The Perfect Tri-Tip

The star of this sandwich is undoubtedly the tri-tip, a flavorful cut of beef known for its tenderness and rich flavor when smoked. The tri-tip is coated with a delicious dry rub, including ingredients like kosher salt, black pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. These seasonings not only enhance the natural beef flavor but also create a savory crust when smoked.

The smoking process is simple yet crucial for developing that deep, smoky flavor. Preheating the smoker to 225°F ensures that the tri-tip cooks slowly and evenly. Smoking the meat for about 2 hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F, results in a perfectly tender and juicy piece of meat. Once the tri-tip is smoked, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing is key for retaining its juices. Slicing the meat thinly across the grain ensures that each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender, adding to the sandwich’s overall richness.

Chimichurri Sauce: The Fresh, Tangy Kick

The chimichurri sauce provides a refreshing and zesty contrast to the smoky richness of the tri-tip. Made with a combination of fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, and red onion, this sauce brings an herbaceous, tangy punch that perfectly complements the flavors of the meat. The olive oil and red wine vinegar in the chimichurri balance the freshness of the herbs with a smooth, slightly acidic finish.

To make the chimichurri, all the ingredients are combined in a food processor. It’s important not to fully puree the sauce, as the texture should remain chunky for added bite. Once the herbs and garlic are mixed, the remaining olive oil is added, resulting in a vibrant green sauce with a bold and flavorful profile. The chimichurri can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

Caramelized Onions: Sweet and Savory

The caramelized onions are a key component in this sandwich, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. The onions are sautéed over low heat in a skillet until they become golden and tender, a process that typically takes about 20-30 minutes. As the onions cook, they release their natural sugars and develop a rich, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the smoky beef and tangy chimichurri sauce.

Caramelized onions not only add a savory-sweet element to the sandwich but also enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a layer of richness that balances the other ingredients. Their soft, tender texture adds a satisfying contrast to the crunch of the toasted ciabatta rolls.

The Sandwich Assembly

Once all the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Start by slicing the ciabatta rolls in half and buttering them before toasting. You can toast the rolls either in a skillet or on a grill, depending on your preference. The goal is to achieve a light, golden crispness while maintaining a soft, chewy interior.

Spread a generous amount of creamy horseradish sauce on the bottom half of each roll. The horseradish sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky tri-tip and complements the richness of the caramelized onions.

Next, layer the sliced tri-tip on top of the horseradish sauce. The smoked meat should be arranged in an even layer, ensuring each bite gets a satisfying amount of beef. Add the caramelized onions on top of the tri-tip, followed by slices of provolone cheese. If you’re using a Blackstone griddle, cover the sandwich with a basting dome to melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can broil the sandwich in the oven for about 1 minute until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.

The Finishing Touches

To complete the sandwich, spread a layer of chimichurri sauce on the top half of the ciabatta rolls. The fresh, herbaceous chimichurri will add a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, providing a perfect balance of savory and tangy elements. Place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches, and your Tri-Tip Sandwiches are ready to serve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Tri-Tip Sandwich is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, all wrapped up in a toasted ciabatta roll. From the tender, juicy tri-tip to the rich caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and refreshing chimichurri sauce, each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this sandwich is incredibly versatile and a surefire hit for any meal.

It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover smoked tri-tip, turning it into a delicious and satisfying sandwich that everyone will love. The addition of horseradish sauce provides just the right amount of creaminess and spice, while the chimichurri adds a fresh kick that brings the entire sandwich together. If you’re looking for a flavorful and hearty sandwich to satisfy your taste buds, this Tri-Tip Sandwich is the perfect choice. Enjoy the bold flavors and the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!