Step 1

Add all of the ingredients for the marinade to a measuring cup or small bowl and stir until well-combined.

Step 2

Transfer the tri tip to a large zip lock bag (my 3-pound tri tip fits easily into a 1-gallon zip lock) along with the marinade.

Step 3

Seal the bag and move everything around until the tri tip is well coated in marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 48 hours. About 1 hour before grilling, you can take the tri tip out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature. While this isn't a mandatory step, some believe this step helps you achieve an even cook on the tri-tip steak.

Step 4

When you’re ready to grill the tri tip, fire up your grill. .

Step 5

If using a charcoal grill, heat the charcoal using your preferred method. The get the coals ready quickly, use a charcoal basket or a charcoal chimney starter, ignite the coals, and allow the coals to heat up for about 20 minutes until they begin turning white and have a golden glow. If using a gas grill, preheat the grill to 500 degrees F.

Step 6

Place the tri tip over direct heat (right over the hottest part of the coals, and allow it to sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until both sides have nice deep grill marks.

Step 7

Repeat this process again and also turn the tri tip on its edges so that all edges have a nice crisp as well.

Step 8

Transfer the tri tip to the indirect heat side of the grill (a part of the grill that has less coals or no coals or a cooler side of the grill). If using a gas grill, lower the temperature to 400 degrees.

Step 9

If you have a digital meat thermometer, insert it now. Cover the grill and allow the tri tip to continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of doneness, about another 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through or at around 5 minutes.

Step 10

For medium-rare, pull the tri tip off the grill when the internal temperature reaches between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium, 135 to 140 degrees, and for medium-well, 145 to 150 degrees.

Step 11

Once the tri tip is cooked to your desired preference, pull it off the grill and transfer it to a large baking sheet or a cutting board. Allow the meat to sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing the tri tip against the grain of the meat and serving with your favorite side dishes.