By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 11, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Cardiff Crack is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. This takes a classic cut of beef, marinates it in an umami-rich sauce, and then smokes it to perfection. The result is a tender, smoky piece of meat that’s sure to please any crowd.
This guide will walk you through the steps for making Cardiff Crack so that you can create this delicious main dish in your own kitchen. With the right ingredients and equipment, you’ll have a foolproof way to make a crowd-pleasing dish. So let’s get started!
What is Cardiff Crack?
Cardiff Crack is an American dish originating in California. It is made with tri-tip beef, which is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings before being smoked over wood chips.
The result is a tender cut of beef that has a smoky flavor and a sweet glaze. Cardiff Crack can be served on its own or sliced and served over a salad or in tacos. The dish has become popular in recent years due to its ability to feed a crowd.
It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So if you’re looking for an impressive main course that won’t take up too much time or effort, Cardiff Crack is the perfect dish.
What does it taste like?
Cardiff Crack is a unique dish that has a complex flavor profile. The combination of the marinade and the smoky wood chips creates an umami-rich flavor with notes of sweetness from the brown sugar.
The beef itself is tender and juicy, making it easy to slice into thin strips that are perfect for serving over salads or tacos. The final dish is a satisfying and flavorful main course that is sure to please any crowd.
The smoky flavor pairs well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to salads to tacos. Cardiff Crack can easily be customized for your own tastes, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasonings or glazes.
How did I first get introduced to the Cardiff Crack?
I first heard about Cardiff Crack when my friends were talking about the latest food trend they tried out. At first, I was a bit skeptical since it sounded like an unusual dish. But then I realized that it could be a really fun and delicious way to entertain guests.
After doing some research, I realized that this recipe was accessible enough for me to try out at home. I gathered the ingredients and set about trying to make a Cardiff Crack of my own.
My first attempt was no easy feat! It took careful planning to get the timing of the marinade just right, as well as getting all the measurements spot on. After hours of work, I finally had something that resembled the restaurant-style Cardiff Crack I had seen.
It was a hit! My friends were delighted at the smoky flavor of the meat, and I was proud to have created something delicious. We enjoyed it with roasted vegetables and a side salad. The meal was a huge success, and I’ve been making Cardiff Crack ever since!
Cardiff Crack is a great dish for both special occasions and everyday dinners. It’s easy to make, flavorful and can be served in so many different ways. I’m happy to have discovered this delicious recipe, and it has become a firm favorite among my friends and family!
It truly is the perfect crowd-pleaser – one that will definitely have you coming back for more! Try it out for yourself and you won’t be disappointed. The umami-rich flavor of Cardiff Crack is sure to satisfy any craving!
How to make Cardiff Crack?
Making Cardiff Crack is a relatively straightforward process, but it does take some time and patience. The key to success is in the timing of the marinade and smoking process. Follow this guide for foolproof results!
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Ingredients
- Tri-tip beef: this cut of beef is essential to the recipe! It has great marbling and flavor that makes it perfect for smoking.
- Soy sauce: adds umami, salt, and savory flavor to the Cardiff Crack.
- Worcestershire sauce: another key component in this recipe, Worcestershire sauce adds a unique tangy taste with notes of garlic and onions.
- Brown sugar: a small amount of sugar is added to counterbalance the other savory ingredients and add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: adds a strong, pungent aroma that rounds out the flavor of this dish.
- Onion powder: enhances the overall flavor by adding a subtle oniony kick.
- Black pepper: a pinch of freshly ground black pepper helps to tie all the flavors together and add a bit of bite.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the sauce
- Combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Stir until all the ingredients are combined and set aside.
Step 2
Marinate the beef
- Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the tri-tip beef.
- Place the trimmed meat in a large, resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Seal the bag and marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3
Smoke the beef
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
- Place the wood chips in the smoker and allow them to heat up for about 15 minutes.
- Add the marinated tri-tip beef to the smoker and smoke for 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Remove the beef from the smoker and wrap it tightly in the butcher’s twine.
Step 4
Finish the Cardiff Crack
- Let the Cardiff Crack rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice it & serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients when making this recipe, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- To ensure that your Cardiff Crack is cooked evenly, try to find an even thickness of meat when selecting your tri-tip.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat every hour during the smoking process to prevent it from being overcooked.
- To add additional flavor, you can also brush the tri-tip with BBQ sauce or rub it with spices before smoking.
Cardiff Crack Recipe
Equipment
- smoker
- wood chips
- butcher's twine
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder infusing a pungent and aromatic essence that enhances the overall taste profile of the beef.
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce providing a savory and umami flavor that enhances the natural meatiness of the tri-tip.
- 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder offering a mild and slightly sweet onion flavor that adds depth and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper providing a warm and earthy spiciness that balances the flavors and adds a subtle kick to the beef.
- 1/8 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adding a tangy and slightly smoky taste that complements the beef and amplifies its savory profile.
- 1-1/2 lbs of tri-tip beef a flavorful and tender cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or roasting, offering a juicy and rich taste.
- 1/8 tablespoon of brown sugar imparting a subtle sweetness that caramelizes during cooking, creating a delicious glaze and adding depth to the flavor.
Instructions
Delicately prepare the sauce
- Combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix all of the ingredients together until well blended and set aside.
Marinade the tri-tip beef
- Cut away extra fat and silver skin from the tri-tip beef.
- Place the beef in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Evenly coat the beef with the prepared sauce and seal the bag. Allow it to marinate for 8 hours or longer, overnight if possible.
Smoke the beef Light your smoker and set it to 250°F
- Cover the wood chips in the smoker and let it heat up for about 15 minutes.
- Put the marinated tri-tip beef in the smoker and let it smoke for 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Take out the beef and wrap it tightly with butcher’s twine to hold its shape.
- Finish off with Cardiff Crack
- Let the Cardiff Crack rest for 10 minutes. Carefully slice it up before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients when making this recipe, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- To ensure that your Cardiff Crack is cooked evenly, try to find an even thickness of meat when selecting your tri-tip.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat every hour during the smoking process to prevent it from being overcooked.
- To add additional flavor, you can also brush the tri-tip with BBQ sauce or rub it with spices before smoking.
Nutrition Information
What are the benefits of making your own Cardiff Crack?
Making your own Cardiff Crack at home has plenty of benefits. Here are a few of the reasons why you should try it:
Cost Savings:
Making your own Cardiff Crack is a great way to save money. By purchasing the ingredients yourself, you can make this dish for much less than it would cost to buy at a restaurant.
Quality Control:
When you make Cardiff Crack in your own kitchen, you can control the quality of the ingredients and have complete control over the flavor and texture of the dish.
Customization:
Making Cardiff Crack at home allows you to customize the flavors to suit your personal taste. You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to create a unique dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Time Savings:
Though smoking the meat does take some time, the overall process of making Cardiff Crack is relatively quick and easy. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious main course that’s sure to be a hit.
What to serve with Cardiff Crack?
Cardiff Crack is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. From roasted vegetables to fresh salads, there are plenty of options to choose from when serving up this crowd-pleaser! Here are some ideas for sides to serve with Cardiff Crack:
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting adds flavor and texture to any vegetable, and it pairs perfectly with Cardiff Crack. Try roasting up a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes.
Salads: Fresh salads are the perfect complement to this savory dish. Go for a classic green salad or try something more creative like an arugula-radish salad or a kale-quinoa salad.
BBQ Baked Beans: BBQ baked beans are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with Cardiff Crack. The smoky flavor of the beans contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the beef, creating a delicious and balanced meal.
How to store leftover Cardiff Crack?
Leftovers of Cardiff Crack can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To ensure the best quality, it’s important to cool down the dish before storing it in the refrigerator.
Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into a sealed container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. When reheating leftover Cardiff Crack, make sure to do so in an oven-safe dish.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the dish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Reheated Cardiff Crack can also be warmed up in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Cardiff Crack as long as certain precautions are taken. Make sure that any meats used in the dish are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F or higher, and avoid eating raw or undercooked beef.
Additionally, be mindful of the ingredients you use and make sure they have not been contaminated with bacteria. The risk of food-borne illness is higher during pregnancy, so it’s important to take extra care when handling and preparing foods.
Pregnant women should also consult with their doctor before eating Cardiff Crack or any other dish that contains raw or undercooked meat.
FAQs
Can I make this without a smoker?
Yes, you can still make Cardiff Crack without a smoker. Instead of smoking the beef, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake it for 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Make sure to wrap the beef tightly in butcher’s twine before baking it.
Can I use another cut of meat?
Yes, you can use different cuts of meat for Cardiff Crack. Tri-tip is the traditional cut used in this dish, but other lean cuts like flank steak or top sirloin could also be used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add additional seasonings?
Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional seasonings or spices according to your preference. For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder. For more sweetness, add brown sugar or honey.
Wrapping Up
Making your own Cardiff Crack is both cost-effective and delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With just a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful and memorable meal that everyone will love.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to make Cardiff Crack. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Feel free to share this guide and let your friends and family know how to make this mouthwatering dish!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
