Tri-Tip Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls with Sriracha Binder

Tri-tip sliders are a mouthwatering delight that combines the tender, flavorful goodness of tri-tip roast with Hawaiian rolls’ sweet, fluffy charm. These sliders are sure to impress, they are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable small sandwiches, explore their origins, and understand why they’re the ideal choice for your get-together.

First, let me jump right into these sliders. I did a reverse-seared smoked tri-tip with a sriracha hot sauce binder and traditional Santa Maria seasoning. I have always wanted to try smoking a tri-tip with a sriracha hot sauce binder, and it turned out great, but if you are looking for a kick of heat from this, you will be let down. The Sriracha hot sauce binder DID NOT provide enough heat to even notice, but it did provide a nice flavor that made you think twice about what spices were on that tri-tip.

Would I use Sriracha sauce as a binder again?

Yes, I would use Sriracha sauce as a binder again. It was a very subtle change over the yellow mustard that I usually use, but it provided nice flavors and a satisfying red color on the meat. For these sliders, I used a Certified Piedmontese Beef tri-tip.

Traditional Trip-Tip Sandwich

I went with very traditional toppings on these tri-tip sliders. I used BBQ sauce and sauted onions and green olive on top. You can go crazy with toppings on your tri-tip sliders if you want with cheese, bbq sauce, coleslaw, pickles, creamy horseradish sauce, dijon mustard . It’s your game, so you can make your own rules.

Meat Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds of tri-tip roast

• 3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce.

• 3 tablespoons Kinders Organic Santa Maria Seasoning.

Slider Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (Slice and cover with garlic butter and toast on a hot grill)

• 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce (I used Kinders Mild BBQ sauce)

• 1 Onion (Sliced into rings and sauteed in butter with Salt, Pepper, and Garlic seasoning).

• Green Olives (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparing the meat

Season the Tri-Tip: You can season a tri-tip in a hundred different ways. If you have a favorite way to season your tri-tip, then go for it. Here is what I did with this tri-tip for these sliders. I used a few tablespoons of sriracha hot sauce as a binder. Make sure to rub the sriracha sauce in the meat and get it all evenly coated. Next, add Kinders Santa Maria seasoning and press it into the sriracha sauce.

Cooking the Tri-Tip:

• Reverse-Seared Smoked Tri-Tip: Here is a quick overview of how to smoke and reverse-sear a tri-tip. For the full details, click here. Smoke the tri-tip at 180 degrees until the internal temperature reaches 115 degrees. Pull the tri-tip from the smoker and let it rest for around 30 minutes. Now, sear the tri-tip on a super hot grill on each side for about 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees or medium rare. I used my Thermaworks Thermapen One to check the internal temperature instantly. When the internal temperature gets to 130 degrees, which is medium rare, wrap the meat in foil and let it rest for 15-30 minutes.

2. Assembling the Tri-Tip Sliders

Slice the meat: Once the tri-tip has rested, slice it in thin slices against the grain. This ensures each slider has a tender, easy-to-bite pieces of beef. The tri-tip has multiple grains, so make sure you cut against the grains.

Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the tops and bottoms together for easier assembly. Spread garlic butter on the inside of the rolls and place them on a hot frying pan or grill to get the inside nice and crispy.

Layer the Beef: Pile the thin slices of meat generously on a Hawaiian roll. Drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Add the caramelized onions (optional): Place a couple of caramelized onions on the beef and add the top bun.

Add a Green Olive (Optional): Put a toothpick through a green olive and place it on top of the bun. I like the way it looks.

3. Serving Suggestions

Tri-tip sliders on Hawaiian rolls are perfect for any occasion. Serve them alongside:

• Smoked Mac and Cheese: Combining 4 different cheeses, this recipe is full of flavor.

• BBQ Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: They remain fluffy on the inside but are nice and crisp on the outside.

• Fresh Veggie Platter: Adds a refreshing crunch and color to your spread.

• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing counterpoint to the savory sliders.

The Origin of Tri-Tip Sandwiches

The tri-tip cut gained prominence in the 1950s in the Santa Maria Valley, located in central California. The region is known for its unique style of barbecue, often referred to as “Santa Maria-style” barbecue. This style emphasizes simplicity and high-quality ingredients, including the tri-tip roast.

• Early Barbecuers: Local butchers and grill masters in Santa Maria discovered that the tri-tip, a triangular cut from the bottom sirloin, was not as popular or well-known as other cuts of beef. They began to cook it using a traditional method involving a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic, then grilling it over red oak wood. This method imparted a distinct smoky flavor and helped to popularize the cut.

• Community Adoption: The tri-tip quickly became a staple in local Central Valley, California barbecue events and community gatherings. Its affordability and flavor made it a favorite among residents. As word spread about this delicious cut and its unique preparation, it gained recognition beyond the Santa Maria Valley.

• Broader Recognition: Over time, the popularity of tri-tip spread throughout California and the United States. It became a sought-after cut for its rich flavor and versatility and is now enjoyed in various forms, including as a roast, steak, and in sandwiches and sliders.

Tri-tip sliders on Hawaiian rolls with a Sriracha sauce binder are a delightful twist on classic sliders, combining the savory richness of tri-tip with the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls. Their origins in California barbecue traditions add a touch of history and authenticity to each bite. These sliders will surely be a hit at any gathering, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures in every mouthful. Easy to make and customize, they’re a fantastic choice for your next event or a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the perfect bite-sized indulgence that’s both delicious and memorable!