Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip Roast

My Santa Maria tri tip recipe brings California BBQ to your kitchen! Juicy, flavorful, and easy to grill or roast. Get the secret to a perfect crust!

Santa Maria Tri Tip Recipe: Cali BBQ Perfection!

May 21, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

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Recipe Introduction

Ever crave that perfect bbq flavor? you know, that smoky, juicy, "oh my gosh, this is amazing" kind of flavor? well, my friend, you're in for a treat.

This tri tip recipe is about to become your new go-to. honestly, after trying this, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.

Quick Hook

Want a taste of California sunshine? This Santa Maria-style tri tip recipe delivers an incredible smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. Get ready for BBQ perfection.

Brief Overview

The santa maria-style tri tip on the grill is a californian bbq staple. it’s known for its simplicity and amazing flavor.

This tri tip recipe is easy to make and takes about an hour. it yields enough to feed 6-8 hungry folks.

Think family bbq or a casual get-together.

Main Benefits

This tri tip roast recipe highlights the natural flavor of the beef, making it a healthier, lean protein option. it's perfect for a summer cookout or any time you're craving a taste of the golden state.

What makes this tri tip steak recipe special is the perfect balance of simple seasonings and proper cooking technique.

Now, let's dive into what you'll need to make this magical Beef Tri Tip happen.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing santa maria-style tri-tip. honestly, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

We're not talking about a million ingredients here. just quality stuff, treated right. i think it has to do with being in cali.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Awesome

Before we get started on this tri tip recipe , let's make sure you're stocked. I'll break it down Barney-style, no stress.

Main Ingredients: The Holy Trinity (Plus One!)

Okay, so here's what you'll need. Don't skimp on the quality, folks. It matters.

Tri-Tip Roast: 1 (2-3 pound) or 900g-1.35kg . Look for good marbling, that's the fat that makes it juicy. Ask your butcher for a beef tri tip roast. A little fat is a good thing!
Kosher Salt: 2 tablespoons or 30 ml . Not table salt! Kosher salt is the way to go.
Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: 2 tablespoons or 30 ml . Freshly ground is best, trust me.
Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon or 15 ml . Yes, powder. It's part of the Santa Maria vibe.
Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon or 15 ml Also yes, powder. It's part of the Santa Maria vibe.
Smoked Paprika: Optional, 1 teaspoon or 5ml . Adds a smoky kick.

Honestly, the tri tip is the star, and fresh is always best.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Kinda)

The seasoning is simple, but crucial. It's all about that classic salt, pepper, garlic combo.

Essential Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, and garlic. Don't overthink it. It's a tri tip steak thing.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: The smoked paprika adds a little something extra.
Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have smoked paprika, skip it. No biggie.

You can use Montreal Steak seasoning instead of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to save time.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this tri tip recipe .

Essential Tools Only: Meat thermometer, rimmed baking sheet, grill OR oven, tongs.
Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a wire rack, just use the baking sheet. No problem!

You really need a thermometer to nail this. i can't stress this enough: don't guess the temp! if you are grilling, a cast-iron skillet helps achieve the perfect sear on that tri tip on the grill .

I hope you're ready to make some seriously good tri tip recipes . you can try using the smoker for cooking tri tip or even using an instant pot.

All these tritip recipes are a guaranteed touchdown, but this santa maria tri tip roast is really something special. this tri tip steak recipe is the only thing you need.

Let's do this!

Alright, let's dive into the world of juicy, flavorful tri tip on the grill . honestly, i've had my share of rubbery, overcooked beef tri tip , and trust me, nobody wants that.

This guide is all about getting it right, every single time.

Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip Roast presentation

Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Tri-Tip Success

First things first: mise en place . it's a fancy french term, but it just means "everything in its place". grab your 2-3 pound tri tip roast .

Make sure you've got 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and a teaspoon of smoked paprika (if you're feeling fancy).

Trimming excess silver skin is key. this prevents the meat from curling and ensures even cooking.

Time-saving tip? i like to pre-mix all my spices in a small bowl. that way, i'm not scrambling when the tri tip steak is ready to be seasoned.

Safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw meat. you know the drill.

Tri-Tip Tango: From Raw to Roast in 8 Steps

Prepare : Trim silver skin.
Season : Generously rub all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Optional Dry Brine: Refrigerate on a rack for 1- 4 hours .
Preheat : Grill to 450- 500° F or oven to 425° F .
Sear (Optional): Sear for 2- 3 minutes per side to create a crust.
Cook :
- Grill: Indirect heat to desired doneness.
- Oven: Roast to desired doneness.
Rest : Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes .
Slice : Slice against the grain. Serve!

Visual cues? Look for a nice, even crust on the outside and a slightly firm feel when you press on it. Use a meat thermometer, and target 130- 135° F for medium-rare.

Unleash Your Inner Pitmaster: Pro Tips for Perfect Tri-Tip

Want to elevate your tri tip steak recipes ? don't skip the sear. this adds so much flavor. a common mistake? overcooking.

The internal temperature rises after you take it off the heat.

A make-ahead option? season your tri tip recipes the night before and let it sit in the fridge. i swear, it makes a world of difference.

For all the tritip recipes this will work well.

Ultimately, learning how to prepare this cooking tri tip will result in unforgettable memories and tasty dishes. so, there you have it.

A foolproof way to cook a tri tip steak . now go forth and conquer that tri tip roast !

Alright, let’s talk about those all-important recipe notes for nailing this tri tip recipe ! i swear, sometimes the little details make all the difference.

Think of this as your cheat sheet to tri tip steak perfection.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Tri Tip Game!

These are some of my favorite tip steak recipes tweaks! i’ve messed up enough times that you don’t have to.

Honestly, i've burned my fair share of beef tri tip , and it's a bummer. but hey, that's how we learn, right? now, my tri tip on the grill game is strong.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Fancy

Presentation is key, even if it's just for you. i like to slice my tri tip roast nice and thin.

Arrange it artfully on a platter. garnish with some fresh parsley. boom! restaurant vibes at home.

For sides, you gotta try it with santa maria-style beans. grilled asparagus is another winner. and you know what goes great with tri tip steak recipes ? a bold cabernet sauvignon.

Trust me on this one! or maybe you will like tritip recipes with some chimichurri sauce? oh, my gosh! you should try cooking tri tip with that!

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Yeah, Right!

Okay, if you actually have leftovers (which is a big if!), here’s the deal. keep that tri tip steak airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing works too. just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

When reheating, go low and slow. i recommend medium low heat in a pan or in an oven. this helps to prevent it from drying out.

A splash of beef broth can help, too. nobody wants sad, dry tri tip recipes !

Variations: Remix Your Roast

Want to mix things up a bit? I got you! For a keto-friendly version, skip the beans. Instead, serve with cauliflower mash and roasted veggies.

If you are looking for tri tip recipes but want to spice things up a bit! add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to the rub for a kick.

Or, how about an herb crust? rosemary and thyme would be amazing on this tri tip roast .

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Okay, i'm no nutritionist. but a serving of this tri tip recipe is packed with protein. protein is great for building muscle.

It will keep you feeling full and satisfied. the calories can vary quite a bit. this all depends on the fat content of your beef tri tip .

Just keep it in mind!

So there you have it. my tri tip on the grill recipe breakdown. don't be afraid to experiment. most importantly, have fun with it! now go forth and conquer that tri tip steak .

You got this!

Delicious Tri Tip Recipes: Elevate Your Grill Game!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tri-Tip, anyway? Is it some fancy cut I need to order from Harrods?

Tri-Tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It's super popular in California (hence the Santa Maria style!), but it's becoming easier to find in butchers and even some supermarkets these days. Think of it as a great alternative to sirloin or flank steak—flavorful and relatively lean when cooked right.

How do I make sure my tri tip recipe doesn't end up tougher than old boots?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is a combination of things: Don't overcook it (aim for medium-rare to medium), rest it properly for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking, and always slice it against the grain. Slicing against the grain is non-negotiable; it breaks up those tough muscle fibers, so you get a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I cook this tri tip recipe in the oven if the weather's a bit dodgy for grilling? My garden's looking more like a bog than a barbecue haven lately!

Absolutely! An oven works perfectly well, especially if you don't fancy braving the elements. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and sear the Tri-Tip in a screaming hot cast iron skillet first to get a nice crust. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until it reaches your desired internal temperature, like a proper Sunday roast!

What's the best way to store leftover Tri-Tip, and how long will it last? I'm thinking Tri-Tip sandwiches for lunch!

Leftover Tri-Tip is a gift that keeps on giving! Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days. Cold Tri-Tip sandwiches are a brilliant idea, but you can also reheat it gently in the oven or in a pan with a bit of beef broth to keep it moist. Remember it will continue to cook as you reheat it, so don't overdo it!

Is this tri tip recipe healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, but a good BBQ is hard to resist!

Tri-Tip can definitely fit into a healthy eating plan. It's a relatively lean cut of beef, especially if you trim off any excess fat. The simple seasoning keeps it relatively low in sodium and sugar. Serve it with a big salad and some roasted vegetables instead of carb-heavy sides for a balanced and delicious meal. Remember, moderation is key – even with healthy foods!

What's the deal with the dry brine? Is it worth the extra effort for this tri tip recipe, or is it just a fancy chef thing?

The dry brine is definitely worth it if you have the time! It's basically salting the Tri-Tip well in advance (ideally a few hours, or even overnight). This allows the salt to penetrate deep into the meat, seasoning it from the inside out and drawing out moisture, which then evaporates, resulting in a better sear and a more flavorful, juicier roast. It's not just a fancy chef trick; it's a genuine flavor enhancer!