"Mocha" Tri-Tip

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bjustice22

Fire Starter
Original poster
Sep 26, 2013
40
10
Northern California
I failed to get a before picture of my tri-tip rubbed up and ready for cooking. Anyway, my rub consisted of the following:

2 TBS ground coffee

2 TBS cocoa powder

2 TBS. sea salt

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cayenne powder

1/2 tsp. chipotle powder

* enough rub for probably 8lbs of meat

Mixed that into a small plastic bag and rolled to remove brown sugar clumps.

Coated my tri-tip (approximately 3 lbs) with rub and wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Placed in fridge for about 24 hours.

I heated up my MES30 to 225*, filled the water pan with this mornings leftover coffee and water, added apple and cherry chips and plan to smoke to an IT of 160*.

Well, I went against my better judgement and cooked to an IT of 175* since I've read to cook brisket to 180*. It came out a little dry but not terrible. Next time I will cook to an IT of 145*. Lesson learned!


 
Last edited:
That looks fantastic! I just found a Tri tip here at my local Kroger. I have never seen it here in Ohio before. I plan on trying your rub on it here this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
 
The rub was good, but I went a little too light on it. I could have used more rub on the meat and less smoke. That's the beauty of keeping a smoking log and the more details put in the better the next time (hopefully).

Scottie, let me know how it turns out!

Dert, that looks amazing! I definitely over cooked mine. I'll have to keep in mind your idea of searing to finish it!

My overdone tri-tip did however make for a delicious sandwich today for lunch!
 
Dirt,
Yeah, I over thought the temp. I was thinking brisket cooks to a high IT maybe the Tri-tip would be similar.... Not so much!

The good news is I have plenty of rub left and will give it another go after Christmas... With my new AMNPS!
 
Dirt,
Yeah, I over thought the temp. I was thinking brisket cooks to a high IT maybe the Tri-tip would be similar.... Not so much!

The good news is I have plenty of rub left and will give it another go after Christmas... With my new AMNPS!
If you can purchase tri-tip in your area your already ahead of the game.
 
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