A good tri tip can be delicious all on its own. But giving the meat a few hours to marinate in a delicious blend of herbs, spices, vinegar, oil, and more will infuse every bite with flavor and make the meat extra tender.
Spicy Mustard Tri-Tip Marinade
A marinade made with whole grain mustard, olive oil, honey, garlic, and cayenne pepper adds a zippy kick to tender tri-tip. It brightens the flavor of the meat and gives it a depth of flavor that makes the meal truly enjoyable.
A Mediterranean-inspired marinade made with lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, and garlic will give you the balance you want in steak. There’s nothing like eating steak that tastes healthy, making you feel guilt-free.
Some of the recipes we mentioned above are not for beginners, so here’s one you can try if you’re just trying out simple recipes for now.
Santa Maria Tri-Tip Marinade
Inspired by the traditional Central Coast California BBQ dish, this marinade combines garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, and salt. In some versions, the marinade also includes paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
How To Marinate Tri Tip + 3 Tri Tip Marinades
FAQ
Is it better to marinade or dry rub a tri-tip?
What is the preferred cooking method for tri tip steak?
How do you keep tri-tip juicy?
How do you marinate a tri tip?
In a medium sized bowl add all the marinade ingredients and whisk. You want to form an emulsion of the oil and the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, so whisk until they are combined and don’t separate. The liquid will turn a lighter creamy color. Place the tri tip in the marinade, cover then refrigerate.
How do you marinate a tri-tip steak?
Put your tri-tip steak into large ziptop bag. Pour in the marinade. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible and then seal it. Refrigerate the tri-tip in the marinade for 2 to 12 hours (4 hours is the optimum amount of time). Remove tri-tip from bag and shake off excess marinade. Discard marinade.
Can you freeze marinated tri tip?
If you can’t get to cooking your marinated tri tip within 24 hours, you can also freeze the meat in the marinade to be used later. That’s a benefit of using the freezer ziplock bags – you can just toss them right into the freezer for later. Then, when it’s time to cook, thaw the meat and cook.
How long should a tri tip be marinated before grilling?
Marinating for 4 hours is the optimum amount of time, but it can be left for as little as 2 and as long as 12. After marinating the tri tip, if you’re grilling it or roasting it (without searing it in a skillet first), don’t wipe it off or rinse it off. Just pull it out of the marinade and shake it off a bit before grilling.