Classic Tri-Tip Steak with Special Sauce Recipe

2022-10-31

By American Cook

American Cuisine

Main Course

Impress your guests with this flavorful Tri-Tip Steak recipe. 

Spice Up Your BBQ

Rubbed with a mixture of garlic, olive oil and spices, and served with a special mayo-based sauce, this dish is perfect for your next BBQ or dinner party.  

A Santa Maria Tradition

An American cuisine main course that originated in Santa Maria, California. It is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin that is grilled or smoked, seasoned with simple spices, and typically served with a garlic bread and a salad. 

From Local Specialty to National Favorite

Over time, the Tri-Tip Steak gained popularity among the local ranching community and eventually became a regional specialty. It was typically served at outdoor barbecues and other gatherings in the Santa Maria Valley. 

Experience the Tender and Juicy Flavor of Tri-Tip Steak

The distinctive flavor of Tri-Tip Steak comes from its seasoning, which typically includes a dry rub or marinade made with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and other spices. It is usually grilled over an open flame or smoked over oak wood. The steak is allowed to rest for several minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender cut of meat.

Pitfalls on Tri-Tip Steak with Special Sauce

 Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Choosing the right cut of Tri-Tip is crucial to making a tender and flavorful steak. Look for a Tri-Tip that is well-marbled with fat and has a deep red color. The steak should be at least one-inch thick to prevent overcooking and drying out during the cooking process.

 Prepping the Steak: Prepping the Tri-Tip correctly is crucial to achieving a great flavor. Seasoning the steak with salt and pepper, or a dry rub, at least an hour before cooking, helps the flavors penetrate the meat while also tenderizing it.

 Cooking: Cooking Tri-Tip can be challenging as it's a thick steak that requires an even cook throughout the steak. Grilling, roasting, or smoking are popular methods of cooking Tri-Tip. It's essential to cook Tri-Tip to an internal temperature that is safe to eat while still being juicy and flavorful. A meat thermometer should be used to determine the steak's internal temperature. Allow the meat to rest for ten minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and ensure the best flavor.

 Slicing: Slicing Tri-Tip steak can be challenging, as it's an irregularly shaped cut of meat. It's essential to slice against the grain, cutting the meat into thin slices. This method helps to break down the fibers and make the steak tender.

 Serving: Serving Tri-Tip Steak can be a challenge as it's a large cut of meat that needs suitable accompaniments. Serve with a flavorful sauce or chimichurri to complement the steak. Sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, and a salad can make a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Tri-Tip Steak

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium high heat.

2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.

3. Rub mixture all over Tri-Tip steak.

4. Grill steak for approximately 10 minutes per side or until desired temperature is reached.

5. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

6. Special Sauce:

7. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.

8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow flavors to meld together.

9. Serve Tri-Tip steak sliced thinly with special sauce drizzled on top.

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 25 min

Total time 35 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 400

Fat: 32g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Carbohydrates: 4g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 3g

Protein: 24g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Tri-Tip Steak

Southern California, they may marinate the Tri-Tip Steak with garlic, citrus, and soy sauce and then grill it over an open flame, giving it a slightly smoky and citrusy taste. This version of Tri-Tip Steak is known as "Santa Maria-style Tri-Tip Steak."

Texas, they may dry-rub the Tri-Tip Steak with a mixture of spices like paprika, chili powder, and cumin before grilling, giving it a smoky and spicy flavor. This version of Tri-Tip Steak is known as "Texas-style Tri-Tip Steak."

the Pacific Northwest, they may top the Tri-Tip Steak with a mushroom and red wine sauce, giving it a rich and earthy taste. This version of Tri-Tip Steak is known as "Pacific Northwest-style Tri-Tip Steak."

Colorado, they may rub the Tri-Tip Steak with a mixture of espresso, paprika, and cumin and then grill it, giving it a slightly smoky and bold coffee taste. This version of Tri-Tip Steak is known as "Colorado-style Tri-Tip Steak."

Kansas City, they may brush the Tri-Tip Steak with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and then grill it, giving it a deliciously sweet and savory taste. This version of Tri-Tip Steak is known as "Kansas City-style Tri-Tip Steak."

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