When you crave a hearty, satisfying sandwich, few options beat the robust flavors of a well-made tri-tip sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe will hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tri-tip steak, grilled to medium rare and thinly sliced
- 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional: horseradish sauce or aioli for spreading
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tri-Tip:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the tri-tip steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches medium rare doneness. Let it rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain.
- Prepare the Ciabatta Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush the inside of the ciabatta rolls with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, until they are lightly golden.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- If desired, spread a layer of horseradish sauce or aioli on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll.
- Layer the thinly sliced tri-tip steak on the bottom half of each roll.
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the steak, allowing it to melt slightly under the broiler.
- Add slices of red onion, roasted red peppers, and a handful of arugula or baby spinach to each sandwich.
- Finish and Serve:
- Place the top half of the ciabatta rolls on each sandwich.
- For added warmth and to melt the cheese completely, wrap each assembled sandwich in foil and return them to the oven for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with au jus or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for a Perfect Tri-Tip Sandwich:
- Grill the Tri-Tip to Medium Rare: Tri-tip steak is best enjoyed when grilled to medium rare (internal temperature of about 135°F or 57°C). This ensures the steak remains tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Slice Against the Grain: After grilling, allow the tri-tip steak to rest for at least 10 minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain. This ensures each slice is tender and easy to bite through.
- Toast the Ciabatta Rolls: Lightly toasting the ciabatta rolls in the oven with a brush of olive oil adds a nice crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich.
- Choose Complementary Toppings: Balance the flavors and textures by choosing toppings that complement the savory tri-tip steak. Red onions, roasted red peppers, arugula or baby spinach, and provolone cheese work well together, but feel free to customize based on your preferences.
- Optional Sauces: Consider adding a layer of horseradish sauce or aioli to the ciabatta rolls before assembling the sandwich. These sauces add extra flavor and a creamy texture that pairs nicely with the steak and toppings.
- Warm Before Serving: For a melty and cohesive sandwich, wrap the assembled sandwiches in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This step helps to meld the flavors together and ensures the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: If desired, serve the tri-tip sandwiches with au jus or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. This adds a delicious extra dimension to each bite.
What to Serve with a Tri-tip Sandwich ?
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Classic and always satisfying, crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges pair well with the hearty flavors of the sandwich.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast some seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy texture that complements the richness of the tri-tip sandwich.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad with a variety of fresh fruits provides a refreshing and sweet contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Chips or Pretzels: For a casual option, serve some crispy chips or pretzels on the side for a satisfying crunch.
- Soup: A hearty soup like tomato basil or butternut squash can make a comforting and complete meal alongside the sandwich.