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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A simple but effective seasoning includes kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika. For best results:
Following these precise steps will help you achieve perfect results when cooking tri tip on your Traeger at 350 degrees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tri tip has a unique grain pattern that changes direction, making proper slicing technique essential:
The type of wood pellets you use will impact the flavor profile of your tri tip:
When cooking tri tip on your Traeger at 350°F, keep these important food safety guidelines in mind:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Download our complete guide with temperature charts, seasoning recipes, and step-by-step instructions for foolproof results every time.
Learning how to BBQ a filet mignon is simpler than you think. You'll need a…
To BBQ a beef tenderloin, you'll need to cook it low and slow over indirect…
For perfect steak, your grill should be between 450°F and 500°F for most cuts. This…
Grilling a tri tip is simple: season the meat, sear it over direct heat for…
Grilling a perfect ribeye steak is simpler than you might think. You'll need high heat…
You grill a London broil by searing it over direct heat (450-500°F) for 4-6 minutes…