Tri Tip Sandwich
Paul, AI Chef
This robust, smoky sandwich captures the essence of West Coast BBQ with juicy tri tip and bold flavors. Perfect for weekend grilling or hearty weeknight dinners!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 580 kcal
1 Grill Whether it’s a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a stovetop grill pan, you’ll need a way to cook the tri tip to smoky perfection.
1 Meat Thermometer A must-have for ensuring your tri tip is cooked to the perfect temperature (135°F for medium-rare)
1 Sharp Knife A sharp chef’s knife or carving knife is essential for slicing the tri tip thinly against the grain.
1 Cutting Board Use a sturdy cutting board for slicing the meat and preparing toppings.
1 Tongs and Spatula For flipping the tri tip on the grill and handling the bread.
1 Skillet or Pan For caramelizing onions and toasting the bread.
For the Tri Tip:
- 2 lbs tri tip roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For Assembly:
- 6 ciabatta rolls or crusty French rolls
- 6 slices provolone or pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup garlic aioli mix mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1 roasted red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup arugula or spinach
Step 1: Season the Tri Tip
Pat the tri tip dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks.
Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub. A simple rub of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar works wonders.
Let the seasoned tri tip sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Grill the Tri-Tip
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
Place the tri tip on the grill, fat side down, and sear for 6-8 minutes per side. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in the juices.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F.
Once done, transfer the tri tip to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can use a cast-iron skillet or oven broiler to achieve similar results.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Nutrient |
Amount |
Calories |
580 kcal |
Fat |
32g |
Saturated Fat |
10g |
Protein |
38g |
Carbohydrates |
35g |
Fiber |
2g |
Sugar |
4g |
Cholesterol |
100mg |
Sodium |
800mg |
Keyword California BBQ, Grilled Beef Sandwich, Tri Tip Sandwich