Cardiff Crack Recipe

The infamous Cardiff Crack recipe is here to delight your senses with its unique combination of flavors.

This culinary gem, also known as the Burgundy Pepper Tri-Tip, offers a delightful symphony of ingredients like dry red wine, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, honey, and a generous sprinkle of fresh black pepper.

The marinade seeps deep into the tri-tip meat, producing an incredible depth of flavor, tenderness, and juiciness that will leave an everlasting impression.

Preparing this delectable dish is easier than you might think, and with the right mix of ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own tantalizing version of the Cardiff Crack.

How to Make Cardiff Crack

Ingredients List

To make Cardiff Crack, also known as Seaside Market’s Burgundy Pepper Tri-Tip, gather the following ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs of beef tri-tip roast
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cloves of minced garlic

Step-by-step process

To create the delicious Cardiff Crack, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the dry red wine, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and honey.

Stir or shake the bag until the mixture is homogeneous.

Step 2: Marinate the tri-tip roast

Place the beef tri-tip roast in the bowl or Ziploc bag with the marinade.

Make sure the roast is completely covered with the marinade.

Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Prepare the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, setting one side for direct heat and the other side for indirect heat.

This dual-zone setup allows you to control the cooking process and achieve the desired smoky flavor.

Step 4: Grill the tri-tip roast

Remove the marinated tri-tip roast from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Place the roast on the grill over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side to sear the exterior and lock in the flavors.

Step 5: Monitor the roast with a meat thermometer

After searing the roast, move it to the indirect heat side of the grill and close the lid.

Cook the tri-tip roast for approximately 10-15 minutes per side, using a meat thermometer to monitor its internal temperature.

Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.

Step 6: Rest and slice the tri-tip roast

Once the roast reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the roast.

After resting, slice the tri-tip roast against the grain to enjoy the tender, juicy Cardiff Crack.

Side Dishes for Cardiff Crack

When enjoying a delicious meal of Cardiff Crack, it’s important to pair it with some equally tasty side dishes.

Here are some fantastic accompaniments that will elevate your meal to the next level.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic and versatile side dish that never fails to satisfy.

Cut your potatoes into 1-inch cubes, toss them with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps a bit of mustard powder for added flavor.

Spread them onto a baking sheet and let them roast in the oven until they’re golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your cubes, but generally, you should aim for around 30-40 minutes at 425°F.

These potatoes will provide a comforting and hearty addition to your Cardiff Crack.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Grilled vegetable skewers offer a lighter, healthier option as a side dish to Cardiff Crack.

Using a combination of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, these skewers can be customized to your taste.

Simply chop your chosen vegetables, thread them onto the skewers, and brush them with a light coating of avocado oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill them until they’re tender and slightly charred.

The smoky flavor will complement the rich, umami taste of the marinated Cardiff Crack.

Quinoa Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette

A quinoa salad is an excellent high-protein and high-fiber choice for a side dish.

Prepare your quinoa according to the package directions (generally, 2 cups of water per 1 cup of dry quinoa).

Once cooked and cooled, toss the quinoa with a mix of chopped vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions.

Dress the salad with a citrus vinaigrette made with freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

This vibrant, fresh, and tangy salad will be a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the Cardiff Crack.

Mixed Greens with a Simple Balsamic Dressing

Sometimes, a light and simple side is all you need to round out a meal.

A mixed greens salad with a basic balsamic dressing can do just that. Choose a variety of fresh greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine) and arrange them on a large platter.

For your dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle the dressing over the greens, or serve it on the side for your guests to dress individually.

This leafy option will add a refreshing touch to your whole Cardiff Crack dining experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

In case you can’t find or prefer to use alternatives to some of the key ingredients in a Cardiff Crack recipe, here are a few substitute options for the major components, including Beef Loin and Beef Loin Tri-Tip Roast.

Beef Loin substitute: Top Sirloin

If you’re unable to find Beef Loin, you can use Top Sirloin as a substitute.

Top Sirloin offers a tender and flavorful option for your Cardiff Crack recipe.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to monitor the meat’s internal temperature to achieve the desired doneness.

Beef Loin Tri-Tip Roast substitute: Bottom Sirloin

In the absence of a Beef Loin Tri-Tip Roast, a Bottom Sirloin can be utilized as a substitute.

While it might not be as tender as the Tri-Tip, it still possesses a desirable flavor and texture for the recipe.

Similar to the Top Sirloin, cooking times may vary, so pay attention to the meat’s internal temperature when preparing.

Coconut Aminos

If you’re looking for a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, Coconut Aminos can be an excellent choice.

Coconut Aminos is made from coconut tree sap and provides a similar salty and umami flavor to soy sauce.

This substitute is also ideal for those who follow a gluten-free diet.

Balsamic Vinegar and Tamari

For a Worcestershire sauce substitute, a combination of equal parts balsamic vinegar and tamari can provide the savory flavor and tanginess you need.

This blend can easily replace Worcestershire sauce in the marinade recipe for your Cardiff Crack.

Brown sugar

If you’d like to substitute brown sugar, you can opt for either honey or maple syrup.

Both honey and maple syrup bring sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

Adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences and the desired level of sweetness.

Remember to experiment and find substitutes that suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.

You can still achieve a delicious result with your Cardiff Crack by adapting the ingredients to your liking.

How to Store Cardiff Crack

When it comes to storing your Cardiff Crack, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious is crucial.

By properly storing it, you can extend its shelf life while preserving its savory flavors.

Here are a few methods for storing Cardiff Crack effectively:

Airtight Container

Using an airtight container is one of the best ways to store your Cardiff Crack.

Firstly, allow the cooked Cardiff Crack to cool down to room temperature.

Once it has cooled, place it inside the container and ensure the lid is tightly sealed.

This method helps prevent the meat from drying out and protects it from any contaminating odors or bacteria.

Refrigeration

Refrigerating your Cardiff Crack is an effective way to store it for short-term consumption.

Before storing, wrap the meat in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve its moisture.

Place it in the fridge, ideally on the bottom shelf, to prevent any potential contamination from other foods.

Properly refrigerated Cardiff Crack can last for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you plan to store your Cardiff Crack for extended periods, freezing is the ideal method.

Wrap the meat tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring all air pockets are eliminated.

It’s also a good idea to place it inside a freezer-safe plastic bag or container as an added layer of protection.

Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer.

Frozen Cardiff Crack can be safely stored for up to 6 months.

Remember always to use proper storage methods for your Cardiff Crack to ensure it stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavors.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Cardiff Crack at its best for much longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cardiff Crack.

Not Using a Sharp Knife

Using a dull knife can result in uneven cuts and difficulty in trimming the outer fat from the beef tri-tip.

A sharp knife ensures that you can trim the fat easily and get clean, even beef strips.

Always remember to sharpen your knives regularly to maintain their cutting efficiency.

Insufficient Beef Rest Time

Allowing your beef to rest after cooking is essential.

If you cut into the meat too soon, the juices will run out, and the meat will become dry.

Make sure to let the beef rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it into strips.

This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy Cardiff Crack.

Not Marinating Properly

The marinade plays a significant role in the flavor and tenderness of your Cardiff Crack.

Make sure to follow the recipe accurately, using the correct proportions of ingredients and allowing the tri-tip to marinate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

This ensures that the meat absorbs all the flavors and turns out tender and juicy.

Remember to also evenly coat the beef with the marinade, using a brush or your hands, so that all sides have an equal amount of flavor.