5-Minute Tri-Tip Dry Rub
This tri-tip dry rub is the best rub for smoking or grilling! With brown sugar, garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder, and a hint of spice, it’s sweet, smoky, savory, and takes minutes to mix up. Make a big batch and use it for BBQ-ing all summer long!

On my journey into becoming a pro home BBQ-er, I have discovered my true passion on the matter: seasoning. I don’t get too nerdy on temperature vs. time or charcoal vs. pellet, but I will tweak a seasoning mix to great lengths.
Since tri-tip is, in my humble opinion, the best cut of steak for beginner BBQ-ers, I’ve spent quite a bit of time grilling steak and testing this rub. I mean, I love tri-tip but let’s be real, there’s nothing all that exciting about a hunk of meat until you add some spices and throw it over a flame.
I have had a lot of tri-tips in my life, and I have discovered two things to be true. First, it’s one of the best cuts of steak whether it’s smoked, grilled, or roasted. And second, it’s best to keep the seasonings basic and let the flavor shine through. When I was in culinary school, we simply used salt, pepper, and garlic powder on steaks. But for tri-tip, I added a few extra spices to add a lovely smoky flavor but not overpower the taste.
And while this seasoning was originally made to go on smoked tri-tip and these grilled garlic butter steak bites, it would honestly be great on blue cheese burgers or even reverse sear filet mignon. Give it a try next time you BBQ and let me know what you think!
The spices you’ll need
For a touch of sweetness, you’ll want some brown sugar. I typically use dark brown sugar because I like the deep molasses flavor, but light brown sugar will work too! You’ll also need garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, Morton’s Kosher salt, and freshly-cracked black pepper.
Other spices to try
Sometimes, when I’m making this rub, I’ll add a few extra spices depending on how I’m using the steak. If you want to switch up this seasoning, try adding some of these spices to the mix! You can add or replace spices and herbs depending on whatever recipe you’re making. This dry rub is super forgiving.
- Rosemary, thyme, or oregano
- Cumin or coriander
- Dried mustard
- Ground ginger
Mix up the seasonings
To keep the dry rub from clumping, use fresh brown sugar. Then, use clean hands or a fork to break it apart before mixing it in with the spices. If it clumps back up again, just use the tines of a fork to break up the spices and brown sugar.
Storing & batching
If you have leftovers, pour them into a sealed jar. Store it in the pantry or cupboard for up to 6 months. But just a head’s up – I think this rub tastes better if it’s used within 2 months!
Other cuts of steak
Since tri-tip can be a regional thing (hey, west coast), you can use other cuts of steak with this recipe. I’ve used sirloin, flank steak, and brisket with this rub.
If you make this recipe, I would love it if you left a star rating and review! I read every single comment and love hearing what you think about my recipes. Thank you for supporting Sunday Table!
Tri-Tip Dry Rub for Smoking or Grilling
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (dark or light)
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly-ground black pepper
Equipment
- Sealed jar or airtight container
Instructions
Make the rub
- Place the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper into a jar or airtight container. Mix everything together until the spices are well combined.
- Seal the jar or airtight container. Store in a dark, cool place (like a pantry or cupboard) for up to 6 months.
Use the rub
- To use the rub, pat the tri-tip dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle a very generous amount of rub (at least 3-4 Tablespoons) on one side of the tri-tip. It may seem like a lot, but that's a good thing!
- Using clean hands, pat the rub onto the tri-tip. Flip the steak and repeat on the other side.
- Place the tri-tip into a zipper bag or airtight container. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- When you're ready to cook the tri-tip, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Grill, smoke, or roast according to recipe directions. (See my recipe for smoked tri-tip on a smoker or gas grill!)
I have been using this recipe for years. You are right on and trying the variations you suggest is fun and rewarding.
Mike T
Thanks, Mike! So glad you like the recipe. 🙂
This IS THE BEST RUB EVER!!!!!!! It was SO GOOD that for Christmas dinner my family wants this rub on Tri tip Again instead of our Traditional Prime Rib.
I also used it in chicken and they were all over it! Thank You for sharing!!!!
Aww thank you so much, Linda! I’m so glad you like this recipe. 🙂 I bet it would be so delicious on prime rib or chicken! Definitely trying that soon. xx.
This was EXCELLENT!
After marinating I brushed a little oil on the tri tip, then cooked at 400° in the air fryer.
Best tri tip I have ever had.
Thank you so much, Jeff! I’m so glad you liked this recipe. 🙂 I’m definitely going to try air-frying tri-tip, I’ve never thought to do that before!
Delicious perfection! Big hit with my family. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Lori! I’m so glad you all liked this recipe. 🙂
This was one of my favorite rubs I have ever used for Tri tip I highly recommend!
Thanks so much, Colton! I’m so glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Outstanding recipe! You can easily add or subtract heat. I’ve even used this on chicken with great results
Thanks so much, Marjorie! I also use this rub on chicken, so good!
Fantastic recipe. Easy for beginners too
Oh yay, so glad you liked this recipe! Thanks for giving it a try. 🙂
I used this rub on tri tip kabobs and it was amazing. Everyone really loved it. I cubed the tri tip then seasoned it liberally, then tossed to get a thorough coating. I left the rub on for about 45 minutes before grilling.
It will be my go to rub from now on.
Tried this run for the very first time and it was spectacular! I’m a big fan of Smoked Perfect Blend, but glad I had run out. I was lucky to have found this rub and will continue to use it on many of my cooks. It added so much flavor to the meat and did not burn during my cook as some rubs tend to do. Thank you. Five stars for sure!
Oh yay, thank you Sidney! I’m so glad you loved the recipe, it’s one of my faves. 🙂
I bought a tri-tip on sale that was 3.66 lbs.
After trimming the fat off the back behind what I saw when I bought it the meat weighed in at 2.42 lbs. I guess I paid for a pound of fat too but anyway let’s get to the point.
I tried this seasoning recipe and coated the tri-tip, wrapped it in aluminum foil overnight. Took it out the next day for about an hour before grilling. Grilled it on low after a quick sear for about 35 minutes, internal temp in the center was 120 degrees. Removed it from the grill and let it rest for about five minutes and sliced it up. It was absolutely delicious! My wife is not a big tri-tip fan but she was like wow, this is so good.
Looking forward to leftover sandwiches!
I had this happen to me just this last weekend – so frustrating! Either way, so glad that you loved the rub! Grilled tri tip is my favorite, I bet it’s amazing on sandwiches. 🙂