Grill/Barbecue

Tri Tip with Coffee-Fennel Crust

April 18, 2011
5
2 Ratings
  • Serves 4 to 6
Author Notes

Spring has arrived in the Napa Valley and we've begun firing up the grill for dinner. Tri Tip, like flank and hanger steaks which can be used as a substitute, is one of our favorites to use with a rub or marinade and it is both tender and flavorful. I like to cook the meat so it’s medium-rare because the rub becomes a crispy crust that soaks up the juices of the meat when it is sliced and the longer the meat cooks the less juice it will release. - lorinarlock —Lori Lyn Narlock

Test Kitchen Notes

Simple and tasty are two things which rank high on my list for grilled meat. This rub has a spicy kick (thanks to the peppercorns), an earthy touch (thanks to the coffee grounds), and lovely high notes (thanks to the fennel seeds). I had trouble finding tri-tip, so used skirt steak instead and it was absolutely delicious. Turn the grill on and by the time its ready, the meat will be, too. - thehappycook —Victoria Ross

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
  • 2 tablespoons whole coffee beans or 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee
  • 2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds tri tip steak (sometimes called roast)
  • Kosher salt
Directions
  1. Toast the fennel seeds in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Transfer the fennel seeds to a spice grinder or mortar. Add the coffee, peppercorns, and salt. Grind to a medium-fine mixture. Transfer to a small bowl and add the olive oil, mustard and garlic. Rub over the steak to coat completely. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high.
  4. Add the steak to the grill and cook until medium rare, about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board to rest at least 5 minutes. Cut the steak into thin slices, arrange on a platter, and pour the juices over the steak. Sprinkle with kosher salt.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • rapearson
    rapearson
  • Lori Lyn Narlock
    Lori Lyn Narlock
  • adashofbitters
    adashofbitters
  • Midge
    Midge

4 Reviews

rapearson May 29, 2012
This was delicious! I broiled instead of grilled but it still turned out fantastic.
 
Lori L. May 1, 2011
Thank you! I hope you like it. It's definitely one of our summer faves.
 
adashofbitters April 29, 2011
This is what we're having for dinner tomorrow night.
 
Midge April 20, 2011
I love the coffee and fennel combination. Will have to try this!