What To Serve With Smoked Tri Tip? 16 BEST Side Dishes

I have a special place in my heart for smoked tri tip. There's something about the smoky, juicy, perfectly cooked meat that just hits the spot every time. But let's not forget about the sides!

The right side dishes can take your smoked tri tip from a tasty main to a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you're a fan of classic barbecue sides or you're looking for something a bit different, I've got you covered.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with smoked tri tip are crispy green beans, blooming onion, brown rice and vegetables, shrimp chips, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, coleslaw, mac and cheese, grilled asparagus, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, roasted Brussels sprouts, Tabasco, garlic bread, and corn on the cob.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Crispy Green Beans

Crispy green beans are a delightful side dish to pair with smoked tri tip. The beans' natural earthy flavor is enhanced by frying, and their crispy exterior provides a wonderful contrast to the tender, smoky tri tip. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce for an even more flavorful experience.

2. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion, with its impressive presentation and delicious flavor, makes a great side dish for smoked tri tip. The onion is cut into a flower shape, battered, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The sweetness of the onion pairs well with the smoky and savory tri tip, making each bite a flavor explosion.

3. Brown Rice and Vegetables

Brown rice and vegetables is a nutritious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with smoked tri tips. The hearty brown rice and colorful array of sautéed vegetables provide a nice balance to the rich, smoky meat. It's a side dish that not only tastes good but makes you feel good, too.

4. Shrimp Chips

Shrimp chips, with their unique flavor and satisfying crunch, are an interesting side dish to serve with smoked tri tip. These chips, popular in Asian cuisine, have a light shrimp flavor that surprisingly pairs well with the smoky tri tip. Plus, their crispiness adds a fun textural contrast to the tender meat.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that never fails to please, and they go wonderfully with smoked tri tip. The creamy, buttery potatoes are the perfect base to soak up the tri tips' smoky juices, enhancing the flavor of both components. For an extra touch, you can add some roasted garlic or cheese to your mashed potatoes.

6. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn, with its sweet flavor and creamy texture, is a delicious side dish for smoked tri tip. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavor of the meat, and the creaminess of the dish adds a comforting element to the meal. It's a classic side that's sure to be a hit.

7. Coleslaw

Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, is a great side dish to balance out the richness of smoked tri tip. Whether you prefer a creamy coleslaw or a vinegar-based one, this side dish adds a refreshing element to your meal.

8. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic that pairs wonderfully with smoked tri tip. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides a nice contrast to the smoky, savory meat. Plus, who can resist a side dish of gooey, cheesy goodness?

9. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus, with its slight char and fresh flavor, is a great side dish for smoked tri tip. The asparagus's natural sweetness is enhanced by grilling, and it offers a light, refreshing contrast to the rich tri tips.

10. Baked Beans

Baked beans, with their hearty texture and sweet and tangy sauce, are a classic barbecue side that pairs well with smoked tri tip. The beans' robust flavor can stand up to the strong, smoky taste of the tri tip, making for a satisfying meal.

11. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that's perfect for serving with smoked tri tip. Whether you prefer a creamy mayo-based salad or a tangy vinegar-based version, the potatoes' soft texture and flavorful dressing complement the smoky meat beautifully.

12. Cornbread

Cornbread is a southern classic that makes a great side dish for smoked tri tip. The bread's slight sweetness and moist texture make it a delicious counterpoint to the smoky, savory meat. Plus, it's great for sopping up any leftover juices on your plate.

13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish to serve

with smoked tri tip. The sprouts' natural earthy flavor is enhanced by roasting, and their slight bitterness offers a nice contrast to the smoky and rich tri tip. To finish, a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bit of brightness to this hearty side.

14. Tabasco

Tabasco, with its tangy, spicy flavor, is a great condiment to serve with smoked tri tips. It adds a kick of heat that complements the smoky flavor of the meat, enhancing the overall taste of your meal. Plus, it's versatile and can be added to other side dishes for an extra punch of flavor.

15. Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic barbecue side that pairs well with smoked tri tip. The corn's natural sweetness is enhanced by grilling, adding a nice contrast to the smoky and savory meat. Plus, the charred bits add a touch of smokiness that complements the tri tip.

16. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread, with its crispy edges and soft, buttery, garlicky center, makes a great side dish for smoked tri tip. It's a great way to add some carbs to your meal, and it's perfect for sopping up the delicious juices from the tri tip.

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