catching up with Tri Tip

So, I said I would catch up for the weeks I didn’t blog, but then the eye thing happened – so here goes – this one is worth the wait.

Anyway, this was SO good that I DID post a pic on my personal page on FB the day I made it – just saying – “can you say YUM?” – several people did 🙂

I’ve always heard about Tri Tip (and of course have seen it cooked now that I’m watching cooking shows) – and decided to buy one and try my luck.  Did my research and learned that it needed to be cut in 2 separate pieces – as the grain runs in different directions and you MUST cut across the grain as well as  how to marinate it, grill it, etc. (this WAS on June 2).  while some of the details may have been lost in the delay, I have to say this was one of the better steaks I’ve cooked myself.   I’m normally a filet mignon gal (boring, right?), but I don’t eat a lot of red meat, and filet is small, tender and lean (so you can feel good about it too).   but in this case I wanted to just wade right in with both feet and do a “real steak”.

I marinated it for a couple of hours (with spices, oil, sugar and splash of acid), threw it on the grill for a good sear on both sides (YES to a crusty outside!) and turned the heat down to cook to a fabulous medium rare (the ONLY way steak should be served, mind you!)

You’ve heard me talk about my Mexican street corn fascination of late, and that seemed to be a perfect compliment, so I threw some corn on the grill with it.  and of all of the times I’ve made it in the last 2 months (3 or 4?), I must say this was my absolute BEST batch (what DID I do differently???)

I opened some Stag’s Leap Artemis Cab (thank goodness for a stocked cellar, as i don’t buy these things these days), took some pics and had one of the most delicious steak dinners ever!

oh, and don’t forget the sandwiches that followed – I’m a fan now! there will be more Tri Tip in my future!

the perfect plate:

grillin’