Coffee Marinated Tri-Tip Roasts

By James Kimble May 4, 2026 3 mins read 106 Views

These coffee marinated tri-tip roasts are incredible! With their rich, beefy flavor and tender texture, they make them the perfect main course for when the craving hits.

Cooked coffee marinated Tri-tip roast, sliced and on a platter.

These coffee marinated tri-tip roasts are coated in a flavorful balsamic espresso marinade and then cooked low and slow. Each bite will simply melt in your mouth.

Coffee adds a deep richness to beef and is one of the easiest ways to enhance the flavor of roasts. Luckily, tri-tips are easy to find at your local market or butcher shop. These triangular roasts are incredibly versatile and ideal for the grill or smoker. The recommended doneness for this cut is medium-rare to medium. Refer to our steak temperature guide for additional information.

Ingredients

Beef tri-tip roasts (about 2 pounds each)
Balsamic vinegar (substitute with red wine vinegar)
Espresso (brewed, and cooled completely before using)
Brown sugar (dark brown preferred)
Garlic
Soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free option)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil

Marinating Tri-Tip Roasts

Make the marinade: Brew the espresso, and allow it to cool completely. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
Submerge the roasts: Place the tri-tips in a large container. Pour the marinade over top, and turn them to coat.
Marinate them: Seal the container, and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate the tri-tip roasts for 8 to 12 hours.

tri tip roast on grill 1 — derrickriches.com

Grilling Coffee Marinated Tri-Tip Roasts

Preheat grill or smoker to 275 degrees F. If using a charcoal grill, set up for a two-zone, indirect cook.
Slow-roast the tri-tips: Remove the tri-tips from the marinade and season them with salt. Place them on the grill or smoker, close the lid, and cook them 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
Rest them: Once the roasts have cooked through, remove them from the grill and tent with aluminum foil. Rest the meat for 10-15 minutes.
Carve them: Slice the tri-tip roast against the grain and serve with our a board sauce and your favorite side dishes.
Storing leftovers: Place the tri-tip in an airtight container or resealable food-grade bag in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months.

Side Dishes for Tri-Tip

Coffee Marinated Tri-Tip Roasts

These coffee marinated tri-tip roasts are packed full of delicious, rich beefy flavor. Perfect for cookouts and weekly meal prep!

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American BBQ

Keyword coffe marinated tri tip, grilled tri tip, tri tp

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings servings

Calories 255kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds tri-tip roasts, about 2 roasts
1 1/4 tablespoons kosher salt
for marinade:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup brewed espresso, cooled completely
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Brew the expresso, and allow it to cool completely. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
Place the tri-tips in a large container. Pour the marinade over top, and turn them over to coat.
Seal the container, and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate the tri-tip roasts for 8 to 12 hours.
Preheat grill or smoker to 275 degrees F. If using a charcoal grill, set up for a two-zone, indirect cook.
Remove the tri-tips from the marinade and season them with kosher salt. Place them on the grill or smoker, close the lid, and cook them 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
Once cooked through, remove them from the grill and tent with aluminum foil. Rest the meat for 10-15 minutes.
Slice the tri-tip roasts against the grain and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Store leftover tri-tip in an airtight container or resealable food-grade bag in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months.