How to Cook Tri Tip Perfectly on Wood Coals like a Caveman

Caveman Cooking - Tri Tip Directly On Wood Coals

Are you gearing up for a flavorful and adventurous cooking experience? There’s nothing quite like mastering the art of cooking tri tip beef on wood coals like our caveman ancestors. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve mouth-watering results every time. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook tri tip perfectly on wood coals, infused with smoky flavors that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive in!

How to Cook Tri Tip Perfectly on Wood Coals like a Caveman

Introduction

Cooking tri-tip on wood coals is one of the most primal and delicious ways to prepare this flavorful cut of beef. The resulting flavor from cooking over hot coals is unmatched, and the cooking method is simple and fun. In this article, we will show you how to prepare and cook a tri-tip over wood coals like a caveman.

What is Tri Tip?

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin of the cow. It is a relatively lean cut of beef but has a lot of flavor, especially when cooked just right.

Preparing the Tri Tip

Before starting to cook, it’s essential to prepare the tri-tip correctly. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Start by trimming off any excess fat from the tri-tip. Leave a thin layer of fat to help keep the beef tender and add flavor.
  2. Season the tri-tip generously with your favorite seasonings. We like to keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure even flavoring.
  3. Let the tri-tip sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the beef to cook more evenly.

Preparing the Coals

The key to cooking tri-tip on wood coals is to use mesquite wood to make super hot coals. Follow these steps to prepare the coals:

  1. Start by soaking your mesquite wood in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the wood from burning too quickly.
  2. Build a fire with the soaked mesquite wood, and let it burn until you have a good bed of glowing coals. This process can take up to two hours.
  3. Use a rake to spread the hot coals evenly across the cooking area.

Cooking the Tri Tip

Once you have prepared the tri-tip and the coals, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook the tri-tip to perfection:

  1. Put the seasoned tri-tip directly on the hot coals. Use nitrile gloves to avoid burning yourself.
  2. Cook the tri-tip for about 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the meat. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. You want it to reach between 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. The cooking time will depend on the size of your tri-tip and how hot your coals are.
  3. Once the tri-tip has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the coals and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the temperature to settle.

Items Used in the Video

If you’re interested in watching a video of cooking tri-tip directly on mesquite coals, Cooking With Ry has an excellent video on YouTube. In the video, Cooking With Ry uses the following items:

  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Bamboo cutting board
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Infrared thermometer
  • Canon T7i camera
  • Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
  • Saramonic Dual Wireless VHF Lavalier Microphone
  • Shure VP83 Microphone
  • NEEWER CN-216 216PCS LED Dimmable Light

Supporting Cooking With Ry

Cooking With Ry is an excellent resource for learning how to cook tri-tip on wood coals. If you want to support Cooking With Ry’s content, you can donate through PayPal. You can also follow Cooking With Ry on Instagram and Facebook for more delicious recipes.

Additional Resources

In the description of Cooking With Ry’s video, you can find Amazon links to the tools used in the video. This can be a helpful resource if you’re looking to buy some of these tools for yourself.

Conclusion

Cooking tri-tip on wood coals is a fantastic way to prepare this flavorful cut of beef. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can cook a tri-tip to perfection, just like a caveman. Remember to use mesquite wood to make super hot coals, season the tri-tip generously, and check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of wood to make coals for cooking tri-tip?
    • Yes, you can use other types of wood like oak or hickory, but mesquite wood will give you the best flavor.
  2. Do I need to soak the wood before making coals?
    • It’s a good idea to soak the wood for at least 30 minutes to prevent it from burning too quickly.
  3. Can I cook tri-tip on a gas grill?
    • Yes, you can cook tri-tip on a gas grill, but the flavor won’t be as intense as cooking it on wood coals.
  4. How long should I let the tri-tip rest after cooking?
    • Letting the tri-tip rest for at least 5 minutes will allow the juices to redistribute and the temperature to settle.
  5. Can I use a different cut of beef for this cooking method?
    • Yes, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or flank steak, but tri-tip is the best for this cooking method because of its flavor and tenderness.

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