These sliders are one of my go-to appetizers when I need to use up leftover tri-tip! Tender tri-tip is layered on Hawaiian rolls with provolone cheese and a lemony homemade gremolata. They're super simple, flavorful, and come together in minutes. Enjoy these sliders with cold beer for game day or BBQs with friends.
Add the parsley and garlic cloves to the bowl of a food processor. (You can also use a blender.) Pulse the mixture until it's finely chopped, scraping the sides of the bowl every once in a while.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pulse a few more times until the mixture is well-combined. Then, with the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you have a thick sauce. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.
Tri-Tip Sliders
Set the broiler in the oven on HIGH. Then, using a sharp bread knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, leaving the bottom and top halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls on a sheet pan.
Spread the gremolata on the bottom rolls. Then, layer the sliced tri-tip and provolone on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is nice and melty.
Place the top half of the rolls over the melted cheese. Broil for 1 more minute, just until the tops of the rolls are lightly toasted. Cut the sliders with a sharp knife and enjoy!
Grilled Tri-Tip
Heat the grill to 350°F (177°C) using a two-zone heat set up. If you have a four burner grill, turn two of the burners on medium high - this will be the hot side of the grill. The other two burners will be the cool side of the grill.
Use a sharp knife to cut the fat cap off of the tri-tip if needed. Then, pat it very dry with paper towels. Sprinkle about 2 Tablespoons (20 grams) of dry rub over one side, patting it into every nook and cranny. Flip the tri-tip and season the other side. Let it warm up for 20-30 minutes while the grill is heating.
When the grill is ready, grease it well with neutral oil or cooking spray. Place the tri-tip on the cool side of the grill. Cook it for 35-40 minutes, flipping it every 10 minutes, until the thickest part of the steak reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.
Next, move the tri-tip to the hot side of the grill. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until the steak has a nice crust and the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C). Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Lastly, slice the tri-tip against the grain.
Notes
If you are sensitive to spice, start with less red pepper flakes and add more as needed.If you are using leftovers, you'll want to warm them up before you put the sliders together. Just wrap the tri-tip in foil and heat it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes.Smoked tri-tip is also great in this recipe!