Reverse Seared Wagyu Tri Tip with Smoked Brown Butter
Author
Tuffy Stone
Servings
4 to 6
Prep Time
1 hour
Cook Time
2 hours
Protein
30g/per serving
Tri tip is one of my favorite ways to showcase Wagyu beef. I start by brushing it with smoked brown butter—that nutty, rich flavor adds something special—then season it generously with my Steak Night blend. From there, it’s a reverse sear: low and slow to build tenderness, then a hot finish over direct heat to lock in that crust. The smoked butter melts into the beef as it cooks, adding depth without overpowering the natural richness of the Wagyu. Slice it against the grain and serve it up—it’s simple, bold, and exactly how I like to cook steak.
Ingredients
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1 American Wagyu Tri Tip
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¼ cup Tuffy Stone “Steak Night” Seasoning
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1 pound (4 sticks) Unsalted butter
Directions
Smoked Brown Butter
Cut sticks of butter into ½ inch slices and place into skillet. Place the skillet into a smoker running at 275ºF and smoke butter for about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until butter turns to medium brown color. The butter should get a “nutty” like taste. To boost the smokey flavor to the butter, add a small piece of burning wood to the skillet, from the firebox, if using an offset smoker. Let the wood steep in the butter for 5 minutes and then remove. If you are not smoking with a charcoal or woodburning smoker, disregard this step.
Allow the butter to cool for about 10 minutes and then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Once the butter has cooled , pour into a container and cover. The smoked brown butter will keep for 2 weeks refrigerated and for a few months in the freezer. This is a great condiment to use for grilled or smoked meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Tri Tip
Use a sharp knife and carefully remove and discard enough of the fat cap from the tri tip to expose the meat. (It’s okay if some fat remains on the meat.) Brush all sides with smoked brown butter and then season evenly all sides with the Tuffy Stone “Steak Night” seasoning and let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
When you are ready to cook, heat the grill to 225ºF, using the two zone setup.
Place the tri tip on the cool side of the two zone grill, close the lid, and cook for about 1 hour or until the tri tip reaches about 118-120ºF. Remove from the grill.
Increase the grill temperature to 400ºF and place the tri tip directly over the coals. Occasionally flipping the tri tip, so the meat does not burn. Cook the beef to 135ºF . Remove the tri tip from the heat and let it rest 5 minutes before carving.
Recipe Note
Author Bio
Dubbed “The Professor,” Tuffy Stone is a legendary pitmaster known for his precision and dedication to the science of smoke. He’s earned Grand Champion titles at nearly every major barbecue competition, including the American Royal, Memphis in May, and the Jack Daniel’s Invitational. A Barbecue Hall of Famer, Tuffy is also the author of Cool Smoke and a former judge on BBQ Pitmasters.