5 Delicious Tri Tip Recipes You Must Try

Welcome to a flavorful journey where we explore the versatility and deliciousness of tri tip steak. Known for its rich flavor and tender texture, tri tip has become a favorite for home cooks and professional chefs alike. In this post, we'll delve into five exquisite tri tip recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and inspire your next barbecue or dinner party.

1. Classic Santa Maria BBQ Tri Tip

The Santa Maria BBQ is an iconic preparation method that originated in California’s Santa Maria Valley. Here’s how you can make this at home:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs Tri Tip Roast
  • 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
• Steps:
  1. Combine all dry ingredients to make a rub.
  2. Coat the tri tip generously with the rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to marinate.
  4. Preheat your grill to high heat, sear the tri tip for about 5 minutes on each side.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, close the grill lid, and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

🔥 Note: Resting the meat is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.

2. Grilled Tri Tip with Chimichurri Sauce

This South American-inspired recipe combines the succulence of grilled tri tip with the vibrant flavors of chimichurri sauce:

• Ingredients for Chimichurri:
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Fresh Cilantro
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Prepare the chimichurri by finely chopping herbs and garlic, then mixing with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Season the tri tip with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes for medium rare.
  3. Let it rest, then slice thinly and drizzle with chimichurri sauce before serving.

3. Marinated Tri Tip with Bourbon Glaze

Here’s a recipe for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy touch:

• Ingredients for Marinade:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Soy Sauce
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Bourbon
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Honey
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Steps:
  1. Marinate the tri tip in the prepared mixture for 4-6 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Remove from marinade, and pat dry.
  3. Grill on high heat, basting with the reserved marinade mixed with bourbon and honey until caramelized and cooked to your liking.

4. Slow Cooker Tri Tip with Veggies

For a tender, fall-apart tri tip, try this slow cooker approach:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Tri Tip Roast
  • 3 Carrots, chopped
  • 2 Potatoes, cubed
  • 1 Onion, quartered
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 tbsp Rosemary, dried
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Season the tri tip with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
  2. Place the roast in the slow cooker, add vegetables, and pour over beef broth.
  3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
  4. Remove, slice, and serve with the cooked vegetables.

5. Tri Tip Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Transform your tri tip into a delightful taco filling:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Tri Tip Roast
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp Garlic Powder
  • For Salsa:
  • 2 Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 Jalapeño, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Onion, diced
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Lime Juice to taste
• Steps:
  1. Season and grill the tri tip until it’s medium rare. Allow to rest, then slice into thin strips.
  2. Make fresh salsa by combining diced tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
  3. Warm up tortillas, add tri tip slices, top with salsa, and serve with avocado, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.

All these tri tip recipes highlight the versatility of this cut, providing a wide range of flavors from the traditional Santa Maria style to the innovative tacos. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a comforting meal, tri tip can elevate your culinary game with its robust texture and flavor profile. Each method brings out different characteristics of the meat, making it an excellent choice for cooks looking to experiment with their grilling, roasting, or slow cooking techniques.

What’s the best way to grill tri tip?

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For the best results, preheat your grill to a high heat, sear the tri tip, then reduce heat to medium for indirect grilling. Cook to an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

How long should I marinate tri tip?

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Ideally, marinate tri tip for at least 4-6 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.

Can tri tip be cooked in an oven?

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Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, sear the tri tip in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking to your desired doneness.

Why is resting meat important?

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Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays juicy and tender when sliced.

What are some side dish ideas to serve with tri tip?

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Great side options include grilled vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complement the richness of the tri tip.