Tri tip is a flavorful and tender cut of beef from the bottom sirloin of the cow. Popular in the United States, particularly in California, it is often grilled and served as a main dish. Tri tip is known for its rich, beefy flavor and versatility in cooking, suitable for grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and salads.
Its triangular shape gives it its name, and it’s sometimes called the “Santa Maria steak” in California, where it originated. This cut is relatively lean, making it a healthier option for steak lovers. It’s also more affordable compared to other steaks, making it ideal for feeding larger groups.
Tri tip is best cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness to maintain tenderness. Overcooking can result in a tough texture, so using a meat thermometer is recommended. Marinating before cooking can enhance its natural flavors and tenderness.
Tri tip’s versatility makes it suitable for various dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, salads, and stir-fries. Its unique texture and taste have made it popular among meat enthusiasts and a favorite choice for both home cooks and professional chefs.
Key Takeaways
- Tri tip is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that is perfect for grilling and cooking in a variety of dishes.
- Grilled tri tip tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this cut of beef, with the smoky flavor of the grill complementing the meat perfectly.
- Tri tip fried rice is a creative and tasty way to incorporate this cut of beef into a classic Asian dish, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
- Tri tip quesadillas are a simple and satisfying way to enjoy this cut of beef, with the melted cheese and crispy tortilla complementing the tender meat.
- Tri tip salad is a fresh and healthy option for enjoying this cut of beef, with the meat adding a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
- Tri tip sandwiches are a classic and delicious way to enjoy this cut of beef, with the tender meat making for a perfect filling for a hearty sandwich.
- Tri tip stir fry is a quick and flavorful way to incorporate this cut of beef into a stir fry dish, adding a rich and savory element to the meal.
Grilled Tri Tip Tacos
Marinating the Tri Tip
To make grilled tri tip tacos, start by marinating the tri tip in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it for grilling.
Grilling and Assembling the Tacos
Once the tri tip has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the meat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare doneness. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. To assemble the tacos, warm up some corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet, then fill them with the sliced tri tip, along with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
A Delicious and Versatile Meal Option
The smoky flavor of the grilled tri tip pairs perfectly with the fresh and zesty toppings, creating a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for more. Grilled tri tip tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests at a summer barbecue.
Tri Tip Fried Rice
Tri tip fried rice is a delicious and satisfying way to use up leftover tri tip in a new and exciting dish. To make tri tip fried rice, start by cutting the leftover tri tip into small bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add in some diced onions, carrots, and peas.
Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, then push them to the side of the pan and add in some beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then mix them in with the vegetables. Next, add in some cooked rice (preferably day-old rice that has been chilled) and the chopped tri tip to the skillet.
Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice and ensuring that the tri tip is heated through. Season the fried rice with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar for some sweetness. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Tri tip fried rice is a great way to breathe new life into leftover tri tip, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tri Tip Quesadillas
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tri Tip | 1 lb |
| Flour Tortillas | 6 |
| Cheese | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Bell Pepper | 1, chopped |
| Seasoning | To taste |
Tri tip quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this flavorful cut of beef in a cheesy and crispy package. To make tri tip quesadillas, start by thinly slicing the tri tip against the grain. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place a large flour tortilla in the skillet.
Sprinkle some shredded cheese over half of the tortilla, then arrange the sliced tri tip on top of the cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once the quesadillas are cooked, slice them into wedges and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The tender and flavorful tri tip pairs perfectly with the gooey melted cheese and crispy tortilla, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tri Tip Salad
Tri tip salad is a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy this tender cut of beef in a lighter dish. To make tri tip salad, start by grilling or roasting the tri tip until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare doneness. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
In a large bowl, toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Next, add in the sliced tri tip and drizzle the salad with your favorite vinaigrette dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette or red wine vinaigrette. Toss everything together until well combined and serve the salad immediately.
The tender and flavorful tri tip adds a rich and meaty element to the fresh and crisp salad, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tri Tip Sandwiches
Preparing the Tri Tip
To make tri tip sandwiches, start by grilling or roasting the tri tip until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare doneness. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Assembling the Sandwiches
Toast some crusty rolls or bread on the grill or in the oven until they are golden brown. Spread some mayonnaise or your favorite condiments on one side of each roll or bread slice. Layer the sliced tri tip on top of the bottom half of each roll or bread slice, then add your favorite sandwich toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
Enjoying Your Tri Tip Sandwiches
Place the top half of each roll or bread slice on top of the filling to create sandwiches. Tri tip sandwiches are perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, whether you’re enjoying them at home or packing them for a picnic or road trip.
Tri Tip Stir Fry
Tri tip stir fry is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this tender cut of beef in an Asian-inspired dish. To make tri tip stir fry, start by cutting the tri tip into thin strips against the grain. Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat and add in the sliced tri tip.
Stir-fry the meat until it is browned on all sides but still pink in the middle, then transfer it to a plate. In the same skillet or wok, add in some sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, then add back in the cooked tri tip.
Pour in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of chicken broth to create a savory sauce for the stir fry. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve the tri tip stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious.
The tender and flavorful tri tip pairs perfectly with the crisp-tender vegetables and savory sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.
If you’re looking for more ways to use up leftover tri tip, check out this article on Crazy and Married for some creative and delicious ideas. From sandwiches to salads, there are plenty of ways to repurpose your leftover tri tip into new and exciting dishes. Check out the article here for some inspiration.
FAQs
What are some leftover tri tip recipes?
Some leftover tri tip recipes include tri tip sandwiches, tri tip tacos, tri tip stir fry, tri tip salad, and tri tip hash.
How long can leftover tri tip be stored in the refrigerator?
Leftover tri tip can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can leftover tri tip be frozen?
Yes, leftover tri tip can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. It’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
What are some tips for reheating leftover tri tip?
To reheat leftover tri tip, it’s best to slice it thinly and then reheat it in a skillet with a little bit of oil or butter. Alternatively, it can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to prevent it from drying out.
Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind when using leftover tri tip?
When using leftover tri tip, it’s important to ensure that it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. Additionally, it’s important to store leftover tri tip properly to prevent foodborne illness.
