As the rain drenched our garden beds and lawn on Mother’s Day afternoon, all we wanted was to be nestled inside together, but the dinner hour was looming. Earlier in the day, we prepared a marinade for the tri-tip steaks we bought the day before and we were determined to grill them, despite the falling cats and dogs. My husband, determined that I should lift a minimal number of fingers on Mother’s Day, braved the weather for the sake of a well-cooked steak. Now that is what I call dedication.
The marinade is rich with the flavors of molasses, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chili powder. Truthfully, it would make dirt taste good, but I recommend trying it with steak, chicken thighs or pork tenderloin. Once the steaks are grilled, the reserved marinade and juices from the cooked steak are boiled into a sweet and savory thickened sauce that can be drizzled over the meat upon serving.
Tri-tip steaks are particularly popular in California, but the reputation of this tender and flavorful cut is gradually spreading eastward. It is a small triangle that is cut from the bottom sirloin and is similar to, or can be found under the name of triangle, Santa Maria, Newport or culotte steak. If none of these are available, flank steak can be substituted.
The recipe:
In a large glass bowl or container, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and chili powder until the sugar is dissolved.
Place tri-tip steaks in the marinade and turn until completely coated. Let marinate for about 1 hour, covered, turning the steak occasionally.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush with canola oil.
Place the steaks on the grill (do not discard the marinade) and cook until desired degree of doneness is reached, about 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Remove steak from the grill and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Transfer the marinade and any juices collected from the cooked steaks to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil and let cook for about 10 minutes. Serve with the steak.
Other grilled steak recipes:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Chimichurri Dressing
Cookin’ Canuck’s Soy-Ginger Marinated Flank Steak
Guilty Kitchen’s Skirt Steak Fajitas
Eclectic Recipes’ Margarita Marinated Grilled Steak
For the Love of Cooking’s Grilled Steak with Avocado Sauce
Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 pounds tri-tip steaks
Instructions
- 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.
- Place tri-tip steaks in the marinade and turn until completely coated. Let marinate for about 1 hour, covered, turning the steak occasionally.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush with canola oil.
- Place the steaks on the grill (do not discard the marinade) and cook until desired degree of doneness is reached, about 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Remove steak from the grill and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Transfer the marinade and any juices collected from the cooked steaks to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil and let cook for about 10 minutes. Serve with the steak.
Nutrition
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
the marinade sounds delish!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Averie.
bellini says
Tri tip is so tender and juicey. I have never found individual ones but (more like a flank) but I will definitely keep my eyes open.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
You could use a tri-tip roast and cut it into steak-sized pieces, or use a flank steak.
Pretend Chef says
This is a great marinade recipe to have as a stand in for the standard Italian dressing. I am craving a juicy steak now. Yummy!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Most of the marinades I use involve soy sauce and rice vinegar, but I have to say that this is my favorite of all the ones I’ve tried.
Niki says
that looks awesome. this makes postponing the trip to the market worthwhile! thanks for sharing.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Niki.
Maegan says
I cannot wait to try this!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you, Maegan. I hope you enjoy it.
Mushrooms Canada says
YUM! Such a flavourful marinade! I was tempted to use my new BBQ this weekend, but ended up not having any time… or meat for that matter! I will have to try this once I have some steak on hand!
– Brittany
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Have fun with that new barbecue. It sounds as though you’ve got a great grilling season in front of you.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I haven’t had steak in far too long. I think I need to fix that 🙂 And I absolutely love that this calls for so much garlic mmm mmm!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
We don’t have steak very often but always appreciate the flavor when we do.
[email protected] says
Oh my goodness, if only I could reach out and grab it! There’s nothing quite like a well-cooked steak, and I bet the ginger gives it a good kick.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Sommer. Yes, the ginger really does add a great flavor to this marinade.
Maria says
Love the marinade!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Maria.
averagebetty says
We had a cool, rainy Mother’s Day (down in San Diego) too… I can imagine that marinade would make dirt taste good! Beautiful!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Sara. This marinade has become our new favorite and it’s good on almost anything.
Jenny Flake says
Wow, sign me up Dara, this looks finger licking good! Have a great Monday 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Jenny. Believe me, we were indeed licking our fingers.
The Texas Peach says
Too bad it had to rain on your Mother’s Day. The marinade sounds absolutely delicious, and the steak looks very tasty!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
I didn’t actually mind the rain too much. It allowed us to snuggle inside together.
Amy | She Wears Many Hats says
This looks drool inducing… I want some now!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Amy. I’m looking forward to eating the leftovers for lunch.
HeatherChristo says
The glaze that marinade gives the steak is gorgeous!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Heather. It really does give a beautiful look to the steaks (tastes even better).
Heather at FarmgirlGourmet says
Looks fabulous Dara!! So amazing. Definitely printing this one out!! Thank you for the sweet comment over on my blog. You rock! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
And I always appreciate your comments, Heather.
Tricia B says
Love the molasses idea. I bet it is tasty. Do you dry the steaks off before adding the canola oil? This sounds wonderful. Thanks
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Tricia, the canola oil actually gets brushed on the grill, not on the steaks. So, there is no need to dry off the steaks (you want that marinade on there).
Nichol says
I love new marinade recipes. This sounds perfect for summer grilling!
Mike says
Wish I’d seen this before I grilled yesterday! That photo is great.
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
I am making this one for sure. My kids love steak, and this marinade sound SO good! Happy belated Mother’s Day!
Deborah says
This sounds amazing!!
Sukaina says
Dara….when I saw the first photo, it reminded me of the Mongolian beef I eat at PF Changs…..I’m definately trying this at home! And lucky you that you didn’t have to lift a finger on Mother’s day- wish that happened everyday hey!
Laura @ Family Spice says
We live in San Diego and my family loves tri-tip! I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it, too! It’s a fabulous cut of meat, very flavorful and easy in the oven or grill. Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
Cathy/ShowFoodChef says
Good Gosh that looks good! I can almost taste that perfectly grilled steak with that sweet, sticky marinade sauce – I blame you for making me go back to the store just for a Tri-tip roast.
EatLiveRun says
molasses chili marinade sounds beyond delicious!
Squash Blossom Babies says
Oh, this looks tasty!!! 🙂 I want it for dinner tonight!
Tracey says
Your marinade sounds phenomenal Dara! We only eat steak in the summer when we can grill it, and I’m excited to try this one.
Mary @ Delightful Bitefuls says
This looks so juicy! My hubby will love this! Bookmarked!
Kalynskitchen says
I just bought some tri-tip at Costco, love it. Your marinade sounds great.
Kathy - Panini Happy says
“…it would make dirt taste good.” Well, that sounds like a marinade I need to try! The steak looks gorgeous. Hope you had a nice Mother’s Day!
foodwanderings says
Dara, This is such a fantastic recipe. My son is coming back from college this week and boy he would love this. Great recipe, love the photos as always. That potato dice, gorgeous!!
Cathy says
I made Tri-Tip, too–I love it! Costco is about the only place I’ve seen it here in Minnesota. Your marinade looks to die for…:)
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker says
YUM! That marinades sounds delicious!!
Pretty. Good. Food. says
That marinade sounds ridiculously good!
Marla says
This tri tip sounds wonderful – what I like even more is that your hubs braved the cats and dogs to make sure it came out just right! Glad to read you ha a happy Mother’s Day! xo
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
We have steak often and I will have to try this marinade, it looks like it really coats the meat and I think it would taste fantastic.
Linda says
This may truly become my summer favorite marinade! Looks absolutely delicious! Sweet, sticky and flavorful! yumm!
Belinda @zomppa says
As if the steak wasn’t enough, that marinade sounds like ultimate perfection.
Lucy says
I love soy sauce and garlic in a marinade, and this one sounds delicious. Will definitely try it on flank steak.
Tracy says
You know, I have never grilled steak before but you make it sound easy, and delicious!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Ooo, I love the sound of a molasses and chili marinade! Sounds – and looks – too good for words. Thanks for sharing and making me crave a big hunk of meat at 10AM, haha! 🙂 I’ll be pocketing this recipe for sometime this summer.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Delicious marinade, Dara! You’re so right, that combination of flavors would be great on so many things. Hope your Mother’s Day was fabulous.
Becky at VintageMixer says
What a beautiful piece of meat!! This would melt any guys heart I bet.
Lea Ann says
I think this sounds WONderful. And the best part? I’ve got every single item on hand to make it. Thanks for the recipe Dara.
Nithu says
That’s wonderful dish.
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble says
Wow! Mouth. Watering. Now. This looks amazing!!
The Newlywed Chefs says
Looks delicious- and what a great picture! Love this blog, keep up the great work!
Katrina says
Great dinner idea!
Kevin (Closet Cooking) says
That is one tasty looking steak!
Lora says
What a mouth watering marinade!
Megan says
We eat tri tip a lot here and I’ll have to try this great sounding marinade. Your steak looks fabulous.
Culinary Escapade says
That marinade sounds so good. A definite must try.
Chelsea says
Yum! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.sothisisarmylife.blogspot.com
Claire says
nom. This looks amazing. I must make this, another easy husband approved dish!
Darla @ Bakingdom says
Making this for dinner this weekend and I. Can’t. Wait! Thank you for another fantastic recipe!!
Sook says
I had a very similar recipe for Mother’s day, too! It was a Korean bulgogi recipe and it called for molasses too! I am native Korean and had never used molasses in the marinade but it turned out very well! Your steak looks fabulous.
Cookbook Queen says
Looks amazing like always!! Love tri tip!!
Cassie Sue says
I made this recipe this weekend and it turned out fantastic. We used pork chops, and I think the only change I’d make is to let it marinate a little longer. The flavor was fantastic and couldn’t be easier! Thanks for the recipe!!
Stephanie says
I made it this weekend! No one sells the tri tip in my area (middle GA) so I used a couple of top sirloin steaks instead. I marinated them overnight and threw them on the grill….DELICIOUS!! The ginger really helped set it off! Thanks for sharing!!
G6580 says
This was a perfect recipe. Made a wonderful patio dinner and set the mood for me to propose to my girlfriend. She said yes! Thanks for the amazing recipe.
Karen Pugh says
OOOOOOH! This looks so good. We have children and grandchildren in California, so when we are lucky enough to get out that way, they always make sure we get tri-tip. We are in Florida and once in a great while we will stumble across it in the market, but it isn’t quite the same, they have trimmed it down till there is not much left of it, but this marinade will allow us to make sure it isn’t dry and very flavorful.
I am heading to the market now….wish me luck.
Tanya says
This marinade was so flavorful! I substituted petite beef sirloin steaks because they were on sale, and they turned out great.
Dave S says
OMG…this was absolutely amazing….the picture looked terrific, but you know…you look at a picture and the finished result never looks the same. This did, and tasted as good as it looks.
I have one of those Demi meat tenderizers with the 48 sharp spears that dig into the meat. So those permeated the marinade into the middle of the meat as well.
SO good!
I had never heard of tri-tip steaks before, so while I was in Whole Foods last weekend I asked the guy at the meat counter and he said he was just about ready to put them out. Talk about timing…..
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Dave, I’m so glad you enjoyed the tri-tip! This is one of our favorite summertime grilling recipes.
The Omnivore says
Yum! This marinade sounds fantastic and I bet it would be VERY tasty on tofu as well.
Tammy says
Dara, how would you cook the flank steak in the oven? The temperature and time, etc. Thank you in advance.
Steven Guard says
Used this marinade on two big TriTip roasts for a large group this last weekend and it was a huge hit. Several people asked for the recipe. It has become one of my favorite TriTip recipes!
Ashley says
The marinade on this steak is perfect! It’s the reason we choose to make this recipe again and again. Thanks so much for sharing!
Love Keil says
OMG! This grilled steak was mouthwatering, I am drooling all over my screen, thinking about it! Thank you for the recipe~
Bon says
Our new fave! The marinaded steak was delish but the sauce at the end made it perfection!!! Thank you 🙂
Naomi says
This was so amazing!
Joe says
One of the best marinates I’ve tried. Steak turned out beautifully. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you
Dara says
I’m so pleased to hear that, Joe!