Smokehouse Lunch: BBQ Triple Threat

Smokehouse Lunch: BBQ Triple Threat

Discover our Smokehouse Lunch: BBQ Triple Threat recipe, a creative twist on the classic Texas Tri-Tip with bourbon molasses rub, roasted corn salsa, and smoked cheddar mac & cheese.

🕒 Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 25 minutes (grilling) + 15 minutes (mac & cheese) Total: 1 hour
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Difficulty: Advanced
🌎 Cuisine: American, BBQ

Allergens

Dairy, Wheat

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs tri
  • tip steak 1/4 cup bourbon 1/4 cup molasses 2 tbsp paprika 2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 4 ears of corn, husked and cut into salsa 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup lime juice 1 tbsp honey Salt and pepper to taste 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked 3 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese 2 cups whole milk 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup all
  • purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground mustard 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp onion powder Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ Triple Threat rub by combining bourbon, molasses, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Rub the tri tip steak generously with the BBQ rub and let it marinate for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). Grill the tri tip steak for about 5 7 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  5. For the mac & cheese, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded smoked cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Set aside.
  6. Slice the rested tri tip steak into thin strips and serve alongside the roasted corn salsa and mac & cheese. Enjoy your Smokehouse Lunch: BBQ Triple Threat!

Chef’s Insight

The bourbon molasses rub adds a unique smoky flavor to the tri-tip steak, while the roasted corn salsa brings freshness and vibrancy to the dish.

Notes

The combination of smoky tri-tip, zesty corn salsa, and creamy mac & cheese creates a BBQ experience that will transport you to a Friday-night tailgate.

Cultural or Historical Background

Texas Tri-Tip has been a popular BBQ staple since the 1960s, originating in Santa Maria, California. This dish pays homage to that classic while adding a unique twist with bourbon and molasses.