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Leftover tri tip can be a real challenge to use up. It’s too much for one meal, but not enough to make multiple dishes. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 12 creative and delicious ways to use leftover tri tip so you don’t have to waste a single bite!
Whether you’re looking for easy recipes or something more elaborate, there is sure to be an idea here that will help you turn your leftover meat into a tasty dish that the whole family will love. So let’s get started!
Our Favorite Uses For Leftover Tri Tip
Tri Tip Sandwich
Make a classic leftover Tri Tip sandwich – all you need is some leftover tri tip, cheese, and your favorite condiments.
Leftover tri tip is perfect for sandwiches because the strong, beefy flavor stands up to the other ingredients and adds a delicious, meaty texture to the sandwich.
Beef Tacos
Use leftover tri tip in tacos – just shred it up and add your favorite toppings!
Tri tip makes great tacos because its slightly smoky, peppery flavor and tender texture pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, salsa and melted cheese.
Stir Fry
Try making stir fry with leftover steak – cut the meat into strips and toss with other vegetables and your favorite sauce. Leftover steak can be used in stir fry dishes to add a unique flavor and hearty texture.
Steak Salad
For an easy dinner idea, make leftover steak salad – just toss the meat with some greens, tomato, cucumber and your favorite dressing.
This is a great way to add some protein into your typical salad!
Stews and Soups
Use leftover tri tip to make a hearty soup or stew – add in potatoes, carrots, celery and broth for a delicious comfort food meal. This will make your soups and stews more filling, to say the least!
Breakfast Burritos
Make steak and egg breakfast burritos – leftover tri tip, scrambled eggs, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla is sure to start your day off right!
Thin Sliced Wraps
Slice leftover meat thinly for sandwiches or wraps – perfect for an easy lunch option on the go. Just be sure to make your thin slices against the grain for maximum tenderness, otherwise you might end up with chewy bites.
Pizza Topping
Alright this one is a little off the beaten path but it’s actually pretty good. Use leftover steak as a topping for your favorite pizza – it’s a great way to add some extra protein and flavor.
Enchiladas
Try leftover steak in enchiladas – just shred the meat and mix with your favorite cheese, vegetables, and sauce.
Quesadillas
Make quesadillas with leftover tri tip – simply top tortillas with leftover steak, cheese and your favorite veggies or seasonings.
Mac and Cheese
Add leftover steak to macaroni and cheese – mix in some cooked pasta with the leftover meat for a meal that’s sure to please!
Tri Tip Hash
Make leftover steak hash – just sauté leftover tri tip with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a tasty breakfast or dinner option.
Why We Love Tri Tip
Tri tip is a delicious cut of beef that has become increasingly popular over the last few years. With its juicy texture and unique flavor profile, it’s no wonder why this cut of meat has been gaining popularity.
Tri tip is a boneless cut of beef from the bottom sirloin primal, or what’s commonly referred to as “triangle steak”. It’s leaner than some other cuts of beef, making it perfect for grilling or roasting.
But what really sets tri tip apart is its flavor – it’s got a mild yet savory and slightly smoky taste that pairs perfectly with all kinds of seasonings and sauces. And because it’s so lean, tri tip also has an incredibly tender texture when cooked properly.
Important Note, Especially For Leftovers
One of the most important things to remember when preparing tri tip is to slice it against the grain. This might seem like a minor detail, but slicing against the grain can make all the difference in how tender your dish will be.
Slicing with the grain will leave you with chewy, tough pieces of meat that are difficult to chew and swallow. But when you slice against the grain, you get thin slices that are much more tender and flavorful.
When slicing tri tip, it’s important to look for which direction the muscle fibers run in – this is known as “the grain”. The muscle fibers should run parallel to each other so it makes sense that if you want thin slices of meat that won’t be too tough or chewy, then you should cut perpendicular to those fibers instead of along them. It may take a little practice at first but once you get used to looking for those lines and cutting accordingly, it becomes second nature!
Slicing against the grain also helps ensure even cooking throughout your dish – thinner slices cook faster than thicker ones so they don’t end up overcooked on one side while still raw on another side due to their varying thicknesses.
Tri Tip leftovers are especially affected by the direction of your slices. Leftovers naturally lose their tenderness and some flavor, so the negative effects from improper slices will be amplified.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you decide to use up leftover tri tip, these 12 ideas are sure to help you get creative in the kitchen. So don’t let your leftover meat go to waste – try out one of these recipes tonight and enjoy a tasty and simple meal! Happy cooking!
