Let's Talk BBQ

Recipes => Recipes => Beef Recipes => Topic started by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 11:00:43 AM

Title: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 11:00:43 AM
I have finally gotten my hands on a tri-tip, my first.  This is not a common meat item in Maine; I had a butcher cut it off the sirloin or whatever it is attached to.  So it came with a heavy fat layer on one side.  My plan is to hot grill it over charcoil so should I leave the fat layer on or remove it?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: teesquare on August 02, 2013, 11:07:07 AM
Can you show us a picture of it? Often times in the East butchers are not familiar with " whole muscle tri tip"  and so they will cut off the top of the sirloin and call it tri tip. It also has a thick fat layer.

It took some searching to find a butcher that could get me real tri tip here. Does the grain of the muscle run the length of the piece of meat?  Thus the request for a picture . ;D
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 01:02:15 PM
I have a hard time determining grain direction without cutting but here are photos -

(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip1.jpg)

(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip2.jpg)

(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip3.jpg)

(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip4.jpg)

These would have been up sooner but for some reason I couldn't connect to the forum.

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: smoker pete on August 02, 2013, 01:36:53 PM
I would trim the fat cap off.  That's the preferred method here in Central/Northern California.  The shape of your Tri-tip is one I'm not very familiar with.  The photo below shows what Tri-tips normally look like here.  It also shows the grain and how to slice it against the grain (white lines).  Enjoy! :)

(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab105/papa_peter/tri-tip_zps874d45f6.jpg)
Title: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Pappymn on August 02, 2013, 02:00:55 PM
What Pete said. Looks different then mine
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 02:07:39 PM
Well, I went ahead and trimmed whatever it is I have.  It started as 2 lb. 13 oz. and the fat cap weighed 9 oz.  So it will be an interesting cook and meal.  Maybe I have yet to get my first tri-tip.  We will see.  Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: drholly on August 02, 2013, 02:08:42 PM
Looking forward to your results. Even if you haven't found the elusive tri-tip, I bet you'll have a great cook!
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Rummm on August 02, 2013, 02:50:24 PM
Tried to login earlier, but kept getting an error message that I was trying to connect to the wrong url  >:(

What he has there is technically the Sirloin Cap.

The Tri-tip, part of the Bottom Sirloin, starts in the Sirloin Tip (part of the Round), stretches over the top of the Sirloin (hip) and ends up just a short ways over the Loin. Some packers strip the Tri-Tip, Ball-Tip and Flap Meat before the Hind Quarter is broken down.

However, if none of the muscles are pulled, and the Hip is separated from the from the Loin, the partial Tri-Tip muscle is the Sirloin Cap.

I hope this makes sense to you?
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: sliding_billy on August 02, 2013, 03:07:31 PM
What Rummm said...
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 03:14:54 PM
What Rummm said...

Yup.  I found google photos of the Sirloin Cap and they sure look like what I have.  So I guess tri-tip will be another day, if ever.  Thanks, Rummm.
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Rummm on August 02, 2013, 03:17:14 PM
What Rummm said...

Yup.  I found google photos of the Sirloin Cap and they sure look like what I have.  So I guess tri-tip will be another day, if ever.  Thanks, Rummm.

The Cap is still the same muscle, just NOT the whole thing, only part of it
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: veryolddog on August 02, 2013, 03:38:56 PM
Just a suggestion and I know it is counter to the directions of smoker pete, but what I do is I take a sharp paring knife and score the top of the fat as if I am going to play tic tac toe. Then I marinade this for 2 to 3 days before I put it on smoker.

This is a wonderful cut of meat. It is a steak like roast in quality. We cook this till the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees and then we wrap it in tin foil and store it in a cooler for an hour before it is served. It is really an excellent meat entree.

Ed
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: smoker pete on August 02, 2013, 06:25:43 PM
Just a suggestion and I know it is counter to the directions of smoker pete, but what I do is I take a sharp paring knife and score the top of the fat as if I am going to play tic tac toe. Then I marinade this for 2 to 3 days before I put it on smoker.

This is a wonderful cut of meat. It is a steak like roast in quality. We cook this till the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees and then we wrap it in tin foil and store it in a cooler for an hour before it is served. It is really an excellent meat entree.

Ed

Nothing wrong with your method Ed.  Similar to how we cook Tri-tip for sandwiches at the local High School.  Trim fat cap down to about 1/4 inch.  Score the fat, Marinade or Dry Rub overnight.  Sear the Tri-Tips, wrap in foil, cook till 130-135ºF, pull them and into the cooler till we need to slice them  :)  ;)

(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab105/papa_peter/BBQ%20Smoke/Tri-Tip.jpg)

No matter how you do it ... It's all good!!!  :D  ;D  8)

(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab105/papa_peter/BBQ%20Smoke/TriTipFoil1.jpg)
Title: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Pappymn on August 02, 2013, 06:46:23 PM
Now that is some tri tip!
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Wingman on August 02, 2013, 07:07:24 PM
The Cap is still the same muscle, just NOT the whole thing, only part of it

Again, thank you, Rummm.  This forum is extremely fortunate to have your expertise in such matters. 

So I changed the cooking plan - I covered it with EVOO and then rubbed with Little Louie's Seasoned Garlic Salt with Plack Pepper.  I cooked it on the MAK at 300* until about an IT of 110-115 ( 40 min.).  I then put it on the gasser at 500* for 2 min./side to crisp it up a bit.  Then it went into a loose tent for 20 minutes.  So it was very yummy but just a tad chewy; but I am spoiled as it relates to meat quality.  I will be cooking this again, for sure.

It shrunk!
(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip7.jpg)

(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip6.jpg)

Plated with Spanish Rice and slaw - Oh yeah!
(http://www.deansmiley.com/Tritip/tritip5.jpg)
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: veryolddog on August 02, 2013, 07:10:39 PM
Tri Tip is one of the best cuts of meat you can put in a smoker. Those pictures show that you have beautiful result.
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Smokin Don on August 02, 2013, 07:53:16 PM
Your result looks great!!! Maybe a tad rare for me but looks good! Don
Title: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Pappymn on August 02, 2013, 08:06:18 PM
Looks great! I struggle with cutting tri tip as the grain changes.....but I can sure tell when I get it wrong ???
Title: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: Northshore on August 02, 2013, 08:11:01 PM
Looks great, just finished supper and am hungry again after seeing your post
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: drholly on August 02, 2013, 09:57:12 PM
That sure looks pretty. I love my beef rare. Great cook!
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: muebe on August 02, 2013, 10:53:08 PM
Looks like it was cooked to perfection ;)
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: fishingbouchman on August 03, 2013, 03:54:16 AM
looks good
Title: Re: Tri-tip fat layer, remove or not
Post by: sliding_billy on August 03, 2013, 06:38:41 AM
I am a medium rare to medium guy, but that still looks real good.