Perfectly Grilled Tri Tip: How Long To Cook On Gas Grill

Looking to grill the perfect tri tip on your gas grill? Wondering how long it takes to achieve that juicy, mouthwatering goodness? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process and provide you with the ideal cooking time for your tri tip on a gas grill. From prep to finish, we’ll ensure that your tri tip turns out tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. So, let’s dive in and discover exactly how long to cook tri tip on a gas grill for that ultimate grilling success.

How Long to Cook Tri Tip on a Gas Grill

Tri-tip is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. However, getting the cooking time just right can be a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to cook tri tip to perfection on a gas grill. From preparation to grilling techniques, we have you covered!

Preparing the Tri Tip

Before diving into the grilling process, it’s important to properly prepare the tri tip. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:

1. Trim Excess Fat: Tri tip often has a layer of fat on the surface. While some fat adds flavor, excessive fat can lead to flare-ups on the grill. It’s best to trim the fat to about ¼ inch thickness.
2. Seasoning: Seasoning is key to enhancing the taste of the tri tip. You can go with a simple salt and pepper rub or get creative with your favorite seasoning blend. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly spread across all sides of the meat.
3. Marinating (optional): If you want to infuse even more flavor into the tri tip, you can marinate it prior to grilling. Marinating can help tenderize the meat and add complexity to the taste. Choose a marinade that complements the flavors you desire.
4. Resting Time: Allow the tri tip to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This allows the meat to come to an even temperature, ensuring more consistent cooking.

Direct Grilling Method

The direct grilling method is perfect for smaller tri tips or if you prefer a more charred exterior. Follow these steps for a deliciously grilled tri tip:

1. Preheat the Gas Grill: Turn on your gas grill and set the burners to medium-high heat. Preheating helps to sear the meat and lock in the juices.
2. Place the Tri Tip on the Grill: Carefully place the tri tip on the preheated grill grates. It’s ideal to position the tri tip over the direct heat zone for even cooking.
3. Cooking Time: For medium-rare tri tip, cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. For medium doneness, extend the cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side. Remember, these times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the cut and the grill’s heat intensity.
4. Flip and Rotate: After the initial cooking time, flip the tri tip using tongs or a spatula. To achieve the perfect grill marks and even cooking, rotate the tri tip 45 degrees on the same side. Repeat this process for the other side as well.
5. Check for Doneness: To ensure your tri tip is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C), while medium doneness is around 140°F (60°C).
6. Resting Period: Once you’ve achieved the desired internal temperature, carefully remove the tri tip from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the meat to reabsorb the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Indirect Grilling Method

The indirect grilling method is ideal for larger tri tips or if you prefer a more evenly cooked interior. This method requires a two-zone fire setup on your gas grill. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill by turning on one side of the burners to medium-high heat. Leave the other side off to create a cooler indirect heat zone.
2. Sear the Tri Tip: Searing the tri tip helps to lock in the flavors. Place the tri tip directly over the high heat zone and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Move to Indirect Heat: After searing, transfer the tri tip to the cooler indirect heat zone, away from the direct flames. This allows the tri tip to cook gently and evenly without charring.
4. Cooking Time: The cooking time for indirect grilling varies depending on the size and thickness of the tri tip. As a general guideline, plan for about 20-25 minutes of total cooking time per pound of meat. However, it’s essential to rely on the internal temperature for doneness.
5. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tri tip. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), while medium doneness is around 140°F (60°C).
6. Resting Period: Remove the tri tip from the grill once it reaches the desired internal temperature. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful tri tip.

Sliced and Ready to Serve

Once the tri tip has rested, it’s time to slice and enjoy the delicious results of your grilling efforts. Follow these tips for slicing and serving:

• Against the Grain: To achieve tender and easy-to-chew slices, it’s crucial to cut the tri tip against the grain. Look for the natural muscle fibers and slice across them.
• Thin slices: Opt for thinner slices, around ¼ to ½ inch thick. Thinner slices allow for a more enjoyable eating experience and ensure tenderness.
• Sauce or Seasoning: Serve the tri tip as is, or add a finishing touch with a sauce or additional seasoning. Popular choices include chimichurri, BBQ sauce, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
• Side Dish Pairings: Tri tip pairs well with an array of side dishes. Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a hearty potato dish to complete the meal.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to fire up your gas grill and cook a mouthwatering tri tip. Remember, grilling is an art that requires practice and experimentation, so feel free to adjust the cooking times and techniques to suit your preferences. Enjoy the experience and savor every delicious bite of your tri tip masterpiece!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A general guideline for cooking tri tip on a gas grill is about 15-20 minutes per pound. This will result in a medium-rare to medium doneness. However, it’s important to consider the thickness of the tri tip and the grill temperature for more accurate cooking time.

What temperature should I set my gas grill to cook tri tip?

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This will allow for proper searing and cooking of the tri tip.

Do I need to marinate the tri tip before grilling?

While marinating is not necessary, it can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the tri tip. If you choose to marinate, do so for at least 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

How can I tell if the tri tip is cooked to my desired doneness?

To determine the doneness of the tri tip, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach around 135-140°F (57-60°C), while medium doneness is around 145-155°F (63-68°C). Remember to allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Should I sear the tri tip before grilling it on a gas grill?

Searing the tri tip before grilling can help form a flavorful crust. Start by searing the tri tip directly over high heat for a few minutes on each side, then move it to a slightly lower heat to finish cooking. This technique will enhance the taste and texture of the meat.

How do I know when the tri tip is done cooking on the gas grill?

Aside from using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, you can also do a touch test. Gently press the center of the tri tip with your finger. If it feels firm, it is cooked to medium doneness. If it feels slightly springy, it is cooked to medium-rare. Remember to let the meat rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Final Thoughts

To cook tri tip on a gas grill, follow these simple steps for delicious results. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Season the tri tip with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the tri tip on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare or 7-8 minutes per side for medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Allow the tri tip to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. So, when wondering how long to cook tri tip on a gas grill, simply remember these straightforward instructions for a perfectly cooked tri tip every time.