Tri tip is a fantastic cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked right. It’s no wonder it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve a memorable main course. If you’re planning to cook up a tri tip, you might be wondering, “What To Serve With Tri Tip?” The good news is that tri tip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Whether you’re looking for classic companions or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
Cooked Tri Tip on a sheet pan with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and a butchers fork.
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of delicious side dishes that will elevate your tri tip meal to the next level. From fresh and vibrant salads to hearty and comforting classics, you’ll find inspiration to create a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Classic & Crowd-Pleasing Sides for Tri Tip
When it comes to side dishes for tri tip, sometimes sticking with the classics is the best way to go. These options are always a hit and complement the beef beautifully without overpowering it.
Fresh Salads: Light and Refreshing
A fresh salad is an ideal counterpoint to the richness of tri tip. It provides a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the savory flavors of the beef.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Just like in the original Santa Maria Tri Tip recipe, a simple cucumber and tomato salad is a fantastic choice. The crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, lightly dressed with red wine vinegar and herbs, offer a refreshing contrast. This is especially perfect for summer gatherings.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce of a Caesar salad are a timeless pairing with grilled meats. You can even add grilled croutons for extra texture.
- Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad, whether grilled, roasted, or fresh, brings sweetness and a summery feel. Consider adding black beans, bell peppers, or a lime dressing for extra layers of flavor.
Potato Perfection: Hearty and Satisfying
Potatoes are a quintessential side dish for beef, and tri tip is no exception. They provide a hearty and comforting element to the meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Simple roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, are always a winner. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible.
- Potato Salad: Whether you prefer creamy or vinaigrette-based potato salad, it’s a classic barbecue side that works wonderfully with tri tip.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are pure comfort food and a luxurious accompaniment to tender tri tip.
Grilled Vegetables: Smoky and Flavorful
Grilling vegetables alongside your tri tip is a fantastic way to enhance the smoky flavors of the meal and keep the cooking process streamlined, especially if you are already firing up the grill.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn is a summer staple and a delightful side for tri tip.
- Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus spears, lightly charred on the grill and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, are a healthy and flavorful option.
- Grilled Bell Peppers and Onions: Slices of bell peppers and onions, grilled until tender and slightly caramelized, add sweetness and depth to the plate.
An overhead shot of all the individual ingredients for the recipe. Ingredients consists of whole tri-tip, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, brown sugar, ground coffee, black pepper, flaky salt, heirloom tomatoes, basil, red wine vinegar, and Persian cucumbers.
Elevating Your Tri Tip Meal: More Creative Side Dish Ideas
Looking to venture beyond the classics? These side dish ideas offer a bit more creativity and can take your tri tip meal to new heights.
Grain-Based Sides: Textural and Flavorful
Grain-based sides add substance and interesting textures to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful option that provides a nice textural contrast to the tri tip.
- Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf, cooked with broth, herbs, and perhaps some toasted nuts or dried fruit, is a sophisticated and satisfying side.
- Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous, tossed with vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing, is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish.
Vegetable Sides with a Twist: Flavorful and Unique
- Grilled Broccolini with Lemon and Garlic: Broccolini, grilled until tender-crisp and flavored with lemon and garlic, is a vibrant and slightly bitter green vegetable that pairs well with rich meats.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized and slightly sweet from a balsamic glaze, offer a delicious contrast to the savory tri tip.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and decadent creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side that feels indulgent and pairs beautifully with beef.
Don’t Forget the Sauce!
While tri tip is flavorful on its own, a well-chosen sauce can enhance the dining experience even further. Consider these options:
- Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant Argentinian herb sauce, chimichurri is made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Its bright, herbaceous flavors are a fantastic complement to grilled beef.
- Basil Vinaigrette or Cilantro Vinaigrette: As mentioned in the original recipe, basil or cilantro vinaigrette are excellent choices for adding a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Homemade Salsa: A chunky homemade salsa, with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, provides a zesty and refreshing contrast.
A cut of tri-tip sitting in a baking dish covered with the meat rub.
Building a Complete Tri Tip Meal
To create a truly memorable meal, think about how your side dishes work together to create a balanced plate. Consider these complete meal ideas:
- Classic BBQ: Tri tip with potato salad, coleslaw, and grilled corn on the cob.
- Fresh Summer Dinner: Tri tip with cucumber and tomato salad, grilled asparagus, and quinoa salad.
- Hearty Fall Feast: Tri tip with roasted potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, and creamed spinach.
- Elegant Dinner Party: Tri tip with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled broccolini with lemon and garlic, and a side of chimichurri sauce.
A trip tip that has been seared is sitting in a baking dish next to a dish full of tomatoes basil, and cucumbers.
Tips for Serving Tri Tip
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice your tri tip against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Let it Rest: Allow your tri tip to rest for at least 15-30 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Family Style is Best: Serving tri tip family style on a platter encourages sharing and creates a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
The fully cooked tri-tip that has been sliced sitting next to the plate of cucumbers and tomatoes.
Conclusion: Endless Possibilities with Tri Tip Sides
When it comes to what to serve with tri tip, the possibilities are truly endless. From classic salads and potatoes to more adventurous grain and vegetable dishes, you can create a customized meal that perfectly suits your taste and the occasion. Experiment with different flavor combinations and side dish styles to discover your favorite pairings. No matter what you choose, serving delicious side dishes alongside your perfectly cooked tri tip is sure to create a satisfying and memorable dining experience for everyone.
