A little over four years ago, in honor of Father’s Day, Kiddo wanted to be the Grill Master. So we let him run with it. Kiddo decided to ignore my planned menu for Tri-Tip using a spicy dry rub. We had agreed to his offer to be in charge of the grill, and that meant letting him teat his skills from beginning to end. That included everything from picking the rub to building the fire.
Kiddo flipped through our various rub recipes for his Tri-Tip before electing to use a Gourmet Rub recipe. (I think it was the red wine that clinched it for him – he’s been on a red wine kick lately). I must say, Kiddo did a marvelous job with the rub and the grilling. The results were a Tri-Tip that was nicely charred on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. If Kiddo can pull it off on his very first try, anyone can.
I know, here it is October already. But with a little luck, we can squeeze a few more grilling days in before the season is behind us. So what do you say, are you up to taking a chance and doing a little grilling this weekend? Alrighthen!
Tri-Tip Barbecue with a Gourmet Rub
1 Tri-Tip Brisket, about 3 lbs
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 ½ Teaspoons Sea Salt
½ Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
¼ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
½ Teaspoon Dijon Style Mustard
¼ Cup Red Wine
¼ Cup Olive Oil
6-8 Garlic Cloves, crushed
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
Mix all ingredients for gourmet rub. Rub into the Tri-Tip brisket. Wrap brisket in plastic wrap, refrigerate for 2 or 3 hours minimum – the longer the better. Remove from refrigerator, let stand on counter for 45 minutes prior to grilling.
While the Tri-Tip comes to room temperature, build nice bed of hot coals. Open the bottom and top vents half way, place grate over coals and close lid to heat, about 5 minutes. Clean grate and oil paper towels dipped in vegetable oil.
Raise coals to high position (or lower grate, depending upon grill). Grill meat, fat side up, for 3-5 minutes or until nicely seared. Turn using meat tongs (NEVER stick a fork into it – the juices will run out, and that just makes for a dry hunk of meat) and sear other side. Lower coals (or raise the grate, depending upon grill), cover and continue to cook meat 7-10 minutes longer. Check for doneness using an instant read thermometer. You’ll want the thickest part at the center to be about 140 degrees. A thick Tri-Tip might need to be turned for a final time and grilled 5-8 minutes longer.
The key to a juicy piece of meat is to let the meat rest 10-15 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to soak back into the meat rather than run all over the cutting board. Keep in mind that while the meat rests, it will continue to cook, raising the internal temperature as much as ten degrees.
When carving, go ahead and slice on the serving platter. That way, any juices that escape can be spooned over the sliced meat when serving for extra flavor.
Happy Grilling!
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