Tri-Tip's Cheesy Affair: Best Cheese Pairings

Tri-tip is a cut of beef that is a hallmark of Santa Maria-style BBQ. It is a triangle-shaped cut of meat that weighs 2-3 pounds, making it perfect for serving multiple people. When it comes to making a tri-tip sandwich, the options for cheese are endless. Provolone, American, Swiss, cheddar, gouda, and pepper Jack are all popular choices.

Provolone cheese

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds until they form a soft, elastic, stringy texture. It is a pasta filata ("spun paste") cheese, with mozzarella being the most well-known variety.

There are two types of provolone: Dolce and Piccante. Provolone Dolce is a young cheese that is aged for only 2 to 3 months. It has a smooth, silky texture and a creamy, mild flavour similar to mozzarella. Provolone Piccante, on the other hand, is aged for at least four months and has a more robust flavour that balances nuttiness, savouriness, sharpness, and pepperiness.

Provolone is an excellent choice for a Tri-Tip sandwich as it melts well and adds a mild taste to the sandwich. Here is a suggested recipe for a Tri-Tip sandwich with Provolone cheese:

Tri-Tip Sandwich with Provolone Cheese

Ingredients:

• Tri-Tip steak
• Provolone cheese
• Ciabatta rolls
• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise or your favourite sauce
• Onions
• Baby lettuce and baby greens or your preferred choice of greens
• Your favourite toppings (optional)

Instructions:

• Brush the ciabatta rolls lightly with olive oil and toast them in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Spread mayonnaise or your favourite sauce on the bottom halves of the rolls.
• Place sliced Tri-Tip steak on the bottom halves of the rolls, followed by sliced onions.
• Add Provolone cheese slices on top of the steak.
• Top with baby lettuce, baby greens, and any other desired toppings.
• Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

You can also add sliced tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, or sliced pepperoncini peppers to your sandwich for extra flavour. Enjoy!

Ciabatta bread

When constructing a tri-tip sandwich with ciabatta, it is advisable to grill or toast the bread to enhance its flavour and texture. This can be done by brushing the bread with olive oil or spreading softened butter before placing it under a broiler or in a toaster. Once toasted, the bread is ready to be assembled into a sandwich.

For a mouthwatering tri-tip sandwich on ciabatta, start by spreading a layer of creamy horseradish sauce or honey mustard on the bread. Then, add slices of juicy, flavourful tri-tip, followed by melted cheese, such as provolone or American cheese. To enhance the sandwich further, include toppings like thinly sliced red onions, either caramelized or pickled, and fresh avocado slices. Place the sandwich under the broiler once more to melt the cheese, and then top it off with the other slice of ciabatta.

The versatility of ciabatta bread allows for customization of the tri-tip sandwich to suit individual preferences. Some people may prefer to add extra toppings such as arugula, spinach, lettuce, or kale for a refreshing crunch. Others might opt for sun-dried tomatoes, BBQ sauce, or even a splash of herby vinaigrette to elevate the flavours.

Red onions

When assembling the tri-tip sandwich, the caramelized red onions are typically placed on top of the sliced tri-tip and cheese. The onions add a layer of flavour and texture to the sandwich, complementing the juicy and flavorful beef. Red onions are also a versatile ingredient and can be substituted with yellow or sweet onions if preferred.

In addition to sandwiches, tri-tip can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as beans, garlic bread, or a potato dish. When paired with red onions, the dish becomes even more flavourful and visually appealing. The combination of the juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet and tangy red onions creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

Horseradish sauce

The horseradish sauce can be spread on the bread or roll of the sandwich, adding a memorable flavour to the dish. It is important to note that the sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. When assembling the tri-tip sandwich, the bread or roll is typically spread with the horseradish sauce, followed by slices of the cooked tri-tip, cheese, and other toppings such as caramelized onions or arugula. The sandwich is then placed under a broiler until the cheese melts, and it is served hot.

Some variations and additions to the horseradish sauce include increasing the amount of prepared horseradish for a stronger flavour, or substituting red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar. The sauce can also be made with additional ingredients such as lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, or mustard. These adjustments can be made to suit personal preferences and taste.

Grilled vegetables

Choosing the Vegetables:

Select vegetables that are in season and suitable for grilling. Good options include bell peppers, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, cremini mushrooms, asparagus, corn, onions, and tomatoes. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as green beans, avocado, or potatoes.

Cutting the Vegetables:

Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For bell peppers, seed and quarter them. Peel and quarter onions. Cut yellow squash, zucchini, and eggplant lengthwise into meaty, steak-like rectangles. Remove the stems from cremini mushrooms and halve them if they are large. Trim the woody ends of asparagus. Leave small tomatoes on the vine if possible, as the stem will act as a handle for grilling.

Preparing the Vegetables for Grilling:

Brush the vegetables with oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper before placing them on the grill. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Grilling the Vegetables:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure it is clean. Place the vegetables directly on the grill grates or use a grill pan or skewers. Grill the vegetables for 8-10 minutes per side, flipping them halfway through to ensure even charring. Heartier vegetables like peppers and onions can be placed in hotter areas of the grill or cooked first, followed by more delicate vegetables.

Serving the Grilled Vegetables:

Frequently asked questions