The Best Tri-Tip You’ll Ever Eat

This is the ultimate tri-tip recipe that we like to call “Meat Candy”—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why. This isn’t just any tri-tip; this is the kind of melt-in-your-mouth, savory-sweet goodness that’ll have you coming back for more.

Why Folsom Farms?

First, let’s talk about the meat. You can make this recipe with tri-tip from anywhere, but if you really want to experience “Meat Candy” at its finest, I highly recommend getting your meat from Folsom Farms (use my code TASHA10 for 10% off your first beef box order) I’ve tried this recipe with tri-tip from Costco and other sources, and let me tell you—it’s just not the same. The quality of Folsom Farms’ meat is unmatched. It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor in a way that other meats just can’t replicate.

The Secret Rub

What makes this tri-tip so special? It’s all in the rub, and it’s super simple:

½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp salt
½ tbsp paprika
½-¾ tbsp chili powder (depending on your heat preference)

Mix these ingredients together, then generously rub it all over the tri-tip. The trick here is to let it marinate overnight. Trust me, giving it time to soak in all those flavors is key to achieving that perfect “Meat Candy” taste.

Cooking Instructions

Prep Your Traeger: Start by setting your Traeger to 250°F. Once it’s up to temperature, place the marinated tri-tip on the grill and let it smoke for 1 hour.
Rest: After an hour, pull the tri-tip off and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is tender and juicy.
Crank Up the Heat: While the meat is resting, turn the Traeger up to 500°F. Once it’s blazing hot, sear the tri-tip for 4-5 minutes on each side. This gives it that beautiful, caramelized crust that takes the flavor to the next level.

You Want the Best Meat? Folsom Farms is the Best Choice for Your Tri-Tip!

When it comes to crafting the ultimate tri-tip recipe the quality of the meat makes all the difference. This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about knowing exactly where your food comes from and having a connection to the people who raise it. That’s what sets Folsom Farms apart.

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

One of the most unique and valuable aspects of choosing Folsom Farms is the opportunity to actually know the farmer who’s raising the beef you’re eating. In today’s world, that’s a rare and special connection. When you buy from Folsom Farms, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re becoming part of a story. You can follow their journey, see how the cattle are raised, and truly understand the care and commitment that goes into producing the best beef possible. For those who value transparency and want to support family-run operations, this connection is priceless.

Unmatched Quality and Variety

Beyond the personal connection, Folsom Farms also offers something that most other sources simply can’t match: variety and customization. While many places only offer the most common cuts, Folsom Farms gives you access to all different types of cuts. Whether you’re looking for something specific or want to explore new options, you can customize your box to fit your needs. This level of choice ensures that you’re getting exactly what you want, every time.

When you combine the exceptional quality of the meat with the unique opportunity to connect with the farmer and the flexibility to choose your cuts, it’s easy to see why Folsom Farms is the best choice for your next tri-tip—or any beef dish. Once you experience the difference, you’ll never go back.

Remember to use my code TASHA10 to save 10% on your first beef box at Folsom Farms!

Our Beef from Folsom

From a family farm to your family table!

Homegrown delicious beef raised in small town USA, offering peace of mind that you can feed your family the tastiest beef, know exactly where it came from & how it’s raised.

SHOP IT HERE

Prep & Storage Tips

Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe and the best meat from Folsom Farms, here are some additional tips to ensure your “Meat Candy” turns out flawless every time.

1. Get the Rub Just Right

Marinate Overnight: As tempting as it may be to cook your tri-tip right away, letting it marinate overnight really allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. The brown sugar in the rub will also help create that delicious caramelized crust during the searing process.
Apply Evenly: Make sure to apply the rub evenly across the entire surface of the tri-tip. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

2. Perfect Your Cooking Process

Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked tri-tip, use a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember, the meat will continue to cook a bit while it rests.
Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step! Allowing the meat to rest for about 30 minutes after smoking helps the juices redistribute, making the tri-tip more tender and juicy.

3. Storage Tips

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will), store the cooked tri-tip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Tri-tip also freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it gently to avoid drying it out.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tri-tip in a covered dish with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist, and warm it in the oven at a low temperature (about 250°F) until it’s heated through.

4. Serving Suggestions

Slice Against the Grain: Always slice tri-tip against the grain to ensure the most tender bites. This simple technique makes a huge difference in texture.
Pairing Ideas: Serve your “Meat Candy” with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite BBQ sides. The sweetness of the meat pairs beautifully with tangy or spicy flavors.

Our Traeger

We trust our Traeger for all our grilling needs because it consistently delivers that perfect smoky flavor and even heat distribution, making it ideal for everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. The precision temperature control takes the guesswork out of grilling, ensuring that our “Meat Candy” tri-tip turns out perfectly every time. If you’re serious about BBQ, investing in a Traeger is a game-changer.

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