Learn How to Cut Tri Tip Like You’ve Been Doing it Your Whole Life
What is a Tri tip?
A triangular and delicious cut of beef, the tri tip is a relatively new cut of meat that comes from the bottom sirloin. Its popularity is growing fast. People often compare it to tenderloin, but it’s a much cheaper cut of meat.
Tri tip is a relatively lean cut of meat that is low in fat and calories but high in flavor. You can perfectly grill or roast it, cooking it medium-rare or well-done.
Tri tips can be fairly large, so properly carving one can seem intimidating. These detailed instructions will show you how to cut tri tip like a pro.
Why Should I Cut Tri Tip in a Certain Way?
Many people wonder why cutting it in a specific way is important. The tri tip benefits by cutting it this way.
Tender and easier to chew
Cutting the tri tip perpendicularly into thin slices against the grain makes it much easier to chew. This makes it a perfect choice for the main course, especially if serving a large group of people.
Increased flavor
Cutting the tri tip properly also helps to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the meat. Every tender bite will taste just as delicious as the last. The key is to make sure that you cut against the grain for maximum flavor.
Even cooking
If you cut the tri tip properly, it will cook evenly from edge to edge. This means you won’t have to worry about dry or overcooked sections. Cut it into uniform slices.
More professional appearance
A properly cut tri tip will have a more professional appearance, which will impress your guests. The angled cuts will create a more uniform shape, making the thinner slices easier to eat.
What you’ll need
You will need to gather a few tools before you know how to cut tri tip like a pro:
A sharp knife
A sharp knife is essential for cutting the tri tip properly. Make sure that your knife is sharp and in good condition so that you can make clean cuts.
You can use many different types of knives when cutting tri tip steak. We recommend more of a cleaver-type knife if cutting while the meat is still raw. However, we recommend a chef’s knife after your tri tip has cooked.
A dull knife can be dangerous and is more likely to cause accidents. Make sure that you sharpen your knife before cutting the tri tip. A good knife sharper is an essential tool for any kitchen.
Cutting board
A cutting board is a must-have for any kitchen. Make sure you have a good, sturdy cutting board that can handle the weight of the tri tip.
You want the board to stay intact while you’re cutting the meat. A good cutting board will make your job a lot easier.
Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is a must-have for any cooking occasion. This will ensure your tri tip steak cooks through without drying out.
Several different types of meat thermometers are on the market. Select one that suits your needs.
How to Cut Tri Tip
Now that you know the benefits of cutting tri tip properly, let’s look at how. The following steps will show you exactly how to cut tri tip like a pro:
Cut the tri tip in half
Start by cutting the tri tip in half. This will give you two smaller pieces of meat that are easier to work with. Use a sharp knife to cut the tri tip evenly.
You can cut the tri tip in half lengthwise or widthwise. We prefer to cut it widthwise because it produces more even slices.
Remove the fat
The next step is to remove the fat. You can do this by slicing it off the meat or removing it with a sharp knife. The fat can be tricky to remove, so make sure you are careful. Cutting the fat cap into thin strips is the best way to remove it.
Fatty tri tip could be better, so remove as much as possible.
Make Slices from top to bottom
The third step is to cut the tri tip into thin slices. This will make it easier to eat and cook. The best way to cut the tender tri tip is to hold it against the cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips.
Cutting the tri tip into slices will also help it cook evenly.
Locate the grain pattern
Take the remaining piece of meat and locate the grain pattern. The grain pattern is in the same direction as the muscle fibers run. You must locate the grain pattern to cut the meat in the two different grain directions.
This will ensure the meat is tender and doesn’t fall apart when cooking. The grain pattern is usually easy to see, but you can also feel it with your fingers.
Cut against the grain
Once you’ve located the grain pattern, it’s time to start cutting. Use a sharp knife to cut the meat against the grain. Slice at a slight angle to cut the meat in the right direction.
This will make it more tender and easier to chew. To do this, hold the tri tip so that the grain lines run parallel to the knife and slice the tri tip roast into thin strips.
Slice perpendicular to the grain of each half to get more delicate, tender slices. When slicing, aim for even thicknesses..
Final Thoughts
Cutting tri tip can be tricky, but you can do it like a pro with a little practice. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be able to create the perfect tri tip every time. If you’re looking for a delicious way to impress your guests, look no further than tri tip!
Happy grilling!