Saucy Southern BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwiches Recipe

ByHarper Ellington
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Introduction

These Saucy Southern BBQ TriTip Sandwiches combine tender, grilled tri-tip with tangy Carolina-style barbecue sauce and creamy cole slaw. Perfect for a casual meal, they bring bold flavors and satisfying textures together in every bite.

Three BBQ tri-tip sandwiches sit closely on a white marbled surface, each layered with textures and colors. The bottom layer is a soft, light brown sandwich bun, topped with thick slices of dark brown, juicy tri-tip beef. Deep red BBQ sauce drips over the meat. On top, there are bright green pickle slices, yellow bell pepper strips, and rings of purple-red onion. The top bun, lightly toasted with a golden hue and soft texture, completes each sandwich. Around the sandwiches are small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers, adding a pop of color. In the background, two brown bottles and a red bowl of sauce sit on a wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 pound tri-tip
  • Carolina style BBQ sauce
  • White yeast mini dinner rolls
  • Cole slaw:
    • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 5 ounces angel hair slaw

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the cole slaw first so the flavors can meld. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Place angel hair slaw in a large bowl and pour the dressing over it. Toss thoroughly until the slaw is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Season both sides of the tri-tip with your preferred seasoning.
  3. Step 3: Grill the tri-tip, turning it several times to cook evenly.
  4. Step 4: Monitor the internal temperature. Remove the tri-tip from the grill when it reaches 145°F for medium rare.
  5. Step 5: Shred or chop the tri-tip for sandwiches. Place the meat on the bottom half of each mini roll and spoon Carolina BBQ sauce over it. You can warm the sauce beforehand or use it cold, both taste great.
  6. Step 6: Add a generous portion of cole slaw on top of the sauced meat.
  7. Step 7: Place the top roll on and enjoy your Southern BBQ tri-tip sandwiches!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, consider smoking the tri-tip before grilling.
  • Swap white yeast rolls with sturdy brioche buns for a richer bite.
  • Add pickled jalapeños or sliced onions for a spicy kick.
  • If you prefer less mayo, substitute some or all with Greek yogurt in the slaw dressing.

Storage

Store leftover cooked tri-tip and cole slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat gently in a pan or microwave before assembling sandwiches. Keep rolls fresh at room temperature until ready to serve.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a BBQ brisket sandwich with three layers of tender, sliced dark brown smoked meat as the base, topped with a rich dark red BBQ sauce dripping down the sides. On top of the meat are thin rings of purple onion, bright yellow sliced bell peppers, and green pickles layered evenly. The sandwich is held together by a golden brown soft bun with a slightly glossy and textured top. The sandwich rests on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with two more similar sandwiches blurred in the background, some colorful bell pepper slices on the side, and bottles of BBQ sauce nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or brisket can be used as alternatives but may require different cooking times and methods for best results.

How do I know when the tri-tip is done?

Use a meat thermometer and remove the tri-tip from heat when it reaches 145°F for medium rare. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

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Saucy Southern BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time for cole slaw)
  • Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Experience the bold flavors of the South with these Saucy Southern BBQ TriTip Sandwiches. Tender grilled tri-tip steak smothered in tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce, topped with creamy, crunchy homemade cole slaw, all served on soft mini yeast rolls. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying grilled sandwich that combines smoky meat with refreshing slaw.

Ingredients

Scale

For the TriTip:

  • 3 pound Tri Tip
  • Carolina Style BBQ Sauce (amount as needed)
  • White Yeast Mini Dinner Rolls

For the Cole Slaw:

  • 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 5 ounces Angel Hair Slaw

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cole slaw: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Place the angel hair slaw in a large bowl, pour the dressing over it, and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
  2. Season the TriTip: Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the tri-tip steak to enhance the flavor before grilling.
  3. Grill the TriTip: Preheat your grill and cook the tri-tip, turning it several times to ensure even cooking. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
  4. Check doneness and rest: Once the TriTip hits 145°F internal temperature, remove it from the grill. Let it rest briefly to allow the juices to redistribute.
  5. Shred the meat: Pull or chop the grilled tri-tip into shreds suitable for sandwiches.
  6. Assemble sandwiches: Place shredded tri-tip on the bottom half of the mini dinner rolls, drizzle generously with Carolina-style BBQ sauce (heated if preferred), then top with the prepared cole slaw before closing the sandwich.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Serve your Southern BBQ TriTip Sandwiches warm and enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Notes

  • For best flavor, prepare the cole slaw at least a few hours ahead or overnight.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount to taste; heating the sauce can bring out deeper flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the tri-tip is cooked to your preferred doneness.
  • Mini yeast rolls work best for easy-to-handle sandwiches but can be substituted with your favorite sandwich buns.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: TriTip sandwich, Southern BBQ sandwich, grilled TriTip, cole slaw sandwich, BBQ tri-tip recipe

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