Tri-tip is a popular cut of beef that originated in California, and when prepared Seaside Market style, it’s a culinary delight that’s sure to impress. Seaside Market, a renowned butcher shop in Cardiff, California, has been serving up mouth-watering tri-tip since the 1990s. Their signature recipe has gained a cult following, and for good reason – it’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to create an authentic Seaside Market-style tri-tip that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Understanding Tri-Tip
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes tri-tip so unique. Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin, typically weighing between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. It’s a relatively lean cut, which makes it perfect for grilling or pan-frying. The key to cooking tri-tip is to achieve a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When selecting a tri-tip, look for a cut that’s at least 1.5 inches thick. This will ensure that the meat stays juicy and flavorful during the cooking process. You can find tri-tip at most butcher shops or high-end grocery stores. If you can’t find tri-tip, you can also use a similar cut, such as flank steak or skirt steak.
Preparing the Tri-Tip
Now that we have our tri-tip, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
Trimming the Fat
Seaside Market-style tri-tip is known for its generous fat cap, which adds flavor and tenderness to the meat. However, if your tri-tip has an excessive amount of fat, you may want to trim it down to about 1/4 inch. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Seasoning the Tri-Tip
The seasoning blend is what sets Seaside Market-style tri-tip apart from other recipes. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl and rub them all over the tri-tip, making sure to coat it evenly.
Cooking the Tri-Tip
Now that our tri-tip is seasoned, it’s time to cook it. Seaside Market-style tri-tip is typically grilled over high heat to achieve a nice crust on the outside. Here’s how to do it:
Grilling the Tri-Tip
Preheat your grill to high heat (about 500°F). Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear it for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms. After searing the tri-tip, reduce the heat to medium-low (about 300°F) and continue cooking it to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tri-tip. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F.
Pan-Frying the Tri-Tip
If you don’t have a grill, you can also pan-fry the tri-tip. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the tri-tip for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms. After searing the tri-tip, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking it to your desired level of doneness.
Resting the Tri-Tip
Once the tri-tip is cooked to your liking, it’s essential to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
Slicing the Tri-Tip
After the tri-tip has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. You can serve it on its own or with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, salad, or beans.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your Seaside Market-style tri-tip to the next level:
- Use a cast-iron pan: Cast-iron pans retain heat exceptionally well, making them perfect for searing the tri-tip.
- Add aromatics: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers are all great additions to the pan when cooking the tri-tip.
- Try different seasonings: While the Seaside Market seasoning blend is amazing, you can also experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favorite.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures that your tri-tip is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
Seaside Market-style tri-tip is a culinary delight that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its tender texture and flavorful seasoning blend, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create an authentic Seaside Market-style tri-tip that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delicious flavors of Seaside Market-style tri-tip for yourself.
Recipe Summary
Here’s a summary of the recipe:
- 1 tri-tip (at least 1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup oil
Instructions
- Trim the fat cap to 1/4 inch, if necessary.
- Mix the seasoning blend and rub it all over the tri-tip.
- Grill the tri-tip over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the tri-tip to your desired level of doneness.
- Let the tri-tip rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious Seaside Market-style tri-tip that’s sure to impress.
What is Tri-Tip and Where Did it Originate?
Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin, known for its bold flavor and tender texture. It originated in the 1950s in Santa Maria, California, where it was popularized by local butchers and eventually became a staple of the region’s barbecue scene. The cut gained widespread recognition and is now enjoyed throughout the United States and beyond.
Tri-tip’s unique flavor profile and versatility have made it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. When cooked correctly, it offers a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, making it an ideal choice for a variety of dishes, from casual barbecues to elegant dinner parties.
What is Seaside Market Style Tri-Tip, and How Does it Differ from Other Recipes?
Seaside Market Style Tri-Tip is a specific recipe that originated at Seaside Market in Cardiff, California. This recipe is known for its bold, savory flavors and tender texture, achieved through a combination of a dry rub, a long marinating time, and a precise grilling technique. The result is a tri-tip that is both flavorful and tender, with a distinctive crust on the outside.
What sets Seaside Market Style Tri-Tip apart from other recipes is its emphasis on simplicity and restraint. Unlike other recipes that may rely on elaborate sauces or marinades, this recipe allows the natural flavors of the tri-tip to shine through, enhanced by a subtle blend of spices and herbs. This approach results in a dish that is both elegant and approachable.
What are the Essential Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style?
To make Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, you will need a few essential ingredients, including a high-quality tri-tip, a dry rub consisting of spices and herbs, and a small amount of oil. You will also need a grill, preferably a gas or charcoal grill, as well as a meat thermometer and a large cutting board.
In addition to these basic ingredients and equipment, it’s also important to have a few specialized tools on hand, such as a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind your spices, and a long-handled grill brush to apply the dry rub evenly. Having these tools will help ensure that your tri-tip turns out perfectly seasoned and cooked.
How Do I Prepare the Dry Rub for Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, and What are the Key Spices and Herbs?
To prepare the dry rub for Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, you will need to combine a blend of spices and herbs in a small bowl. The key spices and herbs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. You will also need to grind these spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to release their flavors and oils.
The dry rub is a critical component of the Seaside Market Style recipe, as it provides the majority of the flavor to the tri-tip. To ensure that your dry rub is effective, be sure to apply it evenly to the tri-tip, making sure to coat all surfaces. You should also let the tri-tip sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
What is the Best Way to Grill Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, and How Long Does it Take to Cook?
To grill Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, you will need to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then apply the dry rub evenly to the tri-tip. Place the tri-tip on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F – 135°F for medium-rare.
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your tri-tip is cooked to the correct temperature. You should also let the tri-tip rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. This will result in a tender and flavorful tri-tip that is sure to impress your guests.
How Do I Slice and Serve Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, and What are Some Popular Side Dishes?
To slice and serve Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style, you will need to slice the tri-tip against the grain, using a sharp knife. Slice the tri-tip into thin strips, then serve immediately. You can serve the tri-tip on its own or with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, salads, or roasted potatoes.
Some popular side dishes that pair well with Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style include grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, and creamy coleslaw. You can also serve the tri-tip with a variety of sauces, such as a classic horseradish sauce or a spicy pepper sauce. The key is to keep the sides simple and flavorful, allowing the tri-tip to take center stage.
Can I Make Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style Ahead of Time, and How Do I Store Leftovers?
While it’s best to cook Tri-Tip Seaside Market Style just before serving, you can make the dry rub and apply it to the tri-tip ahead of time. Simply apply the dry rub to the tri-tip, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
To store leftovers, you can wrap the tri-tip tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to slice the tri-tip thinly and heat it gently, using a low oven or a pan on the stovetop. This will help preserve the texture and flavor of the tri-tip.