Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The primary cut of meat used in this recipe is a 4 lb Tri-tip roast.
How long does the tri-tip need to marinate?
The tri-tip should marinate in the refrigerator for 3 days for optimal flavor infusion.
What is the secret to getting the marinade deep into the meat?
You should carefully stab the tri-tip roast 25 times with a steak knife before submerging it in the marinade.
What are the main components of the marinade?
The marinade consists of yellow mustard, soy sauce, bourbon, beer, habanero sauce, minced garlic, ground pepper, and sea salt.
Which bourbon is recommended for this recipe?
Jim Beam is the recommended bourbon, though any straight bourbon whiskey will work.
What kind of beer should I use?
New Castle is suggested, but you can use your favorite beer.
How often should the meat be turned during the 3-day marination?
The meat should be turned once or twice each day while marinating.
How do I prepare the wood chips for the smoker?
Soak four handfuls of wood chips in a bowl of boiling water for about one hour before smoking.
Which types of wood chips are best for smoking this tri-tip?
Hickory, mesquite, or olive wood chips are recommended for this recipe.
How long does the tri-tip need to smoke?
The tri-tip should be smoked for approximately 2.5 hours.
Should the tri-tip be flipped during the smoking process?
Yes, the tri-tip should be flipped at least once during the 2.5-hour smoking period.
What should I do if the smoke dissipates during cooking?
You should add more wood chips into the smoker whenever the smoke dissipates.
How do I prepare a Brinkmann smoker for this recipe?
Place the wet wood chips directly on the ashy coals once they are ready.
What is the calorie count for this smoked tri-tip?
Each serving contains approximately 278 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this dish?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 13 grams of fat per serving.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
Classic sides like macaroni salad, beer rolls, potato salad, or potato bread rolls are recommended.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for the marinade?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used if preferred.
What brand of habanero sauce is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for El Yucateco chile habanero sauce.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
What is the total amount of soy sauce needed?
A total of 16 fluid ounces of soy sauce is required for the marinade.
How much bourbon is added to the mixture?
The recipe uses 2 fluid ounces of straight bourbon whiskey.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the smoking time for different levels of doneness?
Yes, you can adjust the smoking time to achieve rarer meat or follow the recipe for a well-done finish.
How much yellow mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of yellow mustard.
What preparation is needed for the tri-tip itself?
The roast can be trimmed or untrimmed according to your personal preference.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
Combine the yellow mustard and 8 ounces of soy sauce in a large bowl and stir until the mustard is thinned out.
How much sea salt is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground sea salt, though this can be adjusted to taste.
Why is boiling water used for the wood chips?
Boiling water is used to soak the chips for one hour to ensure they are properly prepped for the smoker.
What beverage is suggested to pair with the final dish?
A cold beer is suggested to raise a toast and accompany the meal.