Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This marinade is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and enhances the natural richness of tri tip. Plus, its versatility means you can use it on other proteins like flank steak or chicken thighs.
Ingredients
⅓ cup avocado oil
⅓ cup liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
- Place tri tip in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and grill, broil, or sear to your desired doneness.
- Let the tri tip rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Yield: 1 batch (for up to 2–2.5 lbs tri tip)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes (plus 4–24 hours marinating)
- Total time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
Variations
- Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey or brown sugar for sweetness variation.
- Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Use marinade immediately or store unused marinade (not in contact with raw meat) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Marinated tri tip can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Leftover cooked tri tip should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, it works great with flank steak, chicken thighs, or pork.
How long should I marinate the tri tip?
At least 4 hours; overnight is best for deep flavor.
Can I freeze tri tip with this marinade?
Yes, freeze the meat and marinade together for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
Use any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
No, it’s optional but adds a savory depth.
Can I grill the tri tip?
Yes, grilling is recommended for best flavor and texture.
How do I know when the tri tip is done?
Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare is 130–135°F.
Should I discard the marinade after use?
Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat unless boiled first.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, make it ahead and store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
How should I slice the tri tip?
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Conclusion
The Best Tri Tip Marinade is your go-to recipe for a juicy, flavorful tri tip every time. Its balanced blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements enhances the meat beautifully with minimal effort. Perfect for grilling or roasting, this marinade will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
The Best Tri Tip Marinade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 4–24 hours marinating)
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 1 batch (for 2–2.5 lbs tri tip)
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A bold, balanced marinade for tri tip featuring savory soy or aminos, tangy vinegar, sweet maple syrup, garlic, Dijon, and optional heat. Perfect for grilling or roasting to achieve juicy, flavorful meat.
Ingredients
⅓ cup avocado oil
⅓ cup liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl or jar until well combined.
- Place tri tip in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over the meat.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove tri tip from marinade and grill, broil, or sear to desired doneness.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Substitute maple syrup with honey or brown sugar.
Use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Add fresh rosemary or thyme for herbal notes.
Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
