Garlic and Dijon Grilled Tri-Tip Steaks

It's too late for me. But, if I had ever decided to give up on delicious food and begin a quest for a perfectly toned and gorgeous body, I'm pretty sure that swimming would have been the way to go. And although I am watching the Olympics for the glory of the game, I can't help but notice all of the glorious physiques, male and female alike. I haven't seen any arm flab, love handles, or cellulite. And there's no place to hide any of these figure flaws in those tiny Olympic uniforms (if you saw Women's Volleyball, then you know what I'm talking about).
So since I can't be a Greek Olympic Goddess, I think I'll just continue on making delicious food on a budget. Like this steak. I can't give up on my love affair with tri tip. It's just so luscious and beefy and earns perfect 10s from anyone that you share it with. I love it with soy and lime, but I also adore it with garlic, Dijon and red wine vinegar. Pair it with a lovely tomato and basil Italian bread salad....coming tomorrow, so you better tune in again.
Money Saving Tips: Don't even bother with tri tip if it isn't on sale-but if it is, throw out the popsicles and make room in the freezer. You can use other cuts of beef, like flatiron, or flank steak if you can find them at a more reasonable price. Costco has tri tip for $5.99/lb-which is a truly great deal. If you don't have red wine vinegar, use balsamic for a great twist.
Garlic and Dijon Grilled Tri Tip
Estimated Cost: $7.00-if you get the meat on sale (see above)
Notes: Don't worry about the acidity of the vinegar and mustard; it will mellow out on the grill. Garlic powder really works well here if you're pressed for time.
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, smashed with 1/2 teaspoon salt, (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1 heaping teaspoon black pepper
1 lb. tri tip steaks
Place all ingredients except steak in a bowl and mix until smooth. Place steak in zip top bag. Pour in marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Preheat grill or broiler for medium hot cooking. Grill steaks about four minutes per side for medium rare.
Coming Tomorrow:
Barefoot Thursdays
Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)

Lime and Soy Grilled Tri Tip

Anticipating a visit from my sister and her family, my dad (who is also my neighbor) came home from Costco bearing three pounds of tri-tip. I wanted it for myself. Not just to eat, but to marinate, grill, carve, devour.... I can share when it comes to the eating part, but the preparation is MINE.
When you have a beautiful cut of meat, it requires very little fuss- a bit of marinade and just a few minutes on a very hot grill. Use my grilling method below to get perfectly seared meat with a medium interior. This method works well with any good quality steak that is about one inch thick. You'll also love the flavor the savory lime marinade imparts to the meat juices.
Whenever you can get a good deal on tri-tip, try this easy recipe. Dad got this tri-tip for $5.99/lb, so check your local Costco for a similar deal. It was my intention to also share a left-over recipe, but I'm telling you, not only was the tri-tip gone, but the meaty juices were also licked clean.
Lime and Soy Grilled Tri-Tip
Estimated Cost: $7.00 for four servings

1 lb tri tip

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

juice of one lime

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon pepper

In a zip top bag, combine all ingredients, massaging through closed bag to blend. Let marinate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight. Preheat grill for hot cooking. Discard marinade. Place steaks on grill, close lid and cook for three minutes. Flip and repeat for three minutes. Reduce heat on grill to medium and cook for three minutes more on each side. Total cooking time should be 12 minutes. Let rest for five minutes. Carve on the bias. Drizzle cut meat with any accumulated juices. Coming Tomorrow:

Food and Furthermore and a Fourth of July Menu