What to Serve With Tri-Tip Steak? Delicious Sides to Complement It!

Last updated on August 8th, 2024

There’s something special about a tri-tip steak that feels like it gives off festivity vibes. The delicate cut of meat, resting against the finest china, is accompanied by various sides that only complement this scrumptious grilled tri-tip steak beautifully. If you’re wondering what to serve with Tri-Tip Steak, this article is just for you.

Most people would prefer to enjoy a thick cut of steak all on its own. But a steak dinner requires more than just steak to keep it exciting. A hearty salad, or perhaps a side of French fries dipped in chimichurri sauce will complete the meal! Let’s take a look at some of the delicious sides to go with tri-tip steak.

What Is Tri-Tip Steak?

A tri-tip is a triangular-shaped cut of meat from the lower part of the beef sirloin. It’s a bit of an overlooked cut of meat since there’s a singular cut of it, stretching to two depending on the size of the meat. It’s thick, tender, and perfect for grilling, toasting, and sliding between bread to make a terrific tri-tip sandwich.

What Goes Good With Tri Tip?

There are many side dish recipes that go with tri-tip, depending on your preference and, of course, the flavors you’re willing to experiment with. If you’re looking for some insight into the perfect side dish to pair with your steak, then you’ve come to the right place.

Choose from a variety of recipes below:

Potato Salad

Potato salad is one of the common side dishes to serve alongside tri-tip sandwiches. Offering a wonderful, creamy contrast to the meaty, juicy, savory tri-tip. Potato salad can be made a few hours ahead of dinner time, allowing it to chill so that it fulfills its purpose once it’s ready to eat.

You can add your own flavorful additions to your potato salad, like sweet potatoes, for instance, whether you’re looking for a more herby or sweetened version of the salad, a perfect complement to your main meal.

Below you will find the ingredients you need to make it and instructions on how to prepare it.

• 2 pounds potatoes
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 large dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup herbs (parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro), finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

1. Boil your potatoes in salted water, then remove and place them into an ice bath.
2. Drain the potatoes and peel them. Chop the peeled potatoes into bite-sized chunks, then add to a large bowl.
3. Splash vinegar over the potatoes and season with salt lightly.
4. Add the onions to a small bowl and cover with cold water. Wait for several minutes, then rinse.
5. Stir the sour cream, mayonnaise, and mustard in a bowl.
6. Add the mayonnaise mixture, onions, celery, pickles, eggs, and herbs to the potatoes and gently stir to combine thoroughly.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve alongside the grilled tri-tip steak for maximum satisfaction at the dinner table.

Sweet Potato Fries

Classic french fries are gorgeous, but have you ever paired your meat-based dishes with sweet potato fries? They’re super easy to prepare and don’t require much of your time.

Here’s how to make them:

1. Cut the sweet potatoes into long thin chips, and bake them until they’re a nice golden shade.
2. Add a sprinkle of salt so they crisp up considerably. For further seasoning, add smoked paprika and chili pepper flakes if you wish.
3. Add your favorite dip for these fries, though chimichurri sauce will work just as well with this delicious side dish.

Pair this with your scrumptious main dish for a fantastic meal.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic side dish to have with many meat-based dishes, which is why they’re so popular at barbecues. Their mouth-watering smoky flavor is what makes them a terrific candidate for tri-tip steak.

Easy recipes like baked beans are important since they’re so versatile, save time and require minimum preparation. Plus, they’re perfect for soaking up the dribbling meat sauce from your tri-tip sandwiches.

Or simply dip your tri-tip sandwiches into the baked beans for a spectacular finish to the meal.

Grilled Corn

Corn on the cob is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Toss this sweet veggie onto the grill to char it slightly before serving.

Grilling your corn provides that delicious smoky flavor that pairs terrifically with most meaty dishes. Try tri-tip sandwiches with a side of grilled corn for a delightful dinner.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another classic side dish that’s simply unmissable when wondering what to serve with tri-tip steak.

If you’re wondering what to choose from a large number of side dishes, worried that it’ll take too much of your time, grab some potatoes and get mashing. These won’t take long at all, and if you add a little cream cheese, extra salt, and garlic powder to the mix, you’ll have a dish worth devouring in no time.

This will pair perfectly with your tri-trip sandwiches, topped with chimichurri sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is another delicious side dish to opt for when serving tri-tip steak. Though, if you’re looking for dairy-free dishes, then you may want to skip this one.

For this side dish, you’ll need:

• 1 pound baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup double cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook spinach in a large pot of boiling water for 30 seconds.
2. Drain and place the spinach in a bowl of ice water. Once the spinach has cooled down considerably, drain as much water as you can.
3. Melt some butter in a large pan, add onions, and cook until limp, then add garlic and cook till aromatic.
4. Add milk, double cream, and cheese to the pan.
5. Simmer until the cream cheese starts to melt. Season with salt and cayenne.
6. Add your spinach and parmesan to the mix and combine. You can prepare this whilst your tri-tip steak is cooking to save some time and have a side dish that’s ready at the same time as your main dish.

Green Beans

Trying to keep things healthy when looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your tri-tip steak, then look no further. You can never go wrong with a plate of creamy green beans. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Wash and slice some mushrooms, and cook them in a pan alongside your green beans. Aim to start with the mushrooms and toss them into a pan along with some green beans.
2. Use a small amount of oil, crushed garlic, and salt.
3. Add a few spoons of sour cream, finishing with a thin layer of cream over each green bean.

Green Salad

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing is another great accompaniment to have with your tri-tip sandwiches. The tangy flavors of the salad dressing pair wonderfully with the juiciness of the meat.

Simply chop up your favorite greens and season with salt and pepper, drenching in vinaigrette dressing before serving.

Grilled Vegetables

A side dish consisting of hearty grilled vegetables is the perfect dish to serve alongside meat cuts like tri-tip steak. You can even toss some leftover vegetables on the grill if you want or slide these grilled vegetables into the tri-tip steak sandwich for a decadent feast.

French Fries

Without forgetting the classic cut of fries that pairs well with almost every type of meat, slice your potatoes, season them with your choice of seasoning, and drop them into a deep fryer. Serve with chimichurri sauce and tri-tip sandwiches for a complementary addition to your main dish.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with tri-tip. You can either boil or grill it. For boiling, remove the husks and silk, then cook in salted water for 3-5 minutes. If grilling, leave the husks on and soak in water for 30 minutes, then grill for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve corn with butter and salt, or try sprinkling on some chili powder for extra flavor.

Crispy Onion Rings

Onion rings offer a crunchy contrast to tender steak. While they take more effort than some sides, they’re worth it for a special meal. To make them, slice onions into rings, then dip in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before frying in hot oil until golden brown. If you’re short on time, frozen onion rings can be a good alternative.

Wedge Salad

A wedge salad is simple but impressive. It provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm steak. To make it, cut a head of iceberg lettuce into quarters. Top each wedge with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped chives. This salad adds freshness to your meal and helps cleanse the palate between bites of steak.

Grilled Asparagus

It’s quick to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal. The slight char from grilling gives the asparagus a smoky flavor that goes well with steak. Plus, it’s a healthy option that won’t weigh you down.

To prepare:

1. Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends.
2. Toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 3-5 minutes, turning once.
4. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving.

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a classic side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. It is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a great choice for balancing out your plate. The mild flavor doesn’t overpower the steak but still adds a nice veggie element to your meal. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut broccoli into florets.
2. Steam for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Toss with a bit of butter and garlic for extra flavor.

Fresh Garden Salad

You can customize your salad with whatever veggies you like. The cool, crunchy texture of the salad contrasts nicely with the warm, juicy steak.

To make a simple garden salad:

1. Mix lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots in a bowl.
2. Add some sliced red onion for a bit of zing.
3. Dress with your favorite vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and vinegar mix.

Roasted Carrots

The natural sweetness of the carrots comes out when roasted, which balances the rich flavor of the steak. Plus, their bright orange color adds visual appeal to your meal. Here’s a quick recipe:

1. Peel and cut carrots into sticks.
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until tender.
4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley before serving.

Baked Potatoes

They’re easy to make and always hit the spot. Their soft, fluffy interior contrasts nicely with the meat, while the crispy skin adds a pleasant texture. They’re versatile too – you can top them with butter, sour cream, chives, or whatever you like. Another bonus is that you can prepare them ahead of time, which is great for busy cooks.

To get a great baked potato, start by washing it thoroughly. Then poke a few holes in the skin with a fork – this lets steam escape during cooking. Next, rub the skin with a little oil and salt for extra flavor and crispiness. Pop it in the oven and bake until it’s tender when you pierce it with a fork.

Hasselback Potatoes

These potatoes have crispy edges and a tender middle, giving you the best of both worlds in one dish. They’re also great at soaking up flavors, which makes them perfect for pairing with tri-tip steak.

To make Hasselback potatoes, start by washing your potatoes, then make thin slices across the top, but be careful not to cut all the way through. The potato should stay in one piece, with the slices going about two-thirds of the way down. Next, brush the potatoes with melted butter or oil, making sure to get some between the slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

For extra flavor, try adding cheese or herbs between the slices before baking. Cheddar, Parmesan, rosemary, or thyme all work well.

Rice Pilaf

To make rice pilaf, you start by cooking the rice in a specific way that adds more flavor. First, you toast the rice in a pan with some butter or oil. This gives the rice a nutty taste. Then, add finely chopped onions and garlic for more flavor. You can also add sliced almonds if you like. Instead of using water, cook the rice in beef broth. This makes the rice taste even better with steak.

Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the best results, as these types of rice don’t stick together when cooked properly. When the rice is done, add some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Rice pilaf should be light and fluffy, not sticky: each grain of rice should be separate. This texture makes it perfect for soaking up the juices from your tri-tip steak.

Quinoa Salad

To make quinoa salad, start by rinsing the quinoa, this removes any bitter taste. Cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for more flavor. After cooking, let it cool before adding other ingredients.

You can add many different things to quinoa salad. Fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers work well, as they add crunch and freshness. You can also add cheese like feta for extra flavor. Some people like to add grilled vegetables to match the grilled flavor of the steak.

For dressing, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a little honey. This simple dressing brings all the flavors together. You can also add herbs like mint or basil for more taste.

Sauces and Condiments

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a popular sauce made with fresh herbs, vinegar, and garlic.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• 1 small shallot
• 1 red jalapeno
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ cup cilantro
• ½ cup parsley
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ½ tsp red crushed pepper

1. Combine all these ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until slightly pureed, leaving little clumps for texture.
2. Slice the tri-tip against the grain, and pour a generous amount of chimichurri over the steak.
3. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

You can add red pepper flakes if you like spicy food. 

Chimichurri has a bright green color that looks nice next to the brown steak. Its tangy flavor helps balance the rich taste of the meat. This sauce is easy to make and adds a fresh, zesty taste to your tri-tip.

Garlic Butter

To make it, mix soft butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a little lemon juice. Shape it into a log and chill it. When your steak is ready, cut slices of the garlic butter and put them on top of the hot meat. As the butter melts, it spreads garlic flavor over the steak. You can also use garlic butter on bread or vegetables. It’s a versatile sauce that adds richness to your meal.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce can be a good choice for tri-tip, even though it’s not traditional. Look for a sauce that isn’t too sweet. A good BBQ sauce for steak should have some smoky flavor and a little spice. You can buy BBQ sauce at the store or make your own. To make BBQ sauce, mix tomato sauce, vinegar, molasses, and spices like paprika and garlic powder. You can brush the sauce on the steak while it cooks or serve it on the side. 

Beverage Pairings

When you’re serving tri-tip steak, choosing the right drink can make your meal even better. Let’s look at some tasty options that go well with this juicy cut of beef.

Red Wine

Red wine is a classic choice for steak. It helps clean your taste buds between bites, making each mouthful of steak taste great. Try a California Cabernet Sauvignon with your tri-tip. It’s a strong wine that can match the steak’s big flavor. If you want something different, a Zinfandel can be good too. Its spicy taste works well with seasoned tri-tip.

Craft Beer

Beer can be just as good as wine with steak. The bubbles in beer help refresh your mouth, and its flavors can make your steak taste even better. If your tri-tip has a peppery seasoning, try an India Pale Ale (IPA). The bitter hops in an IPA go well with spicy food. For a smoky tri-tip, a dark beer like a porter could be perfect. Its roasted flavor matches the grilled taste of the steak.

Iced Tea

Iced tea might sound strange with steak, but it can be really refreshing, especially on a hot day. Plain black iced tea can help clean your palate between bites of rich steak. You could also try flavored teas like peach or raspberry for a fruity contrast. If you like a bit of alcohol, you could mix some whiskey with your iced tea. It’s a simple drink that goes well with tri-tip.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

For those who don’t drink alcohol, there are still plenty of good options.

A virgin mojito (lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water) can be refreshing with steak. Another option is a pomegranate spritzer. Mix pomegranate juice with sparkling water for a tart and bubbly drink that pairs well with tri-tip.

The Best Way to Cook Tri-Tip?

While tri-tip is certainly great for grilling and roasting, grilling is probably the best option, producing impeccable outcomes.

Marinating the tri-tip is an essential step in achieving a moist cut of meat that’ll satiate your taste buds in no time. Season your tri-tip with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then pop it in the fridge for an hour or two before it’s time to take it to the grill. The flavors, though simple, are incredibly effective in creating perfect, tender, and juicy meat.

How to Make Grilled Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is one of the easiest cuts of meat to grill. Initially, you’ll want your meat to come to room temperature before proceeding to cook your fine cut of steak. You should use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, monitor its doneness, and proceed from there.

Here’s how to make the succulent, juiciest grilled tri-tip:

• 1 to 2½ lb tri-tip steak
• 2 to 3 tsp sea salt
• 2 to 3 freshly tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder

1. Pat the tri-tip dry using paper towels, then season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Place the meat on a flat plate, covering loosely with cling film and popping it into the fridge.
3. Remove the meat from the fridge, and pop it on the counter, allowing it to reach room temperature. Meanwhile, heat the grill to 400F.
4. Place the steak on the grill, fat side up, and allow it to cook for 6 minutes, then flip the steak and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130F for medium rare and 140F for medium.
5. Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful.

How to Make Tri-Tip Sandwiches

You can use leftover tri-tip meat for this one. A tri-tip sandwich brimming with juicy meat, melted cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and smothered between two thick slices of your favorite bread. Ah heavenly.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon minced rosemary
• Tri-tip roast (up to you how much to use)
• Toasted bread
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Whole grain mustard
• Horseradish sauce
• Caramelized red onions
• Slices of cheese (your choice, e.g., cheddar or provolone)

1. Place salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, minced rosemary, and onion powder in a mixing bowl, and whisk these ingredients together. Then sprinkle generously over tri-tip meat.
2. Wrap your tri-tip firmly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours or 24 hours if you wish.
3. Unwrap your tri-tip and gently pat it dry, then brush with a tablespoon of oil.
4. Place the baste marinating ingredients such as red wine vinegar, olive oil, and whole grain mustard into a separate mixing bowl and whisk together.
5. Preheat the grill to 375F and add your tri-tip steak to the grill searing for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
6. Lower the heat to 350F and smother the roast in the baste, flipping the meat and basting the other side.
7. Continue to flip and baste the meat every 8 minutes for 24 minutes for medium rare and 32 minutes for medium.
8. Remove the tri-tip from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow the beef to rest for 8 minutes, then begin slicing the tri-tip steak thinly.
9. Spread the bread with horseradish sauce, add cheese to one slice of bread, followed by a tri-tip.
10. Place the sandwiches onto a broiler for a couple of minutes or until the cheese has melted, top with red onions, then place the second slice of bread over the meat and cheese slice, and serve immediately with your favorite side dish of grilled meats if you wish.

What to Serve With Tri-Tip Steak? Lots of Ideas!

Making tri-tip steak is almost as simple as grilling or roasting most meats; remember to add a tasteful marinade before proceeding.

Amongst many side dishes to choose from, grilled veggies and creamy spinach might be the best options to go for, especially if you’re looking for a contrasting flavor to accompany the juiciest bite!

What to Serve With Tri-Tip Steak? FAQs