Tri Tip Sandwich: How To Make The Best One At Home

tri tip sandwich is a favorite meal for many meat lovers. It’s tasty, juicy, and easy to make at home. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about making the best tri tip sandwich—from choosing the right cut of beef, cooking it, slicing it the right way, adding sauces, and building the sandwich step by step.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a BBQ party, this guide will help you make a perfect sandwich. We will also answer common questions like “What goes in a tri tip sandwich?” and “Is tri tip the same as brisket?”

Looking for inspiration? Try this great post on how to cook sandwich steak.

Ingredients You Need for a Juicy Tri Tip Sandwich 📝

Best Type of Bread for Tri Tip Sandwich

The bread you use can change the whole sandwich. It needs to be strong enough to hold the meat and sauce but soft enough to bite easily. Here are some great options:

• French rolls – Crunchy outside, soft inside. A classic pick.
• Ciabatta bread – Chewy and holds sauces well.
• Sourdough – Tangy taste that pairs well with smoky meat.
• Hoagie rolls – Long, soft, and perfect for big sandwiches.

Whatever bread you choose, make sure it’s fresh and toasted. Toasting helps it stay firm and not get soggy.

Looking for ideas on how to upgrade your sandwich game? Check out this steak sandwich recipe for tasty bread and topping combos.

What Goes Inside: Must-Have Toppings and Sides

To make your tri tip sandwich even better, let’s add some flavor boosters. Here are the top toppings:

• Grilled onions – Sweet and soft, they balance the rich meat.
• Pickles or jalapeños – Add crunch and a little heat.
• Cheese – Try Swiss, provolone, or cheddar for extra taste.
• Coleslaw – A crunchy, creamy touch that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
• Lettuce and tomato – For a fresh and simple twist.

Great Sides for Serving:

Want something heartier? Don’t miss our guide on ground beef and mashed potatoes, a perfect side dish for meat sandwiches.

And if you want to know more about beef cuts for sandwiches, we’ve got a full beef chip steak guide for you!

How to Cook Tri Tip for Sandwiches 👩‍🍳

Best Cooking Methods (Grill, Oven, Slow Cooker)

Tri tip is a flexible cut. You can cook it in different ways, but the goal is the same—juicy, flavorful beef.

Here are three popular methods:

1. Grilling

• Heat your grill to medium-high.
• Season the tri tip with salt, pepper, and your favorite dry rub.
• Place it on the grill and cook each side for about 6–7 minutes.
• Lower the heat and cook for another 15–20 minutes.
• Use a meat thermometer—take it off at 135°F for medium-rare.

Grilling gives the sandwich a smoky BBQ flavor, perfect with toasted bread.

2. Oven Roasting

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Place tri tip in a roasting pan with a bit of olive oil.
• Bake for about 25–30 minutes.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Oven cooking is simple and doesn’t need special tools.

3. Slow Cooker (for pulled style)

• Place tri tip in the slow cooker with onions, garlic, and BBQ sauce.
• Cook on low for 6–7 hours until very tender.
• Shred the meat with two forks.

This version is great if you like a pulled beef sandwich style.

Need help choosing cooking methods for different meats? You might enjoy reading our crockpot chicken spaghetti for slow cooker ideas.

Cooking Time and Temperature Tips for Beginners

It’s important not to overcook tri tip. Here’s a simple chart to help you cook it right:

✅ Tips:

• Always rest the meat before slicing. This keeps the juices inside.
• Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Don’t miss our turkey injection recipe if you love adding extra flavor before cooking!

How to Cut Tri Tip for Sandwiches

Step-by-Step Slicing Tips

After you cook the tri tip, it’s time to cut it. But don’t rush—how you slice it matters a lot. Good slicing means your sandwich will be easy to chew and full of flavor.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Let it rest
   • After cooking, rest the meat for 10 minutes. This keeps the juice inside.
2. Find the grain
   • The “grain” is the direction the meat fibers run. Look closely to see which way the lines go.
3. Cut against the grain
   • Slice across the lines, not along them. This makes the meat softer to bite.
4. Use a sharp knife
   • A dull knife will mash the meat. A sharp one will make clean, thin slices.
5. Slice thin
   • Thin slices are better for sandwiches. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch thick.

Looking for more cutting tips? You might enjoy our full guide on how to cook sandwich steak that also talks about slicing methods.

Why Cutting Against the Grain Is Important

Cutting against the grain means slicing through the muscle fibers. This breaks them up and makes the meat tender and easy to chew. If you cut along the grain, the meat will feel tough and chewy—not what you want in a sandwich.

Here’s a visual guide:

You’ve cooked a perfect tri tip—don’t ruin it at the last step. Slice it right, and your tri tip sandwich will be amazing.

Best Condiments for Tri Tip Sandwich

Sauces That Go Well (BBQ, Aioli, Mustard)

The right sauce can make your tri tip sandwich even better. It adds flavor, moisture, and a little kick. Here are some popular and tasty choices:

1. Barbecue Sauce

This is the top pick for many people. It gives the sandwich a sweet and smoky taste. Choose mild or spicy depending on what you like.

2. Garlic Aioli

This creamy sauce has garlic and lemon. It’s smooth and rich, perfect if you want a gourmet-style sandwich.

3. Mustard

Yellow or Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. It’s a classic option, especially with pickles.

4. Horseradish Sauce

If you like bold flavors, horseradish gives your sandwich a spicy twist.

5. Chimichurri Sauce

This green sauce from Argentina is made with herbs, garlic, and oil. It’s fresh and gives the sandwich a zesty flavor.

If you enjoy adding flavor in different ways, check out our tasty turkey injection marinade—it’s a fun way to boost meat taste before cooking!

Homemade vs Store-Bought Condiments

You can use store-bought sauces for ease, but homemade sauces often taste better and let you control the ingredients.

Here’s a quick and easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Mix and simmer for 10 mins.

You can keep it in the fridge for 5 days and use it for your next sandwich!

Tri Tip Sandwich vs Brisket Sandwich

Key Differences in Taste and Texture

Both tri tip and brisket are beef cuts, but they look, taste, and cook differently. Knowing the difference helps you choose the best one for your sandwich.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Tri tip gives you a lighter, leaner bite, while brisket is heavy and rich. If you want a sandwich that’s quick and not too greasy, tri tip is the better choice.

Looking for more beef-based sandwich ideas? Don’t miss our handy beef chip steak guide that shows how different beef cuts work for sandwiches.

Which One Is Better for Sandwiches?

It really depends on what you like:

• Choose tri tip if you want:
  • A sandwich with thin, clean slices
  • Faster cooking
  • A balanced taste that pairs well with sauces
• Choose brisket if you want:
  • A heavy sandwich with bold smoky flavor
  • Long, slow-cooked, fall-apart beef
  • A Southern-style BBQ feel

If you’re short on time or prefer less fat, go with tri tip. If you’re cooking for a party and want something smoky and rich, brisket might be the way to go.

Both are great—but for speed, budget, and flavor balance, tri tip sandwich wins for most home cooks.

Portion Guide – How Much Tri Tip Per Person

General Serving Size Rules

Planning a meal or BBQ? You need to know how much meat to buy. With tri tip sandwiches, the right portion size helps everyone feel full—and you don’t waste food.

A good rule is:

• 1/2 pound (about 8 oz) of cooked tri tip per person

Remember, tri tip shrinks when it cooks. You lose about 25% of the weight. So if you buy raw tri tip, you’ll need more to make up for that loss.

Here’s a quick guide:

This gives you enough meat for big, filling sandwiches.

If you’re serving sides like coleslaw or potato salad, you can use a little less meat per person—maybe around 1/3 pound each.

Need a full meal idea? Discover great ideas like this ground beef and mashed potatoes recipe—it’s a great side to go with your sandwich.

Tri Tip Per Sandwich: Table for Group Sizes

If you’re prepping sandwiches ahead of time, here’s a table that shows how many sandwiches you can make based on meat weight:

This depends on how big your sandwich is. Bigger bread and extra toppings? You’ll use more meat.

Easy Tri Tip Sandwich Recipe (Step by Step)

Ingredients List (With Measurements)

Here’s everything you need to make 4 big tri tip sandwiches at home:

For the meat:

• 2 pounds raw tri tip
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the sandwich:

• 4 sandwich rolls or French bread
• 1 cup grilled onions
• 4 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce or garlic aioli
• 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)

Looking for ideas to cook your meat low and slow? Don’t miss our crockpot chicken spaghetti for more slow cooker recipes.

Full Instructions From Start to Finish

Step 1: Season the Tri Tip

• Rub the olive oil all over the meat.
• Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub it onto the tri tip.

Step 2: Cook the Meat
Choose your favorite method (grill, oven, or slow cooker).
For this recipe, we’ll use the grill method:

• Heat the grill to medium-high.
• Cook tri tip for 6–7 minutes on each side.
• Lower the heat and cook for 15–20 minutes more.
• Remove when it hits 135°F for medium-rare.
• Rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Slice the Meat

• Slice thin pieces against the grain. This makes it easy to bite.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

• Cut your rolls in half.
• Toast them lightly on a pan or grill until golden brown.

Step 5: Build the Sandwich

• Place sliced tri tip on the bottom half of the bread.
• Add cheese, grilled onions, and sauce.
• Top with coleslaw if you like crunch.
• Cover with the top half of the bread.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve with fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
• Add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

Here’s a simple summary:

Tips for Making the Best Tri Tip Sandwich

How to Keep It Juicy and Tender

You’ve cooked your meat and built the sandwich. Now, let’s make sure it stays juicy and full of flavor. These simple tricks will help:

• Rest the meat before cutting – Wait at least 10 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside.
• Slice against the grain – Always cut across the muscle lines. It makes the meat softer to chew.
• Don’t overcook – Use a meat thermometer. Remove tri tip at 135°F for medium-rare.
• Toast the bread – Warm, crispy bread holds sauces better and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
• Add sauce last – Put sauces right before serving, so the sandwich stays fresh.

Want more tasty meat tips? Discover great ideas like our turkey injection marinade that keeps meat juicy and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even good cooks make mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• ❌ Cutting meat right away – It makes the juices run out. Always let it rest.
• ❌ Using cold meat – Warm it before adding to the sandwich so the cheese melts nicely.
• ❌ Adding too much sauce – It can make your sandwich messy and hard to eat.
• ❌ Using soft bread only – Without toasting, it might fall apart.
• ❌ Not trimming fat – Remove extra fat before cooking for better texture.

Pro Tip: Want to prep ahead? Cook the tri tip early, slice it, and store it in the fridge with a little broth to keep it moist. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What goes in a tri tip sandwich?

A tri tip sandwich usually includes thinly sliced tri tip beef, toasted bread, and toppings like grilled onions, cheese, BBQ sauce, and sometimes coleslaw. You can also add lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra flavor.

Why is it called tri tip sandwich?

It’s called a tri tip sandwich because it uses a beef cut called “tri tip”, which comes from the bottom of the sirloin. The meat is shaped like a triangle, so it’s named “tri tip.”

What condiments go on a tri tip sandwich?

The best condiments are BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, mustard, or even horseradish sauce. These sauces match well with the juicy beef and bring extra flavor to every bite.

How do you cut tri tip for sandwiches?

Let the meat rest after cooking, then slice thinly against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle lines. It makes the meat tender and easier to chew.

Is tri tip sandwich the same as brisket?

No, they are not the same. Tri tip is leaner, faster to cook, and has a light beef flavor. Brisket is fattier and smoked for a long time, giving it a deep, rich flavor. Both are tasty but very different in texture and cooking style.

How many pounds of tri-tip per person for sandwiches?

A good rule is 1/2 pound of cooked tri tip per person. That’s enough for a big, filling sandwich. If you’re cooking raw meat, buy more—tri tip shrinks while cooking.