Grilled Tri-Tip with Basil Tomatoes

Juicy grilled tri-tip, crisp-edged potatoes, and smoky summer tomatoes meet a bright basil vinaigrette in this practical California-style dinner for two.

Ingredients

  • Angus Beef Tri Tip Steak Family Pack
    1 lb $9.99
  • Fresh On the Vine Red Tomatoes by the Bunch (4-5 tomatoes per bunch)
    1 lb $2.49
  • Red Potatoes
    12 oz $1.29
  • Simple Truth Organic® Basil
    0.5 oz $2.79
  • Garlic
    1 clove $0.99
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 1/2 tablespoons, divided
  • Red wine vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Dijon mustard
    1 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, plus more for the water
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Halve the potatoes, cut the tomatoes into thick wedges, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the basil. Pat the tri-tip dry and season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper.
  2. Place the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with salted water, and boil for 10–12 minutes, until just tender. Drain well, then toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Whisk the garlic, vinegar, mustard, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl. Fold in the basil and tomato wedges, coating them gently.
  4. Grill the tri-tip over direct heat for 5–7 minutes per side, turning as needed, until well browned and the center reaches 140°F; transfer it to a board to rest for 10 minutes, during which it should reach the food-safe temperature of 145°F.
  5. While the beef rests, grill the potatoes cut-side down for 5–7 minutes until crisp and marked. Lightly brush the tomatoes with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side, just until lightly charred; return them to the basil vinaigrette.
  6. Slice the tri-tip thinly against the grain. Plate it with the grilled potatoes and basil-dressed tomatoes, spooning the remaining vinaigrette over the beef.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: $16–$18 based on listed sale ingredients

Health notes: About 680 calories per serving, with roughly 48 grams of protein plus potassium, vitamin C, and moderate carbohydrates.

Drink pairing: A fruit-forward Zinfandel complements the grilled beef and sweet, smoky tomatoes.