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Smoked tri-tip on a cutting board.

Stovetop Smoked Tri-Tip

Smoke a dry-rubbed tri-tip on the stove, then brown the outside with the broiler. Serve sliced with potatoes, vegetables or salad.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish

Ingredients
 

  • 2 pounds (907g) tri-tip roast, trimmed as needed
  • Beef dry rub, to taste
  • Salt, to taste, if needed
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large indoor stovetop smoker with lid
  • Smoker drip tray and rack
  • Instant-read food thermometer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Oven mitts
  • Broiler-safe pan and rack
  • Food-smoking wood chips in the quantity and size specified for your stovetop smoker. The Camerons general guide uses 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons.

Method
 

  1. Check that the roast fits on the smoker rack with clearance around it and that the lid closes. Read the smoker’s manual and arrange the required kitchen ventilation before heating it.
  2. Season the beef all over with dry rub and black pepper. Add salt only if needed, accounting for salt already in the rub. Cook straight away or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking.
  3. Add the specified quantity of food-smoking wood chips to the smoker base. Fit the drip tray and rack according to the manual, then add the beef. If the manual permits it, line the drip tray with foil for cleanup.
  4. Follow your model’s heat and lid instructions. For the Camerons method, center the pan over a suitable burner on medium heat, leaving the sliding lid slightly open until the first wisp of smoke appears. Close the lid completely and start timing. Other stovetop models may require a different heat setting.
  5. Smoke for about 30 minutes, checking earlier for a smaller or flatter roast. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer. The roast may need more or less time depending on its thickness and your smoker.
  6. Preheat the broiler [grill]. Transfer the beef immediately to a broiler-safe pan with a rack. Position it about 6 inches (15cm) from the heat, following your broiler’s instructions. Broil to brown the outside, flipping with tongs. Allow about 4 minutes per side as an estimate and watch closely so the rub doesn’t burn. Check that the thickest part reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the heat. If it needs longer, continue cooking and checking; use a 350°F (180°C) oven to finish if the crust is already brown.
  7. Rest for 10 minutes, then slice across the grain. Divide the roast into sections if needed so you can follow its changing grain direction.

Notes

  • Cooking times are approximate. Check the beef with a thermometer and allow longer if needed. The total time includes the 10-minute rest but excludes optional refrigerated seasoning time.
  • Use wood intended for food smoking. Follow the exact smoker’s chip quantity, chip size, heat, ventilation and lid instructions.
  • This is a stovetop-smoker method. Use a model-specific recipe for an electric indoor pellet smoker.
  • Check the rub for salt before adding extra; sugary rubs need close attention during broiling.
  • Cook the beef to at least 145°F (63°C) and rest for at least 3 minutes. This recipe allows a 10-minute rest.
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow covered containers and use within 3 to 4 days. Freeze airtight portions for 2 to 6 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat to 165°F (74°C).