Do you love juicy steak? Then try this Cardiff Crack Recipe. It is a marinated tri-tip steak that tastes so good.
The flavor is sweet, smoky, and rich. Many people know it as a famous dish from California. You can cook it on a grill, smoker, or oven.
It is simple and always loved at family meals. Learning how to make Cardiff Crack is easy and fun. You only need simple tools and easy ingredients for Cardiff Crack Recipe.
This dish is great for parties, weekends, or special nights. Let’s see how to make it step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Cardiff Crack Recipe
This steak is juicy and full of flavor. It feels like restaurant food but is simple at home. You can serve it with potatoes, rice, or salad. It is perfect for family dinners or outdoor cookouts.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Cardiff Crack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Marinade Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: About 6 hours
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6
Equipment List
- Grill or smoker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Zip bag or dish for marinating
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Cardiff Crack Recipe
- 2–3 pounds tri-tip steak
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the marinade
In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sugar, oil, and vinegar. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
2. Marinate the tri-tip
Put tri-tip in a bag or dish. Pour marinade on it. Seal or cover. Keep in fridge 4–6 hours. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
3. Preheat the grill or smoker
Heat grill to medium-high. If smoking, preheat to 225°F.
4. Cook the tri-tip
Place steak on grill. Cook each side 5–7 minutes. If smoking, cook until meat is 135°F for medium-rare.
5. Rest the meat
Take meat off heat. Let it rest 10 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
6. Slice and serve
Cut steak thin against the grain. Serve hot with sides.
Tips to Make the Best Cardiff Crack Recipe
- Marinate overnight for rich taste.
- Use thermometer for perfect cooking.
- Slice thin for tender bites.
- Let steak rest before cutting.
- Add chili flakes for spicy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted potatoes or garlic bread. Add salad for a light meal. Pair with grilled veggies. Use in sandwiches. Enjoy with red wine or beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in sealed container in fridge.
- Stays good 3–4 days.
- Reheat slices in skillet on low.
- Add broth to keep meat moist.
- Avoid long microwave heating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Health Benefits
Tri-tip steak has protein for strong muscles. Olive oil gives healthy fats. Garlic and spices give antioxidants. Add veggies to make it a balanced meal.
Cardiff Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 –3 pounds tri-tip steak
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Make the marinade
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sugar, oil, and vinegar. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
Marinate the tri-tip
- Put tri-tip in a bag or dish. Pour marinade on it. Seal or cover. Keep in fridge 4–6 hours. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
Preheat the grill or smoker
- Heat grill to medium-high. If smoking, preheat to 225°F.
Cook the tri-tip
- Place steak on grill. Cook each side 5–7 minutes. If smoking, cook until meat is 135°F for medium-rare.
Rest the meat
- Take meat off heat. Let it rest 10 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
Slice and serve
- Cut steak thin against the grain. Serve hot with sides.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for rich taste.
- Use thermometer for perfect cooking.
- Slice thin for tender bites.
- Let steak rest before cutting.
- Add chili flakes for spicy flavor.
FAQs about Cardiff Crack Recipe
Q1: How to make Cardiff Crack more tender?
Marinate longer. Slice thin against the grain.
Q2: Can I cook it in the oven?
Yes, roast at 400°F until done.
Q3: Can I freeze marinated Cardiff Crack?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months in sealed bag.
Q4: What cut of meat is used?
Tri-tip steak. It is lean and tasty.
Q5: How do I know it is cooked?
Use thermometer. 135°F is medium-rare, 145°F is medium.
Final Thoughts!
This Cardiff Crack Recipe is juicy, tasty, and simple. You only need easy ingredients for Cardiff Crack Recipe and a little time.
Now you know how to make Cardiff Crack step by step. It is great for dinners, cookouts, or parties. Share it with family and friends. Once you try it, it will be a favorite.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!