Cooking tri tip on a Traeger grill at 350°F delivers that perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Whether you’re new to Traeger grilling or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through exactly how long to cook tri tip on Traeger at 350°F for consistent, mouthwatering results every time.
Quick Overview: Cooking Tri Tip on Traeger at 350°F
For those who want the quick answer: when cooking tri tip on a Traeger at 350°F, you’ll need approximately 20-30 minutes for a 2-3 pound roast to reach medium-rare (130-135°F internal temperature). However, cooking to temperature rather than time is crucial for perfect results.
Time-Temperature Guide: At 350°F, plan for 20-30 minutes total cooking time, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-145°F for medium, or 145-150°F for medium-well. Always rest the meat for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Preparing Your Tri Tip for the Traeger
Proper preparation is essential for achieving the best results when cooking tri tip on your Traeger at 350°F. These steps will ensure your meat cooks evenly and develops maximum flavor.
Selecting the Right Tri Tip
Look for a tri tip with good marbling throughout the meat. A well-marbled cut with a moderate fat cap will yield the juiciest results. Prime or Choice grades are ideal, with a typical weight between 2-3 pounds.
Trimming the Fat
While some fat adds flavor, excessive fat should be trimmed. Leave about ¼ inch of fat cap to help keep the meat moist during cooking. Remove any silver skin, which can make the meat tough.
Seasoning Your Tri Tip
A simple but effective seasoning includes kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika. For best results:
- Season generously at least 1 hour before cooking, or up to 24 hours in advance
- If seasoning in advance, wrap the meat in plastic wrap and refrigerate
- Remove from refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature
Step-by-Step Cooking Process at 350°F
Following these precise steps will help you achieve perfect results when cooking tri tip on your Traeger at 350 degrees.
Preheating Your Traeger
Start by preheating your Traeger grill to 350°F with the lid closed. This typically takes 10-15 minutes. Using hickory, oak, or mesquite pellets will complement the beef flavor nicely.
Placing the Tri Tip on the Grill
Once your grill reaches 350°F, place the seasoned tri tip directly on the grill grates, fat side up. Position it in the center of the grill for even cooking.
Cooking Time and Temperature Monitoring
At 350°F, a 2-3 pound tri tip will typically take 20-30 minutes to reach medium-rare. However, always cook to temperature, not time:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Approximate Time at 350°F |
| Rare | 125-130°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 130-135°F | 20-25 minutes |
| Medium | 135-145°F | 25-30 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 145-150°F | 30-35 minutes |
Pro Tip: For the most accurate results, insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tri tip. Avoid touching bone or fat with the probe as this will give inaccurate readings.
To Flip or Not to Flip?
When cooking tri tip on a Traeger at 350°F, flipping is optional but can help with even cooking. If you choose to flip, do it just once, halfway through the cooking process (around 10-15 minutes in). Use tongs rather than a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing precious juices.
Resting and Slicing Your Tri Tip
Proper resting and slicing are crucial steps that can make or break your tri tip experience, regardless of how perfectly you’ve cooked it on your Traeger.
The Importance of Resting
Once your tri tip reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the Traeger and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful tri tip.
Don’t skip the resting period! The internal temperature will continue to rise 5-10°F during resting (carry-over cooking), so remove the tri tip from the grill when it’s about 5°F below your target temperature.
Slicing Against the Grain
Tri tip has a unique grain pattern that changes direction, making proper slicing technique essential:
- Identify the grain direction (look for the lines running through the meat)
- Note where the grain changes direction (usually near the center of the roast)
- Slice perpendicular to the grain in thin slices (about ¼-inch thick)
- When you reach the point where the grain changes, rotate the meat to continue cutting against the grain
Pro Tips for Perfect Tri Tip at 350°F
Wood Pellet Selection
The type of wood pellets you use will impact the flavor profile of your tri tip:
- Hickory: Bold, traditional BBQ flavor
- Oak: Medium smoke flavor, classic for tri tip
- Mesquite: Strong, earthy flavor
- Cherry or Apple: Milder, slightly sweet flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking straight from the refrigerator (cold meat cooks unevenly)
- Opening the lid too frequently (causes temperature fluctuations)
- Relying on time alone instead of using a meat thermometer
- Cutting into the meat without proper resting
- Slicing with the grain instead of against it
Food Safety Reminders
When cooking tri tip on your Traeger at 350°F, keep these important food safety guidelines in mind:
- The USDA recommends beef reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for food safety
- If you prefer medium-rare (130-135°F), ensure your meat is fresh and from a reputable source
- Always clean your thermometer probe between temperature checks
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
Traeger Tri Tip Recipe at 350°F
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound tri tip roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Equipment
- Traeger grill
- Digital meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Remove tri tip from refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F with the lid closed.
- Trim excess fat from the tri tip, leaving about ¼ inch of fat cap.
- Rub the tri tip with olive oil, then apply the mixed seasonings generously on all sides.
- Once the grill reaches 350°F, place the tri tip directly on the grill grates, fat side up.
- Close the lid and cook for approximately 20-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through if desired.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to monitor temperature.
- Remove the tri tip when it reaches 5°F below your target temperature (125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium).
- Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice thinly against the grain, adjusting the cutting angle when the grain direction changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a marinade instead of a dry rub for tri tip on a Traeger?
Yes, you can use a marinade instead of a dry rub. Marinate the tri tip for 4-12 hours before cooking. Pat the meat dry before placing it on the grill to ensure a good sear. Keep in mind that marinades containing sugar may burn more easily at 350°F, so monitor closely.
Should I wrap my tri tip in foil while cooking on the Traeger?
When cooking at 350°F, wrapping in foil isn’t necessary and may prevent the formation of a flavorful crust. Save the foil for tenting during the resting period after cooking, which helps retain heat while allowing some steam to escape.
How long to cook tri tip on Traeger at 350 for well-done?
For well-done tri tip (155-160°F internal temperature), cook for approximately 35-40 minutes at 350°F. However, tri tip is best enjoyed at medium-rare to medium doneness to maintain tenderness and juiciness. If you prefer well-done, consider adding a bit more olive oil to the meat before cooking to help retain moisture.
Can I cook a frozen tri tip on my Traeger at 350°F?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen tri tip on a Traeger. Thaw your tri tip completely in the refrigerator (usually 24 hours) before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from seasonings. Cooking from frozen can result in an overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.
Perfect Your Tri Tip Every Time
Cooking tri tip on a Traeger at 350°F strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. With a cooking time of just 20-30 minutes (plus resting), you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. Remember that the key to success is cooking to temperature rather than time, allowing for proper resting, and slicing against the grain.
Now that you know exactly how long to cook tri tip on Traeger at 350°F, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your grilling expertise. Happy grilling!
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