BARBECUE TRI-TIP WITH CARAMELIZED RED ONIONS

Ingredients
Caramelized red onions

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 1/2 pounds red onions (about 4 medium), halved, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Tri-tip

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-pound beef loin tri-tip roasts, trimmed of all but 1/4 inch of fat

2 tablespoons olive oil

Red Wine Barbecue Sauce

Preparation

For caramelized red onions: Melt butter with olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until deep golden brown, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes. Stir in vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from heat. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Rewarm over medium heat before serving.) Stir in chives.

For tri-tip:

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Mix garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Brush both sides of tri-tips with oil and sprinkle with garlic-powder mixture, pressing to adhere. Grill tri-tips 5 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium-low, or if using charcoal grill, move meat to cooler side of grill. Cover and grill until thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat registers 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare, brushing with barbecue sauce and turning every 10 minutes, about 30 minutes longer.Transfer tri-tips to work surface; let stand 10 minutes. Cut meat crosswise into very thin slices; arrange on platter. Surround with caramelized onions and serve.