Of course I got so excited about cooking and serving, I forgot to take a picture! It was gobbled up and the meat was perfect in a salad the next day.

For this recipe, the spice rub creates fabulous flavor complimented by the simple deliciousness of fresh homemade salsa and guacamole. Serve with corn or flour tortillas, as preferred. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
One 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 pound tri tip (Trader Joe’s is a great resource!)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 tsp bottled minced garlic)
1 shallot, mincedCombine ingredients from cumin to shallot. Rub all over meat and allow to rest at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the fridge (wrapped in plastic).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray an oven proof grill pan with non-stick olive oil. Heat to medium-high. Sear each side of the meat until brown – about 5-8 minutes.

Transfer to oven to cook for an additional 20-25 minutes. Internal temperature should be 135 degrees. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes, then slice against the grain.

** While Tri Tip is cooking, prepare the salsa and guacamole.

SALSA

INGREDIENTS
2 large tomatoes, diced
1/2 small white onion, finely diced
cilantro leaved, roughly chopped, to taste
1 serrano chile, seeds removed, finely chopped
lime juice
salt

Combine the ingredients from tomatoes through chile in a bowl. Season with lime and salt to taste.

GUACAMOLE

INGREDIENTS
2 large ripe avocados
1/4 cup white onion, finely diced
2 plum tomatoes, diced
lime juice
tabasco sauce

Combine avocados, onion and tomatoes. Season with lime juice and tabasco to  taste.

Allow your friends and family to assemble their gourmet tacos and ENJOY!