What’s the Deal on the Reverse Sear?

As you look over the directions for our grilled tri-tip mustard marinade steak, you might wonder if we’ve done things backward. Is it right to low cook a hunk of steak before searing it under super-high temps?

That process is called a reverse sear. It allows you to bring up your meat of choice to a suitable temp before giving it a quick finish on a sizzling hot grill. For instance, this reverse-seared grilled tri-tip is heated to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit before being introduced to the grill for about a minute per side.

The end result is a steak that’s around 135 degrees Fahrenheit internally, which is just right for a medium-rare star of a meal.

Is a Tri-Tip Necessary?

Let’s say you’ve bookmarked this recipe and have your ingredients in hand. You’re just missing one thing — the tri-tip.

Unless you work with a butcher, you might not be able to get a tri-tip cut at a supermarket. Never fear, though. You can substitute sirloin tip or even flank steak for the tri-tip if needed.

Tips for Mastering the Beer Mustard Marinade

We chose a Founders beer as the main component of this grilled tri-tip’s marinade. Then, we added a couple of other seasonings. To get your beer marinade for your tri-tip as picture-perfect as the ones you see in our video, try these tips:

• Pat your tri-tip dry before applying marinades and spices. Make sure the meat is at room temperature.
• Get creative when it comes to the marinade. For instance, you might want to add some onion powder for a different outcome.
• Let your meat appreciate the marinade for a few minutes as you heat up your grill. If you’d prefer, you can apply the mustard marinade to the meat hours in advance. Just make sure you put the meat in the fridge to marinate safely for extended periods.
• Wear gloves and avoid excessive contact with the uncooked meat.

Ways to Serve Tri-Tip Mustard Marinade Steak

This tri-tip steak with a beer marinade is versatile enough to stand alone, but it probably deserves some friendly companionship on your plate.

Some ideas for accompaniments to the tri-tip include:

• Put slices on a fresh salad with lots of veggies from your local farmers market.
• Serve tri-tip slices alongside mashed potatoes, roasted corn and crusty bread.
• Cut meat strips as thin as possible. Then, arrange them on a buttered, heated brioche roll bathed in a sauce or condiment of your choice.

Be sure to check out all our tri-tip and other marinated meat suggestions and videos as you impress your family and friends with your grilling skills!