This Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe is a showstopper for any occasion. The rich, sweet, and spicy marinade infuses the beef with incredible flavor, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or special gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delightful meal that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The molasses chili marinade gives the steak a unique taste that balances sweetness and spice perfectly.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish without hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this grilled steak on its own or serve it with sides like grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe fits right in.
- Quick Marination: A short marinating time of just one hour delivers maximum flavor without an overnight wait.
Tools and Preparation
To make the grilling process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Large glass bowl or container
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides direct heat for cooking the tri-tip steaks to perfection.
- Large glass bowl or container: Ideal for marinating the steaks, allowing all ingredients to mix well.
- Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients smoothly, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping and removing steaks from the grill without piercing them.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish:
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed)
- 1 tablespoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Steak
- 2 pounds tri-tip steaks
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large glass bowl or container, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili powder, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place tri-tip steaks in the marinade and turn until completely coated. Let marinate for about 1 hour, covered, turning the steak occasionally.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush with canola oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Steaks
Place the steaks on the grill (do not discard the marinade) and cook until desired degree of doneness is reached. This typically takes about 5 minutes per side depending on steak thickness. Remove steak from grill and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Prepare Sauce from Marinade
Transfer the marinade along with any juices collected from cooked steaks to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil and let cook for about 10 minutes. Serve sauce alongside steak.
Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this flavorful grilled tri-tip! Enjoy every juicy bite!
How to Serve Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
Serving grilled tri-tip steak can elevate any meal. The rich flavors from the molasses chili marinade complement various sides and sauces, making it a versatile dish.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Crisp Garden Salad – A refreshing mix of greens topped with a light vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and balances the steak’s richness.
Add Flavorful Sauces
- Chimichurri Sauce – This herb-based sauce brings a zesty contrast to the savory steak.
- BBQ Sauce – A smoky barbecue sauce pairs well, enhancing the grilled flavor.
Serve with Starches
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes are perfect for soaking up juices from the steak.
- Rice Pilaf – Lightly seasoned rice pilaf offers a subtle flavor that complements the dish.
How to Perfect Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
Perfecting your grilled tri-tip steak takes practice and attention to detail. Follow these tips for best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger will intensify the flavor of your marinade.
- Marinate Longer – For deeper flavor, consider marinating overnight if time allows.
- Preheat Your Grill – A hot grill ensures a good sear, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Check Doneness with a Thermometer – Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect cooking; aim for 135°F for medium-rare.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the steak to rest before slicing retains juices for improved tenderness.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
Complementing your grilled tri-tip steak with delicious sides enhances the meal experience. Here are some great suggestions:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
- Grilled Vegetables – Assorted seasonal vegetables brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender add color and nutrition.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn, either boiled or grilled, is a classic summer side that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These crispy sprouts provide a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the marinade.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies offers a fresh touch.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Rich and cheesy mac adds indulgence alongside the savory steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making grilled tri-tip steak with molasses chili marinade, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls.
- Ignoring marinating time: Make sure to let the steak marinate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat properly, enhancing its taste.
- Overcooking the steak: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooking can lead to dry steak. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare.
- Skipping the resting period: After grilling, let the steak rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows juices to redistribute, making each bite juicier.
- Not using enough marinade: Ensure that the steak is well-coated in the marinade. Insufficient marinade can result in bland flavor.
- Neglecting grill temperature: Preheat your grill adequately. Cooking on a grill that isn’t hot enough can cause uneven cooking and less appealing texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover grilled tri-tip steak in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
- Wrap the cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place the steak on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Slice the steak and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the best grilled tri-tip steak with molasses chili marinade?
To achieve maximum flavor, ensure you marinate the steak long enough and cook it over medium-high heat for even grilling.
Can I customize the molasses chili marinade?
Absolutely! You can add more spices like cumin or paprika based on your taste preferences or even adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or molasses.
What side dishes pair well with grilled tri-tip steak?
Sides like grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad complement this recipe perfectly, enhancing its overall appeal.
How do I know when my tri-tip steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is key! Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare and adjust according to your preferred doneness level.
Final Thoughts
This grilled tri-tip steak with molasses chili marinade recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by altering spices or serving options. Give this recipe a try; its rich flavors will surely impress your family and friends!
Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade
Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade is the ultimate dish for any gathering, combining rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe features a delightful marinade made from brown sugar and molasses, infused with garlic, ginger, and chili powder to create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures your steak is juicy and full of flavor. With minimal marinating time, you can have an impressive meal ready in no time. Serve it alongside fresh salads or flavorful sides for a complete culinary experience that will leave your guests raving.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 pounds tri-tip steak
Instructions
- In a large glass bowl, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add tri-tip steaks to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate for at least one hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush with canola oil.
- Grill the marinated steaks for about 5 minutes on each side or until desired doneness is achieved (135°F for medium-rare).
- Let the cooked steaks rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- For an extra touch, simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan for a flavorful sauce to serve alongside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the steak overnight. Ensure your grill is hot enough to achieve a good sear. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.