Masterbuilt Smoker Tri Tip: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfectly Smoked Steak

Are you looking to elevate your backyard BBQ game? Look no further than the Masterbuilt smoker tri tip.

This cut of meat, coupled with the right smoking technique, can result in a perfectly smoked steak that will impress even the most discerning of palates.

But where to start? First, you’ll need to select the right cut of meat, ensuring that your tri tip is well-marbled and of high quality. Then, it’s all about properly preparing your smoker and meat, monitoring the smoking process, and finally, resting and slicing your meat to perfection.

With this step-by-step guide in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of smoking tri tip and wowing your friends and family at your next BBQ.

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat

You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right cut of meat for your masterbuilt smoker tri tip, so don’t be afraid to ask your butcher for a nicely marbled piece with a good fat cap.

The tri tip is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It’s a leaner cut of meat, so it’s important to look for those marbling and fat cap qualities to ensure a juicy end result.

When choosing your tri tip, aim for a piece that’s between 2-3 pounds. This size will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out during the smoking process. Additionally, make sure that the piece of meat is relatively uniform in thickness, as this will also help with even cooking.

Once you’ve selected your perfect tri tip, it’s time to start preparing it for smoking. Begin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the meat. Then, generously season it with your preferred rub or marinade.

With the right cut of meat, you’re already on your way to perfectly smoked steak!

Preparing Your Smoker

Before you start smoking your tri tip, it’s important to prepare your smoker. To do this, you need to focus on three key points:

• Season your smoker to prevent any unwanted flavors from affecting your meat.
• Set the temperature to the desired level for smoking tri tip.
• Add wood chips to provide the smoke flavor that will enhance the taste of your meat.

First, season your smoker. Then, set the temperature and add wood chips.

Seasoning Your Smoker

To get the most flavor out of your smoker, it’s important to properly season it before your first use. This process helps remove any oils or residues from the manufacturing process and prepares your smoker for optimal performance.

To begin, start by wiping down the inside of your smoker with a damp cloth and remove any debris or dust that may have accumulated. Next, you’ll want to apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the inside of your smoker. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Using a cloth or paper towel, spread the oil evenly across all surfaces, making sure to coat the racks and walls thoroughly. Once your smoker is coated with oil, you can turn it on and let it run for a few hours to ensure that the oil is fully absorbed.

After the seasoning process is complete, your smoker is ready to use and will provide you with perfectly smoked meats every time.

Setting the Temperature

Once your smoker is seasoned, it’s time to set the temperature to your desired level and get ready to cook up some delicious meats. The temperature is a crucial factor in smoking your tri tip to perfection, so make sure you set it correctly.

The ideal temperature for smoking a tri tip is between 225-250°F. However, the temperature may vary depending on your smoker’s make and model.

To set the temperature, start by preheating your smoker to the desired temperature. It’s recommended to use a good quality digital thermometer to check the smoker’s temperature accurately. Once the smoker has reached the desired temperature, you can add your tri tip to the smoker and let it smoke for several hours until it reaches the perfect internal temperature.

Remember to monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it stays within the desired range. With your temperature set correctly, you’re one step closer to serving up a deliciously smoked tri tip.

Adding Wood Chips

Now it’s time to enhance the flavor of your meat by adding wood chips, infusing it with a smoky aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some steps to follow when adding wood chips to your masterbuilt smoker:

• Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.
• Drain the excess water and place the wood chips in the smoker’s wood chip tray.
• Use a spoon or tongs to distribute the wood chips evenly in the tray.
• Close the smoker’s door and wait for the wood chips to start smoking before adding your meat.

Remember to keep an eye on the wood chips throughout the smoking process, adding more as needed to maintain a consistent smoky flavor.

With these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a perfectly smoked tri tip that’ll impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Preparing Your Meat

Now that you’ve prepared your smoker, it’s time to focus on your meat.

Before smoking your tri tip, it’s important to trim any excess fat to ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups. Once trimmed, season your meat generously with your desired rub or marinade for maximum flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your perfect match.

Trimming Excess Fat

First things first, you’ll want to trim off any excess fat from your tri tip to ensure a juicy and flavorful end result that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Trust us, taking this extra step is well worth the effort!

Not only does excess fat hinder the absorption of smoke and seasoning, but it can also lead to a greasy and unappetizing texture. To trim your tri tip, use a sharp knife to carefully remove any thick or visible layers of fat. Don’t worry about removing all of the fat, as a little bit is necessary to keep the meat moist during smoking.

Once you’ve trimmed the excess fat, you’re ready to move on to the next step in preparing your tri tip for smoking. Whether you plan to marinate, dry rub, or inject your meat, be sure to season it generously to enhance the flavor.

With a properly trimmed and seasoned tri tip, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning of meat lovers. So go ahead and take that extra time to trim the fat – you won’t regret it!

Seasoning Your Meat

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning when preparing your tri tip for smoking – the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic salt and pepper: Sometimes simple is best! A generous coating of fresh cracked black pepper and kosher salt will give your tri tip a deliciously savory flavor.

• Garlic and herb: Mix together minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant and flavorful seasoning blend.

• Coffee rub: For a unique twist, try rubbing your tri tip with a mixture of ground coffee, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder.

• Sweet and spicy: If you like a little heat, mix together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and spicy seasoning blend.

Placing Your Meat in the Smoker

When you’re ready to place your tri tip in the smoker, go ahead and open the door and carefully slide the meat onto the middle rack, making sure it’s centered and not touching any of the sides. This will ensure that the smoke can circulate evenly around the meat. Remember to wear gloves or use tongs to avoid burning your hands.

Once the meat is in the smoker, close the door and set the temperature to 225°F. This low and slow cooking method will allow the meat to absorb the smoke and develop a rich, smoky flavor. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it as needed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

It’s important to resist the temptation to open the door and check on the meat too often. Each time you open the door, heat and smoke escape, which can prolong the cooking time and affect the flavor. Instead, trust the process and let the smoker do its job.

A good rule of thumb is to check the meat after about 2 hours to see how it’s progressing. When the internal temperature of the tri tip reaches 135-140°F, it’s ready to be removed from the smoker.

Monitoring the Smoking Process

Now that you’ve placed your meat in the smoker, it’s time to monitor the smoking process.

Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection.

You should also adjust the temperature and smoke levels as needed to achieve the desired results.

Using a Meat Thermometer

To get the perfect temperature for your tri tip, you’ll want to use a meat thermometer so you can ensure that it’s cooked just the way you like it. The ideal temperature for a tri tip is around 135-140°F for medium-rare, while 145°F will give you a medium doneness.

Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tri tip, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone or fat. Once you have the temperature reading, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to take out your tri tip from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Using a meat thermometer is a crucial step in smoking any meat, especially a tri tip, which can be a bit tricky to cook perfectly. With a meat thermometer, you can avoid undercooking or overcooking your tri tip, and achieve the perfect level of doneness every time.

Remember to clean your meat thermometer before and after each use, and to check the temperature in a few different spots to make sure it’s evenly cooked throughout. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll be able to smoke a delicious tri tip that will impress your guests and leave you wanting more.

Adjusting Temperature and Smoke Levels

Achieving the ideal level of smokiness and temperature for your meat can make all the difference in creating a mouth-watering, unforgettable meal.

To adjust the temperature and smoke levels of your Masterbuilt smoker, start by checking the temperature gauge on the smoker. If the temperature is too low, increase the heat by adjusting the burner or adding more wood chips. If the temperature is too high, reduce the heat by adjusting the burner or opening the smoker door to let some heat escape.

Next, adjust the smoke levels by adding or removing wood chips. If you want a stronger smoky flavor, add more wood chips. If you want a milder smoky flavor, remove some of the wood chips.

Remember to keep an eye on the temperature and smoke levels throughout the cooking process and make adjustments as needed. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect balance of temperature and smoke for your Masterbuilt smoker tri tip.

Resting and Slicing Your Meat

Now that your tri-tip is perfectly smoked, it’s time to let it rest and slice it against the grain.

Letting the meat rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

Slicing against the grain ensures that each bite is easy to chew and won’t be tough or stringy.

Letting the Meat Rest

Once the tri-tip is fully cooked, resist the urge to cut into it right away. Instead, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final product. If you cut into the meat too soon, the juices will escape and the meat will be dry and tough.

To let the meat rest, remove it from the smoker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while it rests. Use this time to prepare any sides or sauces you plan to serve with the tri-tip.

Once the resting period is over, slice the meat against the grain into thin pieces and serve immediately. By allowing the meat to rest, you’ll ensure that every bite is tender and bursting with flavor.

Slicing Against the Grain

To ensure the tenderness of the meat, it’s important to slice against the grain, which means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers. This technique will result in shorter muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew and more enjoyable to eat. By cutting against the grain, you also prevent the meat from becoming stringy and tough.

When slicing your perfectly smoked tri-tip, start by identifying the direction of the muscle fibers. You can do this by looking closely at the meat or running your fingers across its surface. Once you have identified the direction of the fibers, cut the meat perpendicular to them.

Slice your tri-tip into thin, even pieces, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy meat that is sure to impress your guests.

Serving and Enjoying Your Smoked Steak

Now that you’ve successfully smoked your tri tip to perfection, it’s time to enjoy it!

Consider pairing it with some delicious sides and drinks to enhance the flavors. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for later, as they can make for great sandwiches or added to salads.

So sit back, relax, and savor the fruits of your labor with some tasty accompaniments.

Pairing with Sides and Drinks

When you’re planning on pairing your perfectly smoked tri tip with sides and drinks, don’t forget to consider the overall flavor profile and balance of your meal. The smoky, rich flavor of the tri tip pairs well with light, refreshing sides like a crisp salad or grilled vegetables. Try adding a pop of sweetness with glazed carrots or roasted sweet potatoes.

To balance out the meal, consider serving a refreshing drink like a cold beer or a crisp white wine. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try a citrusy iced tea or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Here’s a table to help you choose the perfect sides and drinks to go with your masterbuilt smoker tri tip:

Side Dish	Flavor Profile	Drink Pairing
Grilled Vegetables	Light, Fresh	Crisp White Wine
Glazed Carrots	Sweet, Savory	Cold Beer
Roasted Sweet Potatoes	Sweet, Earthy	Citrusy Iced Tea
Salad	Crisp, Refreshing	Sparkling Water with Lemon

With these pairing suggestions, you can create a perfectly balanced and delicious meal that showcases the flavor of your masterbuilt smoker tri tip. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Saving Leftovers for Later

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers from your mouthwatering Masterbuilt smoker tri tip, there are a few easy tricks to ensure that they stay just as delicious for later.

First, make sure to store your leftovers properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. This will help prevent any outside air from affecting the taste and texture of the meat.

To reheat your leftover tri tip, you can either use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the meat with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat for 30 seconds, then check the temperature and continue heating in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.

If using the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the meat in a covered dish with a small amount of liquid (such as broth or water) to keep it moist. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

With these tips, your leftover tri tip will be just as delicious as the first time around.

• Store your leftovers properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil.
• Cover the meat with a damp paper towel when reheating in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.
• Use a small amount of liquid (such as broth or water) in the covered dish when reheating in the oven to keep the meat moist.
• Check the temperature frequently when reheating to ensure it doesn’t overcook.