Name: Divine Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich: Steak in 1 Hour
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Tri-Tip Steak; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 4 Sandwich Rolls; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Horseradish Sauce; 1/4 cup Arugula; 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk about the *ultimate* steak sandwich. Forget everything you think you know, because we’re diving headfirst into Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich territory. And trust me, once you’ve had one, you’ll never look at a regular old burger the same way again. I’ve been grilling tri-tip for ages, ever since my dad showed me his secret marinade (which I’ve totally tweaked, by the way!). But it wasn’t until I slapped that perfectly grilled, juicy tri-tip onto a crusty roll with all the fixings that I realized its true potential.

What makes it so special? Well, tri-tip itself is just bursting with flavor – it’s got this amazing beefy richness that’s just begging to be grilled. And when you pair that with a creamy horseradish sauce, some peppery arugula, and a few slices of red onion for bite? Wow! It’s a flavor explosion, seriously. This Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich isn’t just lunch; it’s an *experience*.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich

Okay, so why is this sandwich about to become your new obsession? Let me tell you:

It’s seriously flavorful. That tri-tip is the star!
Quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for company. Win-win!
Super easy to customize. Add your favorite toppings, swap out the sauce – make it *yours*.
Leftovers? Hello, amazing salads and steak tacos!
It’s just… satisfying. That first bite? Pure bliss.

Simple and Delicious

Don’t let “grilled tri-tip” intimidate you! This isn’t a complicated recipe. We’re talking simple seasonings, a quick grill, and bam – you’ve got a gourmet sandwich in minutes. Promise!

Customizable

This Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich is a blank canvas! Not a horseradish fan? No problem! Swap it out for your go-to BBQ sauce or a spicy aioli. Load it up with your favorite veggies. Seriously, go wild!

The Secret to the Best Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich: Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. To make the *best* Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich, you gotta have the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

About 1.5 pounds of tri-tip steak. More on that in a sec!
A tablespoon of olive oil – extra virgin, of course!
A teaspoon of kosher salt.
Half a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Four sandwich rolls.
Half a cup of good quality mayonnaise.
Two tablespoons of prepared horseradish sauce (or more, if you’re feeling feisty!).
A quarter cup of peppery arugula.
A quarter cup of thinly sliced red onion.

The Tri-Tip

Okay, so tri-tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It’s super flavorful and relatively lean, which makes it perfect for grilling. You can usually find it at most grocery stores or butcher shops. If you can’t find tri-tip, flap meat or sirloin steak are good substitutes, but honestly, the tri-tip is what makes this sandwich *sing*.

The Perfect Roll

The roll is crucial! You want something sturdy enough to hold all that juicy tri-tip, but not so hard that it’s going to hurt your teeth. I love a crusty baguette, ciabatta, or even a soft brioche roll. Something with a little chew is perfect! Just make sure it’s not too soft, or it’ll get soggy. Yuck!

Sauce Sensations

The horseradish mayo is my go-to for this Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich. It adds a creamy, spicy kick that’s just *chef’s kiss*. But hey, if you’re not a horseradish fan, no worries! Try a garlic aioli, a smoky BBQ sauce, or even a tangy chimichurri. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find your perfect sauce match.

How to Make the Perfect Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get grilling! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into sandwich heaven in no time.

Preparing the Tri-Tip

First things first, let’s get that tri-tip ready. Take your steak out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling – this helps it cook more evenly. Pat it dry with paper towels (this is important for a good sear!). Now, give it a generous rub with that olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy! Really massage it in there.

Want even *more* flavor? You can marinate the tri-tip for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!) before grilling. There are tons of great tri-tip marinades out there, or you can just whip up a simple one with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Grilling the Tri-Tip to Perfection

Alright, fire up that grill! You want it nice and hot – medium-high heat is perfect. Place the tri-tip on the grill and let it sear for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare. Don’t move it around too much! You want those beautiful grill marks.

The key is to not overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Remember, it’ll continue to cook a bit while it rests.

Once it’s cooked to your liking, take it off the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial! Don’t skip this step. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful steak.

Assembling Your Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich

Okay, the moment we’ve been waiting for! While the tri-tip is resting, mix together your mayonnaise and horseradish sauce. Now, slice that tri-tip *thinly* against the grain. This is super important for tenderness! More on that later.

Spread that horseradish mayo on both sides of your sandwich rolls. Then, pile on the sliced tri-tip, top with arugula and red onion, and boom! You’ve got yourself a Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich that’s out of this world. Serve it up immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich Every Time

Want to take your Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich from “good” to “OMG”? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Slicing Against the Grain

Seriously, this is non-negotiable! See those lines running through the steak? That’s the grain. You want to slice *perpendicular* to those lines. Why? Because it shortens the muscle fibers, making the tri-tip unbelievably tender. If you slice *with* the grain, you’ll end up with a chewy, tough sandwich. And nobody wants that!

Doneness is Key

Tri-tip is best served medium-rare to medium, in my humble opinion. But hey, cook it to your liking! Just remember that it’ll continue to cook a little while it rests. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Don’t have one? No worries! Press the steak with your finger. If it feels soft and squishy, it’s rare. If it’s firm, it’s well-done. You want something in between – a little give, but not too much. Trust your instincts!

Variations: Level Up Your Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich. Now what? Let’s get crazy! Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

Cheese Please

Oh, cheese! I love a good provolone or Swiss with this sandwich. A creamy Havarti would also be amazing. Or, for something with a little more zing, try a sharp cheddar or even some crumbled blue cheese. Ooh la la!

Spice It Up

Feeling fiery? Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. A little bit of chili oil would also be fantastic. Or, for a milder heat, try some roasted red peppers. Just be careful – it’s easy to get carried away!

Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich

So, you’ve got this amazing Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich… now what? Well, you gotta have some sides! I love serving mine with a simple side salad, some crispy fries, or even just a bag of chips. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer or an iced tea are perfect complements to this hearty sandwich. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Grilled Tri Tip

Okay, so you’ve got leftover tri-tip? Lucky you! To keep it tasting amazing, wrap it up tight in plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to dig in again, slice it thin and either warm it gently in a pan or give it a quick zap in the microwave. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll get tough!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Tri Tip Sandwiches

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about making Grilled Tri Tip Sandwiches:

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Sure, you *can*, but it won’t be quite the same! Tri-tip has a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate. That said, if you’re in a pinch, flap meat or sirloin steak are decent substitutes. Just adjust your grilling time accordingly, because those cuts might be thinner!

How long should I marinate the tri-tip?

Honestly, even 30 minutes makes a difference! But if you really want to amp up the flavor, marinate it for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Just make sure to pat it dry before grilling, or you won’t get a good sear!

What’s the best way to reheat the tri-tip?

Okay, reheating steak can be tricky, but here’s my trick: Wrap the sliced tri-tip in foil with a little bit of beef broth or water. Then, warm it in a low oven (around 250°F) until it’s heated through. This helps keep it from drying out! You can also microwave it (carefully!), but the oven method is definitely the way to go for the best results.

Nutritional Information for Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info. Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, the nutritional content of this Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands of mayonnaise, the size of your roll, how much arugula you pile on – it all makes a difference!

So, while I can give you a general ballpark estimate (check out the recipe details!), please remember that it’s just that – an estimate. If you’re really concerned about the specifics, I highly recommend plugging the ingredients you use into a reliable online nutrition calculator. That’ll give you the most accurate picture. Just sayin’!

Ready to Eat? Rate This Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich Recipe!

So, what’d you think? If you loved this Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich as much as I do, give it a rating and leave a comment below! And hey, share your sandwich masterpiece on social media – I wanna see those pics!