Tri-Tip on the Frontage Gas Grill! Reversed Seared! Pit Patriot!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I grill tri tip on a gas grill?

The recommended grilling time for tri tip on a gas grill is approximately 25-30 minutes for medium-rare or 30-35 minutes for medium. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium.

What factors can affect the grilling time for tri tip on a gas grill?

The grilling time for tri tip on a gas grill can be influenced by several factors. The thickness of the meat is a significant factor, as thicker cuts will require more time to cook. The initial temperature of the tri tip before grilling also plays a role. Starting with a colder piece of meat will extend the grilling time. Additionally, outdoor weather conditions, such as wind or cold temperatures, can affect the overall cooking time.

Should I use direct or indirect heat when grilling tri tip on a gas grill?

It is recommended to use a combination of direct and indirect heat when grilling tri tip on a gas grill. Start by searing the tri tip over high heat for a few minutes on each side to develop a flavorful crust. Then, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to continue cooking it indirectly. This method helps achieve a nicely seared exterior and a juicy, evenly cooked interior.

What is the best temperature to set my gas grill for grilling tri tip?

To grill tri tip on a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat, which is around 375-400°F (190-205°C). This initial high heat is ideal for searing the meat to create a caramelized crust. After searing, adjust the heat to medium or medium-low to continue cooking the tri tip indirectly until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Final Thoughts

When grilling tri tip on a gas grill, it is important to follow the right cooking time to achieve a perfectly tender and juicy result. Generally, it takes about 25-30 minutes to grill a tri tip on a gas grill. To achieve a medium-rare temperature of 135°F, preheat the grill to high heat and then sear the tri tip for 5-7 minutes on each side. After searing, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes until the desired doneness is reached. Remember to let the tri tip rest for a few minutes before slicing. So, when wondering how long to grill tri tip on a gas grill, these guidelines will help you achieve a delicious outcome.