Grilled or Roasted Wagyu Tri Tip with Romesco Sauce

1. Remove tri tip from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking. Trim excess silver skin. Make a note of how the grain of the meat runs. In tri tip, the direction of the grain may change; after cooking make sure to cut against the grain. Season both sides with kosher salt.
2. In a small bowl, stir together coffee, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle powder, and pepper until well mixed. Liberally season both sides of the tri tip with the rub.
3. TO GRILL: preheat a charcoal or gas grill to high. Place tri tip over direct heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes, flip and cook about 5-6 minutes more. Then lower gas to medium, or move the meat to a cooler part of the charcoal grill. Turn meat again and cook another 7-8 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 130 degrees F for medium-rare. A 2-pound Wagyu tri tip will require approximately 18-20 minutes total grilling time. Rest roast on a cutting board for 10-20 minutes. Proceed to step 5.
4. TO PAN-ROAST: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a heavy, oven-safe pan (we like cast iron) over high heat until nearly smoking. Add tri tip to pan and immediately reduce heat to medium-high. Sear for about 4 minutes then flip and put pan into the preheated oven. Roast for about 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 130 degrees F for medium-rare. Rest roast on a cutting board for 10-20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile make the sauce: To the bowl of a food processor add red peppers, garlic, almonds, tomato purée, parsley, vinegar, paprika, and cayenne. Pulse until very finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add in olive oil; process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Slice tri tip against the grain and serve with romesco sauce.

Recipe Notes: Romesco can be made several days in advance; store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. Leftover sauce is delicious on grilled vegetables, buffalo, venison, wild boar, tossed with pasta, or even in a sandwich.