Smoked Tri Tip pairs well with Garlicky Mushrooms, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Creamy Green Beans, Avocado Beet Salad, and Grilled Corn on the Cob.
Garlicky Mushrooms
Nothing complements a meat dish better than mushrooms.
For a lighter option, try Grilled Corn on the Cob. Grilled Corn on the Cob
This is such a simple recipe, but extremely efficient.
Smoked tri tip is the star of any barbecue bash!
This cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture, holds a special place at gatherings big and small.
However, even the best tri tip can't stand alone - it craves the perfect sidekick.
Finding the right accompaniment can turn a great meal into an unforgettable feast.
Ready to transform your meal from good to great?
7 Best Side Dishes for Smoked Tri Tip
Here are a few good options when not sure what to mix your smoked tri tip with.
1 - Garlicky Mushrooms
Nothing complements a meat dish better than mushrooms.
Throw in some garlic, and you have a winning recipe.
The recipe is fairly simple to make.
Get some mushrooms, wash them and chop them.
You can also slice them - whatever you want.
Cook them in a pan for a few minutes, along with some crushed garlic.
Let them cool and make sure they are not too oily when served.
2 - Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Forget about the classic fries covered in salt and stick to something healthier - as well as a bit intriguing when mixed with smoked tri tip.
Sweet potato fries are easy to prepare and will not require too much work.
Cut them in long chips and bake them until they get a golden crust.
Add a bit of salt once they are done, so they can get a bit crispy.
As for seasoning, smoked paprika is classic and works well.
You can use whatever you like, though.
A dip for fries will also help - a matter of personal preferences only.
3 - Creamy Green Beans
Keep things healthy and complement smoked meat with some greens - you can never go wrong with this mix.
Wash and slice some mushrooms, then cook them in a pan along with the green beans.
Start with the mushrooms alone, as they take a bit longer to cook.
Use a tiny amount of oil and some crushed garlic.
Mix everything up and top up with salt.
While cooking, add a few spoons of sour cream to make the dish creamy.
Do not use too much cream, though - you want a thin layer over each piece in the mix, not more.
4 - Avocado Beet Salad
Simple and healthy - you just cannot go wrong with this salad.
It is tasty, refreshing, and works well with the smoked tri tip.
You need a few beets, an avocado, some mixed green lettuces, and a few chopped pistachios.
Cook the beets before cutting them and arranging everything in a plate.
A citrus vinaigrette works wonders to top everything up.
The final result should look like a basic salad - nothing too fancy, but actually simplistic and modern.
Everything changes when you mix all these things up in a bite - an explosion of flavors and aromas in your mouth.
5 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
This is such a simple recipe, but extremely efficient. Everyone loves corn on the cob.
Cooking it is fairly simple too and does not require too much work.
You can boil everything and focus on something else meanwhile.
You can also save a bit of time and prepare the corn on the cob in your microwave.
Once cooked, put a bit of salt in your palm and run each cob through it.
Grill all the corn on the cob for less than a minute, just to give it a smoky flavor and add some grill lines on it.
6 - Peach and Cheese Salad
This salad may seem a little unusual, but it works well with various meat-based dishes, and the smoked tri tip makes no exception.
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires sliced red onions, some pistachios, a few peaches, mixed greens, goat cheese, chopped tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil.
Mix in some lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Mix everything together and arrange items in a nice colorful manner on a plate - your guests will love the outcome.
7 - Cheesy French Fries
The smoked tri tip may seem a bit sophisticated - probably the best cut you can get.
You may want your side dish to follow the same rules.
This is not a general rule, though.
Mix your tri tip with something basic that no one can refuse - the classic French fries.
They are basic and old school, but no one will care. People love them.
Add a bit of crushed garlic when cooking and grate some mozzarella on top.
Add condiments and spices - if any - just before the fries are done.
They make them a bit crispier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlicky Mushrooms Nothing complements a meat dish better than mushrooms. Sweet potato fries are easy to prepare and will not require too much work.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. This side dish is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.
