Tri-Tip Steak with Special Sauce

2022-10-31

By American Cook

American Cuisine

Main Course

3 Easy Ways to Cook Tri-Tip Steak: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer for Tender, Juicy Results

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Steak: How to Achieve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to cook your tri-tip steak for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking method tenderizes the meat, allowing it to absorb all the seasonings and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Finish with a quick sear in a hot pan for a crispy crust.

Instant Pot Tri-Tip: The Fastest Way to Tender, Flavorful Steak in Under an Hour

Use the Instant Pot’s "Saute" function to brown the tri-tip on all sides, then switch to "Pressure Cook" for 30-35 minutes. This allows the meat to stay juicy while infusing it with rich flavors, making it tender and flavorful in less than an hour.

Air Fryer Tri-Tip: Crispy, Juicy Steak in 12 Minutes for the Perfect Meal

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then season your tri-tip steak and place it in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly cooked, juicy steak with a perfectly crisp exterior. Let it rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Tips and Suggestions on Tri-Tip Steak

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.

Classic Tri-Tip Steak Recipe

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. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow flavors to meld together.
  8. Serve Tri-Tip steak sliced thinly with special sauce drizzled on top.

Cooking Time

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

Variations for Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-Tip Steak Japanese Style

This version is made by marinating tender tri-tip steak in a savory soy sauce mixture, then grilling to perfection and serving with wasabi.

Japanese-Inspired Tri Tip Recipe

Tri-Tip Steak Japanese BBQ

This version is made by marinating tri-tip steak in a rich teriyaki sauce, grilling it until tender, and serving with grilled vegetables.

Japanese-Inspired Tri Tip Recipe

Tri-Tip Steak Florentine Style

This version is made by seasoning tri-tip steak with fresh herbs and garlic, searing it to a perfect crust, and serving over sautéed spinach.

Tri-Tip Florentine Style

Tri-Tip Steak Citrus and chile

This version is made by marinating tri-tip steak in a zesty blend of citrus juices and chilies, then grilling to perfection.

Citrus and chile braised grassfed beef tri tip

Tri-Tip Steak Frites and Sauteed Veggies

This version is made by pairing juicy tri-tip steak with crispy frites and a medley of seasoned sautéed vegetables for a hearty meal.

Greek Freak Tri-Tip Steak, Frites and Sauteed Veggies

Tri-Tip Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms

This version is made by searing tender tri-tip steak to perfection, then topping it with savory sautéed mushrooms for an irresistible flavor combination.

Pan-Seared Wagyu Tri-Tip Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms and Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Tri-Tip Steak Black Bean Sauce

This version is made by marinating tri-tip steak in a rich black bean sauce, then grilling it for a savory, bold flavor.

Grilled Tri Tip with Chinese Black Bean Sauce

Tri-Tip Steak with Sesame-Ginger

This version is made by marinating tri-tip steak in a zesty sesame-ginger sauce, then grilling to enhance its tender, flavorful profile.

Sesame-Ginger Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-Tip Steak with Tiger Bite Sauce

This version is made by coating tri-tip steak in a spicy Tiger Bite sauce, then grilling for a fiery, robust flavor.

Tri-Tip Steak with Tiger Bite Sauce

Tri-Tip Steak Recipe Review

Go to Top