What to Serve with Tri Tip Roast| 17 Delicious and Amazing Dishes to Serve

Tri tip roast, the versatile cut of beef, has gained popularity worldwide because of its rich and robust flavor. This popular cut of meat pairs well with so many sides. 

This cut is a regular feature in barbecues and parties alike, but it’s also fantastic for everyday dinners. If you’re planning on cooking tri tip roast, you might be wondering what to serve with tri tip roast?

Fear not, as we have compiled a list of some quick and amazing dishes that will complement your tri tip roast and leave your guests wanting more.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or a family gathering, choosing the right-side dish can make or break your meal. 

Do not let that happen to you! In this blog post, we are going to share some of the best side dishes to serve with tri-tip roast that is delicious, easy to make, and will leave your guests asking for more.

What is tri tip roast? What does tri tip roast taste like?

Tri tip roast is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut. 

It is an oval-shaped cut of meat that usually weighs between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and is known for its flavor and tenderness when it has been marinated or cooked low and slow. 

tri tip roast

Tri tip roast has a mild yet slightly sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making it perfect for grilling or roasting in the oven. 

When cooked correctly, tri tip roast is incredibly juicy and full of flavor.

Best Sides to serve with tri tip roast

1. Grilled Vegetables

There is nothing more delicious than grilled vegetables with tri tip roast. 

Grilled Vegetables

You can make a medley of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini and serve them as a side dish.

2. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes

No roast dinner is complete without roasted potatoes. You can roast them with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic for added flavor.

3. Caesar Salad

A crisp and fresh Caesar salad can balance the richness of the tri tip roast. 

Caesar Salad

You can make the salad with crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing.

4. Baked Beans

Baked beans are the absolute side dish for BBQs and roast dinners. They are easy to prepare and taste mouth-watering with tri tip roast.

5. Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is an ideal classic side dish that will go well with tri tip roast. You can make it with fresh spinach, cream, and parmesan cheese.

6. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the ideal perfect accompaniment to any roast dinner. You can make it with fresh garlic, butter, and a baguette.

Discover More: 16 Quick and Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Banana Bread for Breakfast

7. Coleslaw

coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the tri tip roast. You can make it with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing.

8. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is a perfect summer favorite and pairs well with tri tip roast. You can grill or boil the corn and serve it with butter and salt.

9. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that goes well with tri tip roast. You can make them with butter, milk, and cream cheese for added richness.

10. Green Beans Almondine

Green beans almondine is a perfectly simple yet elegant side dish that will accompany the flavors of the tri tip roast. 

Green Beans Almondine

You can sauté the green beans with butter and almonds for added crunch and serve them hot.

11. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that is perfect for tri-tip roast. The creamy texture of potatoes combined with garlic’s sweet and spicy taste makes it a perfect choice. 

Just boil your potatoes until they are soft, and then mash them with butter, milk, and minced garlic.

12. Roasted Carrots

If you want to add some color to your plate, then roasted carrots are a must-try. Simply peel and slice the carrots into thin pieces. 

Roasted Carrots

Then, toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes.

13. Green Salad

A crisp and fresh green salad can balance the richness of the tri-tip roast. 

Combine it with some organic greens, such as arugula and spinach, or mix greens with your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, onions, and avocados.

14. Baked Potatoes

Another classic side, baked potatoes, can fit well with the tri-tip roast. Scrub the potato skin and pierce it with a fork. 

Baked Potatoes

Bake the potatoes in the oven for about an hour at 400°F. Once it’s done, cut the top and add butter or other toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, or chives.

Explore More: 21 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Twice-Baked Potatoes

15. Roasted Root Vegetables

A mix of root veggies such as carrots, beetroot, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted in the oven with some garlic, butter, and herbs, can be a great addition to your menu.

16. Grilled Asparagus

Another perfect side dish that you can make alongside your tri-tip meat is grilled or roasted asparagus. 

Grilled Asparagus

Simply toss it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill or roast it until cooked perfectly on slightly charred.

17. Mushroom Truffle Risotto

This delicious and creamy side dish is perfect for a special occasion dinner. 

Cook Arborio rice with some garlic, mushrooms, truffle oil, Parmesan, and chicken stock in a pan, and serve it hot.

What are the best flavors to go with tri tip roast?

Tri tip roast is a wonderfully flavorful cut of beef that can be cooked in many different ways. When it comes to seasoning and flavoring, the possibilities are endless! 

Depending on your preference, some of the best flavors to pair with tri tip roast include garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. 

For an additional boost of flavor, try adding fresh herbs or citrus fruits such as lemon or lime to the mix. 

Additionally, you can marinate your tri tip in various sauces, such as teriyaki or Worcestershire sauce, to enhance its flavor even further. 

Finish off the dish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

tri tip roast

How do you jazz up tri tip roast?

One way to jazz up a tri tip roast is to marinate it overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. 

After marinating it for at least 12 hours, you can then season the meat with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano leaves and Himalayan salt before cooking. 

Grilling or roasting the tri-tip in the oven gives you an amazing flavor that will no doubt please your taste buds! 

You can even top off your meal with a sauce created from leftover marinade mixed with Worcestershire sauce and mustard for an added kick of flavor. Enjoy!

Find Out More: 20 Creative Side Dishes to Round Out the Perfect Tri-Tip Meal

How do you display tri tip roast on a platter?

To display a tri tip roast on a platter in the most beautiful and appetizing way, begin by patting it dry with a paper towel. 

Place the roast in the center of the platter and use a sharp knife to make cross-hatch incisions all over it. Next, season the roast generously with your favorite herbs and spices. 

tri tip roast on a platter

To really bring out its flavor, rub some melted butter or olive oil into the cuts you made earlier. 

Finally, surround the roast with seasonal vegetables like carrots and potatoes for added color and texture. When finished, your tri tip roast should look stunning and be ready to serve!

What sauce goes with tri tip roast

Tri tip roast pairs particularly well with a variety of sauces that can help to emphasize its flavor and juiciness. 

For an extra-special dish, here are five of the top sauces to pair with tri tip roast:

1. Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a classic accompaniment for tri tip roast and makes for a delicious combination. 

Barbecue Sauce

The smoky flavor of the barbecue sauce helps to bring out the umami notes in the meat while adding some sweetness that complements it nicely.

2. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri Sauce is a fresh, herby sauce that is popular in South American cooking and makes a great accompaniment for tri tip roast. 

It can be made with parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red pepper flakes or jalapeños – whichever ingredients you choose add tartness as well as spiciness that helps cut through the richness of the beef.

3. Aioli

Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise-based condiment that adds a creamy texture to the meat. 

Aioli

It’s simple to make at home, but if you don’t have time, store-bought varieties work just as well too! Use one infused with herbs such as basil or chives for extra flavor.

4. Smokey Chipotle Sauce

Chipotle peppers give this sauce its smoky flavor and heat – perfect for those who like their food spicy! 

Richer than barbecue sauce but still full of savory flavors, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to sauces for tri tip roast.

5. Horseradish Cream Sauce

For an unexpected twist on classic steakhouse fare, try pairing your tri tip roast with horseradish cream sauce! 

The creamy consistency balances out the spice from the horseradish root and gives the protein some nice heat without overpowering it completely.

Learn More: 16 best Sauces to Elevate Your Chicken Tender Experience

What salad goes with tri tip roast

Tri-tip roast is a classic, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with salads

Here are seven of the best salads you can serve alongside your tri-tip roast for an unforgettable meal:

1. Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad is a classic salad that has always been a favorite pairing for tri-tip roast. 

The fresh mix of romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing balances the flavors of the savory meat beautifully.

2. Spinach Salad

Fresh spinach leaves make an excellent companion to tri-tip roast due to their mild taste and crunchy texture. 

Spinach Salad

To make it even better, combine it with walnuts and cranberries and dress it with a homemade honey mustard dressing for a truly special side dish.

3. Potato Salad

Who says potato salad is only reserved for summer barbecues? It’s also great to serve along with a warm tri-tip roast, especially when topped with bacon and chives for added flavor.

4. Greek Salad

Filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion slices, olives, and oregano, this salad provides the perfect contrast to the savory flavors of roasted tri-tip meat. 

Greek Salad 

Add some lemon juice for a zesty kick!

5. Coleslaw

A mix of shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy mayonnaise dressing will add some coolness to your hot plate of tri-tip roast while adding some vibrant colors to your plate too!

6. Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are always fabulous companions to beef dishes like tri-tip roast – especially when sprinkled with basil leaves and olive oil or balsamic vinegar!

Explore More: 29 Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad

7. Corn & Avocado Salad

Corn & Avocado Salad is a bright salad that combines sweet corn kernels with cubes of creamy avocado and bell peppers for an amazing accompaniment that will bring out even more flavor from your main course!

potato side dishes for tri tip roast

1. Roasted Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are a great side to tri tip roast, especially when roasted in the oven with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. 

Roasted Potatoes

The potatoes take on a crispy exterior while still maintaining a fluffy interior.

2. Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are always a favorite side dish for any type of roast, and this rosemary garlic version is no exception. 

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a smooth, buttery texture and mix with fresh rosemary and garlic for an extra flavorful kick.

3. Potato Gratin

Potato Gratin

Create an indulgent gratin by layering thinly sliced potatoes with heavy cream and cheese until golden brown on top. 

A dash of nutmeg will add an extra level of warmth to each bite.

Discover More: What to Serve with Potato Gratin- 20 Best Easy & Quick Sides

4. Baked Potato Wedges

Cut your potatoes into wedges, season them with salt and pepper, and bake until they’re perfectly crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Serve with sour cream as an added dip if desired!

5. German Potato Salad

For something other than your typical potato salad side dish, try making a classic German potato salad recipe featuring warm cooked potatoes paired with bacon, onions, vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard and celery seed for extra flavor dimension!

veggie sides for tri tip

1. Grilled Zucchini with Herbs

Grilled Zucchini with Herbs is a deliciously simple side dish made by slicing zucchini into thick rounds, sprinkling with herbs of your choice, and grilling until lightly charred. 

It’s a great way to add some summery flavor to your tri-tip meal.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their innate sweetness and makes them incredibly flavorful when paired with beef. 

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

To make this side dish, cut sweet potatoes into cubes, coat them in olive oil, and roast until golden brown and tender.

3. Sautéed Asparagus

Asparagus is a classic accompaniment for beef dishes like tri-tip, and it couldn’t be easier to make. 

Simply sauté asparagus spears in butter or olive oil until they’re tender but still slightly crisp – they’ll be the perfect addition to your meal.

4. Parsnip Fries

Parsnips have a subtly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with tri-tip steak. 

To make them into an irresistible side dish, simply cut parsnips into fries, coat them in olive oil, and bake in the cookstove until golden brown and crispy on the outside while still soft on the inside. (Recipe)

5. Garlic Green Beans

Green beans are one of the most popular and versatile vegetables around – slather them in garlic for an extra kick of flavor! 

Garlic Green Beans

All you need is fresh green beans (haricot verts work well here), garlic cloves, butter or olive oil, salt & pepper to taste, and some freshly chopped parsley as a garnish for color if you wish!

Wrap Up on what to serve with tri tip roast

There you have it, 17 quick and amazing side dishes to serve with tri tip roast. These dishes are easy to prepare and will take your roast dinner to the next level. 

Pair your favorite sides with some delicious red wine, and you will have a meal that will blow your guests and leave them asking for the secret recipe. 

So, cook with confidence and have fun experimenting with the sides that you and your guests love! 

FAQs

How much tri tip roast per person?

A typical tri tip roast typically weighs between 1 and 3 pounds

Depending on the size of the roast, how many people you are serving, and how much each person wants, you can plan to serve about 3/4 to one pound of tri tip roast per person

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of meat served per person, a smaller roast is recommended. 

For more generous portion size, a larger roast can be used
For an average-sized 3-lb roast, it should feed around 8 people with generous servings.

How many people will 2 lb tri-tip serve?

2 lbs of tri-tip will serve approximately 4-6 people, depending on the size of the servings. It is a generously portioned cut that packs in plenty of beefy flavors. 

A typical 2 lb tri-tip can provide about 8 sandwiches or 12-16 small slices for an entrée. 

Tri-tip is also great for roasts, stews, and stir-fries, so it can easily be stretched to feed more people. 

By including sides such as salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled potatoes, you’ll be able to get even more servings out of a 2 lb tri-tip.

What is a tri-tip dinner?

A tri-tip dinner is a cut of beef that is typically found in the western United States

It comes from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut and is sometimes referred to as a triangle roast or triangle steak.

Tri-tip is usually cut into triangular-shaped steaks, which are then grilled, smoked, or roasted. 

This type of dinner is often served with grilled vegetables, potatoes, or other side dishes. 

The unique flavor of a tri-tip dinner comes from the combination of fat marbling throughout the meat and its robust seasoning, which can include anything from garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cumin. 

This type of meal is also known for being an affordable yet delicious option when feeding a crowd.

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