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Tri Tip Sandwich (Use Any Fresh or Leftover Steak)

Tri Tip Sandwich (Use Any Fresh or Leftover Steak)

Use freshly cooked or leftover tri tip to make a delectable Tri Tip Sandwich, featuring smoked gouda, pickled red onions, arugula and jalapeno aioli piled on top of crusty ciabatta bread.

We have two tri tip recipes to choose from to make this steak sandwich:  Sous Vide Tri Tip or Smoked Tri Tip (to make a Smoked Tri Tip sandwich). TIP: You can forgo the “smoke” in the smoked version to make it a grilled tri tip sandwich.

Tri Tip Sandwiches

While this recipe is titled “Tritip sandwich” you can, in fact, use almost any other kind of  beef. Think PicanhaSmoked Beef Tenderloin, Denver Steak, Prime Rib, Sous Vide Short Ribs, or Smoked Prime Rib.Sliced steak on a silver baking sheet.

Tri Tip Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to prepare this sandwich:

  • Tri Tip Roast
  • Bread (Recommend: Ciabatta)
  • Cheese (Recommend: Smoked Gouda)
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Arugula
  • Jalapeno Aioli (or Sriracha Aioli)

Jalapeno Aioli

When making, whip up the jalapeno aioli first so it’s ready to go when needed. The only ingredients you need to make the jalapeno aioli recipe are: mayonnaise, lime, garlic, jalapeno and salt.

Ingredients to make jalapeno aioli

Cooking Tri Tip

As mentioned above, we have two different tri tip recipes so far on Foodie and Wine, however you can use any tri tip recipe you like. Have restaurant leftovers? Use them. Craving Cardiff Crack (shout out to my San Diego readers!)? Use it.

Leftover Tri Tip

Using leftover tri tip? You’re going to love this tri tip sandwich recipe. The genius of the recipe…the cold beef is only broiled for a few minutes, along with the bread and cheese, so it won’t overcook. No dry meat in this recipe! The “pink center” will stay pink! AND….it cuts down on prep time.

Per the USDA, tri tip is best when eaten within two or three days. The more “well done” the tri tip, the longer it will last in the refrigerator. Something to keep in mind, when menu planning.

Sandwich Assembly

Here’s a visual breakdown of how to assemble the sandwich. The order is important to maintain texture, melt the cheese, and if using leftover tri tip, warm the beef!

Make the Jalapeno Aioli Recipe – Start by making the aioli. This way the flavors have time to meld.

Make the Tri Tip – If using leftover tri tip, take it out of the refrigerator and slice thinly, against the grain. If using freshly cooked tri tip, get to cooking! Proceed to the next step after the tri tip roast has rested. 

Smoked tri tip roast on baking sheet..

Pre-heat the Oven – Pre-heat the oven to broil (high). 

Toast the Bread (OPTIONAL)- Depending on the bread you use, you may want to toast it if it’s overly soft. We do not toast the bread when using Ciabatta, but it’s a personal preference. To toast: Place two pieces of bread on a baking sheet and toast for 3-4 minutes, until your desired brownness is achieved.

Two slices of ciabatta bread on a cutting board.

Re-heat the Meat – Skip this step if you’re using a freshly made tri tip roast and the meat is still warm. Layer the sliced tri tip on top of the bottom slice of bread, as pictured below. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the meat is warm.

Two cut pieces of bread with cut meat on a cutting board.

Melt the Cheese – Layer the cheese, in a single layer, on top of the re-heated slices of tri tip. If using freshly made tri tip, you’ll put the cheese directly on the bottom slice of bread. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is soft. Depending on the style of cheese you select, it may not be melted, rather soft and creamy.

Two slices of bread with meat and cheese on top.

Add the Meat – if you didn’t have to re-heat the sliced meat in the previous step, add it now.

Add the Toppings – Pile on the pickled red onions and arugula, to taste.

Sandwich with top off to the side.

Slather on the Aioli – Spread the aioli on the top piece of the bread, to taste. Place the top bun on the bottom bun and enjoy!

Open steak sandwich on a cutting board.

Best Bread For Steak Sandwiches

We usually stick with ciabatta bread, but love using garlic bread (either in a large loaf or individual slices). You could also use French bread or baguette. All of these options toast well. The broiling time may differer, however, so adjust accordingly.

Sandwich Variations

Horseradish Aioli

Replace the jalapeno aioli with horseradish sauce or Horseradish Aioli. Or just add a bit of prepared horseradish to the jalapeno aioli. You could also sub in plain mayo.

Prime Rib Au Jus

If you’re looking for more of a french dip style sandwich, we have you covered. Omit the jalapeno aioli and replace the pickled red onions with grilled onions. Serve with a cup of our prime rib au jus. We use this liquid gold in our Prime Rib Sandwich.

Tri Tip Sliders

Replace the ciabatta bread with slider rolls. No other changes are needed.

Tri Tip Sandwich on a cutting board.

Drink Pairing Ideas

BordeauxCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec. Of course a classic Amber Ale beer would be stellar. 

Tri Tip Sandwich on a cutting board.

Tri Tip Sandwich

Restaurant-level Tri Tip Sandwich featuring crusty bread, smoked gouda, pickled red onions, arugula and jalapeno aioli.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Garlic Bread, Sandwich Recipe, Tri Tip
Servings: 4 Sandwiches
Calories: 786kcal
Author: Darcey Olson
Cost: $45

Ingredients

JALAPENO AIOLI:

  • ½ Cup Mayonnaise
  • Large Jalapeno, Seeded
  • 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • ½ tsp Minced Garlic
  • Salt, To Taste

TRI TIP SANDWICH:

  • 4 Ciabatta Rolls (*Note 2)
  • 4 Slices Smoked Gouda
  • ½ Batch Pickled Red Onions
  • 2 Cups Arugula

Instructions
 

TRI TIP:

  • Prepare the tri tip recipe of your choice, let rest for 15 minutes and slice thinly against the grain.
    OR
    Remove leftover tri tip from the refrigerator and slice thinly against the grain.

JALAPENO AIOLI:

  • Place all the ingredients in a small food processor and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust any ingredient, as needed. Set aside in the refrigerator.

BUILD THE SANDWICH:

  • Pre-heat the oven to broil (high). 
  • (OPTIONAL)- Place two pieces of bread on a baking sheet and toast for 3-4 minutes, until your desired brownness is achieved. Remove the sheet from the oven.
  • (Skip This Step If Using Freshly Made Tri Tip) Layer the cold tri tip slices on top of the bottom slice of bread. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the meat is warm. Remove from the oven.
  • Place the cheese, in a single layer, on top of the re-warmed tri tip. If using freshly made tri tip, put the cheese directly on the bottom slice of bread. Broil for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Remove from the oven.
  • If you didn't have to re-heat the tri tip, in the previous step, add it now. Pile on the pickled red onions and arugula, to taste.
  • Spread the aioli on the top piece of bread, to taste. Place the top bun on the bottom bun and enjoy!

Notes

Note 1 - You can sub in any sliced beef for the tri tip. You can also utilize any tri tri recipe.
Note 2 -You could use ciabatta rolls, garlic bread, french bread or even a french baguette. The broiling time may differer, however, so adjust accordingly.
The nutritional calculations utilize 2 lbs of tri tip roast.

Nutrition

Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 193mg | Sodium: 821mg | Potassium: 823mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 482IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 284mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Rating




Andrew

Thursday 9th of February 2023

So freaking good. The sauce is legit!

Darcey Olson

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

I'm happy you enjoyed it!! The sauce is our absolute favorite also!!