Tri Tip Rub for Smoking

Need a fast and simple way to add flavor to a cut of meat? This tri tip rub for smoking will give you the best results. Made with five simple ingredients, this is the best way to add amazing flavor to any piece of meat in a fraction of the time. This really is the best dry rub recipe for a smoked tri tip steak. 

I like to think of this as my favorite dry rub because it's so great to pair with that good smoke flavor. If you have a few tri tip recipes that you want to make, add this rub to your list of favorite things to pair with your tri tip steak. Trust me when I say you won't find a delicious dry rub like this at local grocery stores! You can use this when you're cooking on your pellet grill, your electric smoker, your gas grill, or even when you're baking in the oven. 

​While I'm a fan of using this on tri tip because it adds great flavor, you can literally add it to any cuts of beef that you won't. It compliments smoked beef really well and adds the most flavor, too. Depending on how much you add, it will add a nice flavorful crust to your tri tip steak. 

Speaking of delicious homemade rub recipes, be sure to check out my Traeger Coffee Rub Recipe as well. It's such a great flavor and coloring! 

Ingredients

Salt - Salt enhances the natural flavor of the tri tip steak.

Smoked paprika - This adds a great smoky flavor, but you could also use regular paprika as well. 

Garlic powder - Perfect for flavor. Just be sure to not confuse it with garlic salt. 

Dehydrated honey - This adds a bit of sweetness without being overpowering. 

Black Pepper - Black pepper also naturally enhances the flavor of whatever you add it to.

How to make Tri Tip Rub for Smoking

Who needs complicated and different directions when you can make this rub in one simple step? The first time you make it won't be the last time.

Step One: Add all the ingredients together in a small bowl and stir. 

Step Two: Add the dry rub generously to your steak or tri tip roast. You can add it to dry steak or steak that has a little olive oil rubbed on it first.

Step Three: Smoke the triangle steak as desired on your pellet smoker, Traeger grill, propane smoker, etc. And serve with your favorite sides.

Variations 

Spices - If you want a different flavor for your smoked tri-tip, you can easily add other ingredients to the dry rub. Easy recipes like this make it a breeze to change. Onion powder is one option, or even adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give that sweet, heat flavor, too. Most dry rub ingredients will be fine for flavor and for giving the tri-tip recipe a nice crust while cooking. 

Sweetness - Dehydrated honey is a nice sweet addition, but brown sugar will also do the trick. Plus, brown sugar is a great way to add a darker coloring and a sweet crisp to the meat as it smokes. 

Common Questions 

What is tri-tip steak?

Tri-tip steak is a popular cut of beef that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a triangular-shaped muscle located at the bottom of the sirloin and comes from the lower part of the cow's back. It has a triangle tip and a triangular shape, hence the name. While it has been around for decades, tri-tip was often overlooked in favor of more well-known cuts like ribeye or New York strip.

However, tri-tip's unique flavor profile and versatility have made it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. 

Should I season tri-tip overnight before smoking?

For the best results for a tri-tip roast or smoked tri tip, doing an overnight dry brining with the rub is a good idea. Ideally, letting the rub sit on the meat for at least 8 hours will give it the most flavor and taste. Then, when you're ready to cook the triangle roast, putting it into the smoker will be the last easy final step. 

Should you spray tri-tip while smoking?

This is up to you. Since tri tip does have a large fat cap, that can help with keeping the meat moist while it's cooking. However, some people do like to add spritzing the meat ever 20 minutes or so to the easy steps to ensure that it doesn't dry out when cooking. 

Should I wrap tri-tip in foil when smoking?

You shouldn't have to since you're cooking the tri tip with a low and slow cooking process. A lot of smoker recipes do call for aluminum foil, but it's not always a must. That being said, you can use aluminum foil if you want, as that is totally up to you. Everyone has a way that they like to do the smoking process, and our recipes are merely a guide to how we do it. That doesn't mean it's the only way. 

How do I store homemade seasoning? 

Make sure that you store the rub recipe in an airtight container with a lid. If you have some leftovers, you can keep it fresh and delicious by storing it properly.

Keep it stored in your spice cabinet, away from light and heat. Be sure to do the sniff test and check for any moisture before using it next to make sure that it's still good to use. 

What is a Santa Maria Steak?

Santa Maria steak, also known as tri-tip steak, is a beloved dish among meat lovers in California's Central Coast. With its origins tracing back to the 19th century, this regional specialty continues to capture the hearts and palates of west coast locals and tourists alike.

What sets Santa Maria steak apart from other cuts of beef is its distinct flavor profile. It is traditionally seasoned with a simple rub made up of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sometimes paprika or cayenne pepper. Then it is grilled over red oak wood for a smoky taste that perfectly complements the meat's natural juiciness.