Tri tip, also known as the bottom sirloin roast, is a versatile and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling or roasting. It is a favorite among meat lovers for its tenderness and rich flavor that doesn’t require much seasoning. However, side dishes for tri tip, are essential to elevate its taste and make it a complete meal.
In this article, we will explore five of the best side dishes to serve with tri-tip, how to pair it with chimichurri and other sauces, and debunk the myths surrounding tri-tip’s nutritional value.
Top 5 Side Dishes to Serve with Tri Tip
Tri-tip is a hearty protein that pairs well with sides that are light and refreshing, such as salads and grilled vegetables. Here are our top five picks:
1. Grilled vegetables: Grilled veggies are an excellent complement to the smoky flavor of tri-tip. You can grill a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms to create a colorful and nutritious side dish.
2. Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meat. You can season them with herbs and spices such as rosemary, garlic, and thyme for added flavor.
3. Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that adds a bit of crunch to your meal. You can make coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing such as mayonnaise or yogurt.
4. Caprese salad: A Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s a great way to add some color to your plate while keeping things simple.
5. Grilled corn: Grilled corn is a summertime favorite that pairs well with any meat. You can brush the corn with butter and season it with salt and pepper for a delicious and easy side dish.
Pairing Tri Tip with Chimichurri and Other Sauces
Chimichurri is a popular sauce in South America that is typically served with grilled meat. It’s made with fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and oil. Chimichurri adds a bright and tangy flavor to tri-tip and helps cut through its richness.
Another sauce that pairs well with tri-tip is a simple red wine reduction. To make this sauce, sauté shallots and garlic in a pan, add red wine, and let it reduce until it thickens. You can also add some beef broth and thicken it further with cornstarch if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Tri Tip and Nutrition: Debunking the Myths
There is a common misconception that red meat is unhealthy and should be avoided. However, tri-tip can be a nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. Tri-tip is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
One 3-ounce serving of tri-tip contains approximately 170 calories, 24 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. It also provides a significant amount of iron, which is essential for healthy blood flow and oxygen transport.
The key to enjoying tri-tip as part of a healthy diet is to pay attention to your portions and pair it with healthy sides. Instead of serving it with high-fat sides such as macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes, opt for grilled vegetables or a simple salad.
Conclusion
Tri tip is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Pairing it with the right side dishes and sauces is essential to elevate its flavor and make it a complete meal.
By following our recommendations for the best side dishes to serve with tri-tip, pairing it with chimichurri or a red wine reduction, and understanding the nutritional value of this protein, you can enjoy this meat without any guilt.
FAQs
1. What are some gluten-free side dishes that complement tri-tip?
If you or your guests have gluten-free dietary restrictions, don’t worry; there are plenty of gluten-free side dish options that will complement your tri-tip perfectly. One great gluten-free option is grilled vegetables. Cut up some bell peppers, zucchinis, onions, and mushrooms, and grill them with some olive oil and seasoning.
Instructions:
– Slice the vegetables into uniform pieces.
– Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
– Grill the vegetables over high heat, turning occasionally until they are tender and slightly charred.
Another gluten-free side dish option is a Greek salad. Combine fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives, and dress with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Instructions:
– Dice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
– Toss the salad ingredients together.
– Mix olive oil and red wine vinegar, add salt and pepper, and drizzle over the salad.
2. What are some vegetarian or vegan side dishes that go well with tri-tip?
For vegetarian or vegan guests, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that complement tri-tip. One great option is roasted sweet potatoes. Cut them into cubes and roast them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions:
– Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes.
– Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
– Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 425°F for about 30 minutes, until they are crispy and tender.
Another option is quinoa salad. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and mix it with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Top with a cilantro-lime dressing.
Instructions:
– Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
– Dice the vegetables and mix with the quinoa.
– Mix lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper, and drizzle over the salad.
3. What are some classic side dishes that pair well with tri-tip?
If you are a fan of classic side dishes, there are plenty of options that pair well with tri-tip. One is baked potatoes. Bake them in the oven, top with butter, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
– Wash the potatoes and prick them with a fork.
– Bake them in the oven at 400°F for about an hour or until tender.
– Cut a slit in the top of each potato and add butter, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Another classic option is coleslaw. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, and dress with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
Instructions:
– Shred the cabbage, carrots, and onions.
– Mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
– Toss the coleslaw ingredients with the dressing.
4. What are some side dishes that add a spicy kick to tri-tip?
If you are a fan of spicy food, there are plenty of side dishes that can add a spicy kick to your tri-tip meal. One great option is grilled jalapeños. Cut jalapeños in half and grill them until they are soft and slightly charred.
Instructions:
– Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds.
– Grill them on high heat until they are soft and slightly charred.
Another spicy option is spicy mashed potatoes. Boil potatoes and garlic, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and cayenne pepper.
Instructions:
– Boil the potatoes and garlic until tender.
– Drain them and mash with butter and milk.
– Season with salt and cayenne pepper.
5. What are some side dishes that are easy to prepare ahead of time?
If you are hosting a dinner party or barbecue, it’s always helpful to have some side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. One great option is pasta salad. Cook pasta according to package instructions, mix with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, and dress with olive oil and vinegar. You can make this ahead of time and refrigerate until serving.
Instructions:
– Cook pasta according to package instructions.
– Dice the vegetables and mix with the pasta.
– Mix olive oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper, and toss with the pasta salad.
Another make-ahead option is roasted vegetables. Cut up your favorite vegetables, roast them with some olive oil and seasoning, and refrigerate until serving.
Instructions:
– Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces.
– Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
– Roast the vegetables in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender.
6. What are some side dishes that are perfect for a summer barbecue?
If you are hosting a summer barbecue, there are plenty of side dishes that are perfect for the occasion. One summer favorite is grilled corn on the cob. Peel the husk back, remove the silk threads, and grill the corn until it’s cooked through.
Instructions:
– Peel the husk back, remove the silk threads, and wrap the husk back around the corn.
– Grill the corn on high heat for about 15 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
Another great option is watermelon feta salad. Mix diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and mint leaves, and dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Instructions:
– Dice the watermelon into uniform pieces.
– Mix the watermelon, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
– Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add salt and pepper, and drizzle over the salad.
