Lucille's BBQ Tri Tip recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsLucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-QueLucille's Bbq Tri Tip Recipe

Lucille's Bbq Tri Tip Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

Make Lucille's Bbq Tri Tip Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Meat

Dry Rub

BBQ Sauce

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Tri-Tip

    Trim any excess fat from the tri-tip roast. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well.

  2. 2

    Make the Dry Rub

    In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Rub the Meat

    Generously coat the tri-tip roast with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are well covered. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.

Cooking

  1. 4

    Prepare the Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If using charcoal, let the coals burn down until they are covered with gray ash.

  2. 5

    Sear the Tri-Tip

    Place the tri-tip roast on the grill over direct heat. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it develops a nice crust.

  3. 6

    Indirect Cooking

    Move the tri-tip to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid. Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

BBQ Sauce Preparation

  1. 7

    Make the BBQ Sauce

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.

  2. 8

    Simmer

    Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving

  1. 9

    Rest the Meat

    Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.

  2. 10

    Slice and Serve

    Slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin pieces. Serve with the homemade BBQ sauce on the side.

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