Learn how to make the ultimate smoked tri-tip sandwich with garlic mayo—a surefire way to become the hero of your next backyard BBQ! This easy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
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Scroll to the bottom of the page for a printable recipe…
What to put on tri tip sandwiches
- Meat – thinly sliced tri-tip
- Topping – Caramelized onions
- Sauce – aioli, mayo, or chimichurri
- Greens – arugula or mixed greens for a peppery bite and freshness
- Bread – Toasted baguette, ciabatta, French roll, or sourdough
- Optional – provolone cheese, grilled jalapenos, roasted red pepper
Also see how to make smoked tri tip pizza…
Ingredients
For the Tri Tip
- 2.5 lb tri-tip steak
- 1 tbsp mustard (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp BBQ rub
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch strips
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Grilled Lemon Garlic Mayo
- 1 medium lemon, halved
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper
- ½ tbsp fresh chopped basil (or cilantro)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
For the Sandwich
- 1 large French baguette
- 1 cup arugula
Try these Traeger smoked Oreo’s…
How to make BBQ smoked tri tip sandwich
The gist of it: Rub a 2.5 lb tri-tip with mustard and BBQ seasoning, smoke it to perfection, and sear for a delicious crust. Add caramelized onions, arugula, and that flavorful mayo to a toasted baguette.
1. Prepare the Tri-Tip
- Let the tri-tip steak rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F.
- Rub the mustard or olive oil over the tri-tip, then apply the BBQ rub evenly.
2. Smoke the Tri-Tip
- Place the tri-tip on the smoker or in the oven.
- Smoke or bake tri tip at 250°F for 45-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 115-120°F.
- Remove from heat and let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes.
3. Caramelize the Onions
- While the tri-tip cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, olive oil, and butter to the skillet.
- Sauté the onions, stirring regularly, for 5-10 minutes until they are caramelized and browned to your liking.
4. Grill the Baguette and Lemon
- Slice the baguette into 2-3 sections, then slice each section in half lengthwise.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill for about 3 minutes over direct heat, until lightly charred.
- Place the cut side of the baguette on the grill grates and grill for 1-3 minutes over indirect heat, until lightly toasted. Set aside.
5. Make the Grilled Lemon Garlic Mayo
- Remove the lemon from the grill and squeeze the juice into a bowl.
- Add garlic salt, freshly cracked pepper, chopped basil, and mayonnaise. Whisk until well combined.
6. Sear the Tri-Tip
- Increase the heat on the smoker, grill, or skillet (with some butter in it) to 450-500°F.
- Sear the tri-tip on all sides, flipping every 1-2 minutes until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
- Let the tri-tip rest for another 10 minutes, then slice thinly.
New to preparing tri tip? THIS IS IMPORTANT! See how to cut tri tip steak…
7. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread the grilled lemon garlic mayo on each side of the toasted baguette.
- Layer the thinly sliced tri-tip on the bottom half of the baguette.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions and top with a handful of arugula.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette and serve.
- Enjoy your delicious smoked tri-tip sandwich!
Make it a meal… see what else to smoke at 250°F…
How to reheat tri tip sandwich
Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the sandwich is warmed through. To crisp the bread, remove foil and bake a couple more minutes.
Try a new Smoker Recipe…
Upgrade Your BBQ Game
The wrong meat thermometer will ruin your food… see the BBQ meat thermometers I credit for getting delicious results.
See how to make smoked pulled pork butt with mustard binder…
Get better at backyard BBQ…
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Wishing you a delicious day! – Jenna
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BBQ Smoked Tri Tip Sandwich
Learn how to make the ultimate smoked tri-tip sandwich with garlic mayo—a surefire way to become the hero of your next backyard BBQ! This easy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS + INSTRUCTIONS
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 883kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Tri Tip
- 2.5 lb tri-tip steak
- 1 tbsp mustard or olive oil
- 2 tbsp BBQ rub
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion sliced into ½-inch strips
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Grilled Lemon Garlic Mayo
- 1 medium lemon halved
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper
- ½ tbsp fresh chopped basil or cilantro
- ½ cup mayonnaise
For the Sandwich
- 1 large French baguette
- 1 cup arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the Tri-Tip: Let the tri-tip steak rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F. Rub the mustard or olive oil over the tri-tip, then apply the BBQ rub evenly.
- Smoke the Tri-Tip: Place the tri-tip on the smoker or in the oven. Smoke or bake at 250°F for 45-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 115-120°F. Remove from heat and let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the tri-tip cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, olive oil, and butter to the skillet. Sauté the onions, stirring regularly, for 5-10 minutes until they are caramelized and browned to your liking.
- Grill the Baguette and Lemon: Slice the baguette into 2-3 sections, then slice each section in half lengthwise. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill for about 3 minutes over direct heat, until lightly charred. Place the cut side of the baguette on the grill grates and grill for 1-3 minutes over indirect heat, until lightly toasted. Set aside.
- Make the Grilled Lemon Garlic Mayo: Remove the lemon from the grill and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Add garlic salt, freshly cracked pepper, chopped basil, and mayonnaise. Whisk until well combined.
- Sear the Tri-Tip: Increase the heat on the smoker, grill, or skillet (with some butter in it) to 450-500°F. Sear the tri-tip on all sides, flipping every 1-2 minutes until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare). Let the tri-tip rest for another 10 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the grilled lemon garlic mayo on each side of the toasted baguette. Layer the thinly sliced tri-tip on the bottom half of the baguette. Add a layer of caramelized onions and top with a handful of arugula. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette and serve. Enjoy your delicious smoked tri-tip sandwich!
Video
Notes
See the recipe: https://sipbitego.com/tri-tip-sandwich/
Watch the full-length YouTube recipe video on Sip Bite Go’s YouTube channel.
Nutrition
Calories: 883kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 66g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 1.069mg | Potassium: 1.071mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 7mg
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Jenna Passaro says
Great sandwich for game day