20-Minute Tri-Tip Sandwich (2024)

For a delicious meal that will keep the whole family happy, give this Tri-Tip Sandwich recipe a try! It is the perfect way to use leftover tri-tip, and oh, so satisfying. Best of all, it is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

I am a sucker for a good sandwich, and this tri-tip steak sandwich is my idea of the perfect meal.

It is the perfect way to use leftover tri-tip roast, and I think it will become one of your favorite leftover tri tip recipes too.

If you haven't already, check out my oven-roasted tri-tip, slow cooker tri tip, and Blackstone tri tip recipes.

Grilled tri tip or smoked tri-tip are also fabulous!

Ingredients for Making This Tri-Tip Sandwich Recipe

• Mayonnaise: You can use store-bought mayonnaise or make your own.
• Garlic: I used one clove of garlic, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
• Capers: Caper berries are the fruit of the caper bush. They’re usually sold pickled in vinegar. Make sure you rinse them before using them.
• Seasonings: Adjust the amount to your liking. Use kosher salt or sea salt. For more heat, add cayenne pepper.
• Tri-Tip: I used about 1 pound of leftover grilled or griddled tri-tip, thinly sliced.
• Provolone: Sliced provolone cheese is an excellent option for this sandwich, but you could also use Swiss, cheddar, or even pepper Jack.
• Red Onion: A thin slice of red onion adds a nice crunch to the sandwich.
• Bread: You can use hearty rolls like ciabatta or sourdough or something softer like a hoagie roll or hamburger buns. You can even mix things up and make tri tip sliders.
• Arugula: You could also use spinach, lettuce, or even kale.
• Tomato: I like fresh tomatoes, but you could also use sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips & Tricks

• You can brush the rolls with a bit of olive oil or softened butter before adding them to the griddle or skillet. This is optional but takes the flavors to the next level.
• Customize your sandwich: Get creative and add your favorite toppings. Other great options include avocado, bacon, pickled jalapeños, or BBQ sauce.
• If you want extra-crispy sandwiches, you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two after grilling. Just keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn.

Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich Toppings

I’ve used my favorite toppings on this sandwich, but feel free to get creative!

• Use horseradish sauce to make a horseradish aioli
• Caramelized onions
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Grill Zucchini or Squash
• Use garlic butter in place of the mayo

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cut tri-tip for sandwiches?

Cut the seared tri-tip against the grain into thin slices. To do this, hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and slice the meat across the grain.

How do you know which way the grain runs in meat?

The grain is the direction in which the muscle fibers run. To get perfectly tender slices of meat, you need to cut against the grain.

What is tri-tip steak?

Tri-tip steak is a lean cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It’s a popular cut of meat for grilling and smoking.

Can I cook the tri-tip steak ahead of time?

Yes! Cooking the tri-tip ahead of time is a great way to save time when you’re making sandwiches.

Is tri-tip a cheap cut of meat?

No, tri-tip is not a cheap cut of meat. However, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of beef. Plus, it’s lean and highly flavorful, so you don’t need to use a lot of it to make a delicious sandwich.

Tools Needed to Make Tri-Tip Sandwiches

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• Skillet or griddle
• Small Bowl
• Sheet Pan (for toasting the buns)

Storage

The components of this sandwich can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To avoid soggy bread, I recommend putting the sandwiches together before serving.

How to Make Tri-Tip Sandwiches

First, make the sauce by combining the mayonnaise, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper. You can do this in a small bowl or a storage container. Refrigerate the mayo until you are ready to serve.

Next, heat the sliced tri-tip in a large skillet or on a grill over medium heat or medium-high heat. (You could also use a gas or charcoal grill with direct heat.)

Once the steak is warm, add the cheese slices and cover. Cook until the cheese melts.

Remove from heat.

Add the onion to the skillet or griddle, and cook until softened and slightly brown.

While the steak is heating, split and toast your buns. If you are heating the steak on a Blackstone Griddle, just heat the buns on the other side.

Spread the mayonnaise blend on the rolls and top with the arugula.

Add the meat and cheese, and then top with the onion and tomato.

Slice and serve!

More Sandwich Recipes to Try

• Blackstone Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. This one is always a hit!
• For comfort food that never gets old, Guacamole Grilled Cheese is perfect.
• You can make this BBQ Chicken Sandwich in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Either way, you are going to love it.
• If you love chickpeas, don’t miss this Chickpea Salad Sandwich.

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