Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds tri-tip steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chipotle pepper, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the tri-tip steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Grill the tri-tip steak for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness.
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This helps to retain the juices and keep the meat tender.
Now, let’s move on to selecting a beer that would enhance the flavor of the tri-tip steak.
Beer Pairing: Smoky BBQ Tri-Tip Steak with an American Amber Ale
I would pair this smoky chipotle BBQ tri-tip steak with an American Amber Ale. The malty and caramel notes of the beer work wonderfully with the rich and slightly sweet flavors of the steak. Here’s why:
- Malty Backbone: American Amber Ales typically have a solid malt backbone with flavors of caramel, toffee, and sometimes a hint of roastiness. These flavors complement the brown sugar and chipotle glaze of the steak, adding an extra layer of sweetness and depth to the overall taste experience.
- Balance: The bitterness in an American Amber Ale is usually moderate, which helps to balance the sweetness in the BBQ glaze. It prevents the beer from overpowering the flavors of the dish while still providing a refreshing contrast.
- Caramelization and Smoke: When grilling the tri-tip steak, the caramelization and smoky char add complexity to the dish. The malty flavors in an American Amber Ale harmonize with these smoky elements, creating a delightful combination on the palate.
- Versatility: American Amber Ales are known for their versatility when it comes to food pairing. They can complement a wide range of dishes, including grilled meats, burgers, and barbecue. Their balanced flavor profile ensures they don’t overpower the flavors of the dish but instead enhance them.
The malty sweetness and balanced bitterness of an American Amber Ale make it an excellent choice to enhance the flavors of the smoky chipotle BBQ tri-tip steak. Cheers and enjoy your meal!
