This Balsamic Marinated Tri-Tip roast is perfect on the BBQ. It needs at least 12 hours and up to 3 days of marinating time for maximum flavor.
Behind the Scenes for Balsamic Marinated Tri-Tip Roast
What is Tri-Tip?
There was a time when tri-tip was an unknown cut of meat. You couldn't find it anywhere. Now, it's much more common and can be found in most, but not all parts of the country. If you can't find tri-tip where you live, you could substitute a London broil or flank steak. If you have to use flank steak, I wouldn't marinate it for more than overnight. And of course, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. For the London broil and the tri-tip, both can be marinated for up to 3 days, but be sure to give it at least 12 hours so the flavors can penetrate deep into the meat.
How to best cook meat
When cooking meat, it's best to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking it. This means taking it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking ensuring the center and outside cook at the same time.
Trust me, you don't want a burnt outside and raw inside.
Also, remember to give the meat at least a 5 minutes rest before slicing; allowing the juices to reabsorb into the meat. To get maximum tenderness, slice against the grain.
This recipe makes enough for 4 people plus some delicious leftovers.
Complete this meal with a side of:
Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Low-Fat Spicy Mexican Style 3-Bean Salad
Balsamic Marinated Tri-Tip Roast
Ingredients
- 1 tri-tip roast about 2 pounds
- ⅔ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large cloves garlic crushed
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger for this dish I like the flavor of dried ginger, if you prefer, you could use fresh, about 1 tablespoon grated
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, balsamic, olive oil, garlic and ginger in a large zip-top bag. Add the meat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, up to 3 days.
- Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Press ground pepper into the meat on both sides. Let sit 60 minutes.
- Prepare the grill to medium-high. Place the meat on the grill rack that has been lightly coated with olive oil; grill, turning frequently and basting with the marinade until cooked to your desired degree of doneness; about 15 to 20 minutes for medium-rare. Remove the meat from the grill and allow it to sit for 5 - 7 minutes; cut into thin slices against the grain.
David
Thanks for sharing!
I added 1tp of red pepper flakes and celery seed.
Smoked it with some cherry wood before grilling on lump coal.
LindySez
Love the idea of smoked cherry wood!
Tonya Armour-Markloff
I am going to make this tonight & put it on the smoker tomorrow. I was wondering from the people who have already made it, how did yours come out? Not sure how long to smoke it, so we shall see.
LindySez
How did this turn out? I'm not sure about the added smoke flavor - it could be great or not so much - so I would really love to hear your results. Let me know! Cheers
Kate
Thanks so much for all of your wonderful recipes. Can I make this Tri-Tip in the oven or I will destroy it?
Thank you!
LindySez
Hi Kate, I think that if you made this not using the grill, I would use my broiler rather than bake in the oven. Part of the deliciousness is having the char, and baking it wouldn't do that. So try it about 6 inches from your heat source on a broiler pan, cook and turn until nicely charred. It might take less time as the heat is higher in the oven, so use a meat thermometer to get it to the doneness you desire. Remember, it will continue to cook (usually around 5 degrees more) as it rests, so plan on that. Enjoy ~ Lindy
Renee Magee
why reserve the marinade?
LindySez
You use it to baste the meat as it cooks. Unlike chicken or poultry, meat marinades are generally safe to use as a basting liquid. I generally stop and turn the meat at least one additional time before removing it from the heat to make sure the marinade has been cooked.
Dave Hutcheson
This is a great reicpe. On a weber grill I cook indirectly to an internal temp of 135 and then sear over hot coals for 5 - 6 minutes turning once. Let stand about 15 minutes and cut across the grain.
LindySez
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Dave. Cheers ~ Lindy
Remy
Can i put tri tip in a crook pot for sandwiches?
Is it going to need seasoning??
LindySez
While I personally like my tri-tip on the BBQ, you can put a tri-tip in a slow cooker but as it is a very lean piece of meat, it should not be taken above 165ºF internal temperature. I would season it with salt and pepper, at minimum, and sear it to be nice and brown before cooking it. Add some liquid, beef broth would work well, along with any other aromatics you choose and cook, on low, for about 6 hours should do it. There are recipes out there for crock-pot tri tip. Good Luck and Good Cooking! Cheers ~ Lindy