5 Wagyu Tri-Tip Recipes You Have to Try

Tri-Tip is not just any cut of meat; it's a cut revered for its rich flavor and tender texture, especially when it comes from the prized Wagyu breed. Known for its marbling and unparalleled taste, Wagyu Tri-Tip can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these five recipes will show you how to make the most of this exquisite cut.

1. Classic Wagyu Tri-Tip with Herb Crust

Start with simplicity at its finest. This recipe involves seasoning the tri-tip with a mixture of fresh herbs and a touch of sea salt, encapsulating the natural flavors of Wagyu.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Wagyu Tri-Tip (approximately 1.5 - 2 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Mix the herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a paste.
  3. Rub this mixture all over the tri-tip, ensuring it’s well coated.
  4. Sear the tri-tip on all sides in a hot pan until a crust forms, then transfer to a roasting pan.
  5. Roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness, roughly 20-25 minutes for medium-rare (135°F).
  6. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

🌿 Note: Allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking helps in achieving an even cook throughout.

2. Spicy Chipotle-Infused Tri-Tip Skewers

Move to the grill with this spicy rendition, where the smoky flavor of chipotle intertwines with the lush marbling of Wagyu.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Wagyu Tri-Tip
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt
  • Wooden skewers
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the tri-tip into cubes, about 1 inch each.
  2. Puree the chipotle, honey, and lime juice. Marinate the meat in this mixture for at least 2 hours.
  3. Skewer the meat, seasoning with salt before grilling.
  4. Grill on high heat until charred and to your preferred doneness, about 2-3 minutes per side.

3. Asian-Style Wagyu Tri-Tip Bulgogi

Marinate your tri-tip in a traditional Korean bulgogi sauce to experience the tender, juicy goodness with a sweet and savory twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Wagyu Tri-Tip
  • ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
  • ¹⁄₄ cup mirin (or sweet rice wine)
  • 1 Asian pear, pureed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Chopped scallions
  • Sesame seeds
• Instructions:
  1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, pear puree, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
  2. Marinate the tri-tip for 24 hours, turning occasionally.
  3. Grill or pan-fry until desired doneness.
  4. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

🍳 Note: Korean cooking often uses Asian pear for tenderizing meat due to its natural enzymes.

4. Red Wine Braised Wagyu Tri-Tip

For a deeply flavored, melt-in-your-mouth experience, try braising your Wagyu Tri-Tip in red wine.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Wagyu Tri-Tip
  • 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 sprigs of thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Beef stock
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C).
  2. Season tri-tip with salt and pepper, brown it in a pan, then set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté vegetables until golden.
  4. Add tri-tip back into the pan, pour over the wine, and add enough stock to cover the meat halfway.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise in the oven for about 3 hours, or until tender.
  6. Serve with the braising liquid as a sauce.

5. Wagyu Tri-Tip Surf and Turf with Lobster

Indulge in a luxurious feast by pairing the rich Wagyu Tri-Tip with succulent lobster for the ultimate surf and turf dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 Wagyu Tri-Tip
  • 2 Live lobsters
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Parsley
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the tri-tip with your preferred recipe (e.g., Herb Crust).
  2. Cook the lobsters by boiling or grilling until done.
  3. Remove lobster meat and prepare a compound butter with melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.
  4. Serve the sliced tri-tip alongside the lobster, topped with compound butter.

Throughout these recipes, the key takeaway is the exceptional versatility and richness of Wagyu Tri-Tip. Each preparation brings out different facets of this prized cut, whether it's the tenderness of a low and slow braise, the explosive flavor of a spicy marinade, or the straightforward simplicity of a herb crust. By exploring different cooking techniques, you not only honor the tradition of Wagyu beef but also enhance your culinary skills, creating memorable dining experiences.

What makes Wagyu Tri-Tip different from regular Tri-Tip?

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Wagyu beef, from which the Tri-Tip comes, is known for its significant intramuscular fat content or marbling, which gives it a unique texture and flavor not found in regular cuts of beef.

Can I use other cuts of Wagyu for these recipes?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted to other Wagyu cuts like tenderloin or ribeye, though the cooking times and methods might need slight adjustments due to the different characteristics of each cut.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

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Store cooked Wagyu Tri-Tip in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at a low temperature to preserve tenderness or use a stovetop with some butter to ensure it stays moist.