Can tri-tip mean more than one cut?

Check the confidence note below; low confidence or multi-cut rows are flagged when present.

How do you order steak doneness in Portugal?

In Portugal, medium rare is called "Mal passado/ao ponto". Rare is "Mal passado" and well done is "Bem passado".

sirloin primal · United States

tri-tip

Q: What is tri-tip in Portugal?

tri-tip is the United States retail name for the tri-tip, which sits on the sirloin primal. In Portugal, the same cut is most often labeled Maminha.

Q: What is tri-tip called in Portugal?

Look for Maminha—mapped to Tri Tip (tri-tip).

Q: What primal is tri-tip from?

Tri Tip is on the sirloin primal (Bottom sirloin, triangular muscle at the base of the sirloin near the flank).

In Portugal, this cut is Maminha.

Exact match · Confidence 0.98

Fig. 1 · Bottom sirloin, triangular muscle at the base of the sirloin near the flank · sirloin primal

About this cut

A triangular cut from the bottom sirloin (tensor fasciae latae muscle). Popularized by Santa Maria-style California BBQ. Lean with a pronounced grain that changes direction. Best grilled whole to medium-rare and sliced against the grain.

Primalsirloin

LocationBottom sirloin, triangular muscle at the base of the sirloin near the flank

In PortugalMaminha

What is this cut →Global guide →

How to order steak doneness

United States → Portugal

rare	Rare	→	Mal passado	48–55°C
medium rare	Medium rare	→	Mal passado/ao ponto	55–60°C
medium	Medium	→	Ao ponto	60–65°C
well done	Well done	→	Bem passado	70–100°C

Doneness terminology varies by country and restaurant. When unsure, describe what you want — e.g., “warm red center” — rather than relying on the name alone.

Detailed explanation

“tri-tip” in United States maps to canonical tri tip (sirloin: Bottom sirloin, triangular muscle at the base of the sirloin near the flank). In Portugal, look for labels such as Maminha. A triangular cut from the bottom sirloin (tensor fasciae latae muscle). Popularized by Santa Maria-style California BBQ. Lean with a pronounced grain that changes direction. Best grilled whole to medium-rare and sliced against the grain.