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The Best Tri-Tip Sliders Recipe
Published on April 24th, 2025
Let me set the scene: it’s a golden hour kind of evening, your favorite people are mingling in the backyard, and the scent of something smoky and savory is drifting from the grill. What’s on the menu? These irresistible Tri-Tip Sliders.
This recipe is my go-to for casual cookouts, game day spreads, or anytime I want something hearty and satisfying without a ton of fuss. The combination of juicy, flame-kissed tri-tip, crunchy coleslaw, tangy BBQ sauce, and pillowy-soft sweet buns is basically magic. Trust me—these sliders disappear fast, so you might want to make a double batch.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a pitmaster to pull this off. With a few easy steps and some good vibes around the grill, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s got backyard hero written all over it.
What Even is Tri-Tip?
Great question—especially if you’re not from California, where tri-tip is practically a rite of passage at any self-respecting BBQ.
Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin (hence the name “tri”-tip), and it’s beloved for being both flavorful and relatively lean. It’s one of those cuts that does not need a ton of fussing—just a hot grill, a bit of seasoning, and a little resting time, and you’ve got meat that’s tender, juicy, and packed with rich, beefy flavor.
It was once considered a butcher’s secret, often ground into hamburger or used for stew meat—until someone threw it on the grill in Santa Maria, California back in the ‘50s. The rest is delicious history.
What makes tri-tip so great for sliders is that it slices beautifully when you cut against the grain, giving you tender bites that don’t fall apart. It’s hearty without being heavy—perfect for piling onto a soft bun with all the fixings.
Why You'll Love These Tri-Tip Sliders
This isn’t just another slider recipe—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Effortless, Impressive Flavor – Tri-tip is super flavorful on its own, and with just a little seasoning and fire-kissed char, it turns into something seriously special.
- Built for a Crowd – Whether you're feeding your extended family or a few hungry neighbors, sliders are easy to scale up and serve.
- Texture Heaven – You’ve got the tender, juicy beef, creamy-crisp slaw, and soft sweet buns all in one bite. It’s a symphony of textures.
- Totally Customizable – Want it spicy? Add jalapeños. Feeling fancy? Swap in brioche buns or top with pickled onions. These sliders play nice with your creativity.
How to Make: Tri-Tip Sliders Recipe
These sliders come together with just a handful of ingredients, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—there’s big flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Tri-Tip Beef Roast (about 2–3 lbs)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, spicy—it’s your call!)
- Coleslaw (pre-made or homemade—something with crunch and tang)
- Sweet slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls or potato buns)
- Salt & pepper (optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your go-to dry rub)
Directions:
1. Prep the Tri-Tip
Start by trimming the tri-tip roast. You’ll want to remove most of the surface fat but leave a thin layer behind—this helps the meat baste itself as it cooks, keeping it juicy and flavorful. Pat the roast dry with a paper towel, then season it generously with salt, pepper, and any optional rubs you love. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before grilling.
2. Get Your Grill Ready
Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, you’ll want a two-zone setup:
- Gas grill: Preheat one side to high and leave the other side on low or off.
- Charcoal grill: Stack your hot coals to one side, leaving the other for indirect cooking.
Aim for around 400°F on the hot side—this will give you that nice sear and smoky flavor.
3. Time to Grill
Place the tri-tip on the cool side of the grill (indirect heat), fat-side up. Close the lid and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes.
Flip it, then let it cook for another 10–15 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temp of about 130–135°F for medium-rare (or longer if you like it more done). Remember, tri-tip can go from perfect to overdone quickly—so keep an eye on it!
4. Rest & Slice
Once done, transfer the meat to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes—this keeps the juices in the meat, not on the cutting board.
Now slice thinly against the grain—this is key! Tri-tip has distinct grain lines, and slicing against them ensures tender bites, not chewy ones.
5. Assemble Your Sliders
Toast your slider buns lightly if you like (recommended!). Pile on a few slices of tri-tip, drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce, and top with a scoop of crunchy coleslaw.
And just like that—you’ve got yourself a perfect little flavor bomb.
What to Serve with Tri-Tip Sliders
Sure, the sliders are the main event—but the right sides turn your backyard cookout into an unforgettable feast. Here’s a mix of comforting favorites and fancy bites to round out your spread:
Deviled Eggs: A true BBQ classic! Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly poppable. Try a little smoked paprika or crispy bacon on top to tie in those grilled flavors.
Sticky BBQ Ribs: If you're really going all out, add a rack of ribs to the grill. Tri-tip sliders + ribs? Now that’s how you win over a crowd.
Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and maybe even a little crispy on top—mac and cheese is a must. Whether you keep it simple or stir in a little jalapeño for heat, it’ll be a hit. Check out our cast iron Mac and Cheese recipe for a delicious hit!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates: A little sweet, a little salty, and totally elegant. These are a great make-ahead option, and they bring a touch of sophistication to a casual spread. Check out our easy-to-make wrapped date recipe!
Charcuterie Board: Build a small board with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, olives, and nuts—perfect for grazing while the grill’s heating up or for pairing with a glass of wine alongside your sliders.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Classic, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. Brush with butter and sprinkle with sea salt, or go bold with elote-style toppings.
Perfect Pairings with Murphy-Goode Wine
Now that you’ve got your sliders sizzling and your sides sorted, don’t forget the final touch—a great glass of wine to bring it all together. My go-to pairing for these BBQ Tri-Tip Sliders? Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir.
This wine is smooth, fruit-forward, and just earthy enough to complement the smoky, savory depth of the tri-tip without overpowering it. The soft tannins and subtle notes of cherry and spice play beautifully with the sweet BBQ sauce and the richness of the meat. It’s one of those pairings that feels a little elevated without being the least bit fussy—just the way I like it.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just making dinner feel a little more special, these sliders (and that Pinot) are sure to be a hit.
