Santa Maria Tri-Tip: California's Grilled Delight
California dreaming? Get the best tri tip recipes right here! This Santa Maria Tri-Tip is simple, smoky, and grilled to perfection. Get that Cali flavor tonight!

Right, let's get this show on the road! fancy sinking your teeth into something seriously delicious? we're talking tri tip recipes , particularly, a santa maria-style grilled delight that'll knock your socks off.
Forget boring sunday roasts; this is californian sunshine on a plate.
Santa Maria Tri-Tip: California's Grilled Delight
Honestly, who needs complicated when you can have flavour this good with minimal effort? this tri tip roast recipe is all about letting quality ingredients shine.
Think simple marinade, smoky grill, and tender, juicy steak. this is proper food that anyone can cook.
A Taste of the West Coast
Santa maria tri tip steak hails from california's central coast. it’s traditionally seasoned with just garlic, salt, and pepper. this showcases the meat's natural flavour.
This is a bbq culture thing, and it's proper mint!
This is an easy recipe, perfect for beginners. marinating takes 4 hours minimum. it ideally should sit over night. grilling will be done for 30- 45 minutes.
It should feed 6-8 hungry mouths.
Why This Tri Tip Recipe Is Brilliant
Did you know that tri tip is leaner than many other cuts of beef? it's still packed with protein, making it a healthier choice.
It's ideal for a summer barbecue with mates. this recipe is special because it’s simple, authentic, and utterly delicious. i had one just yesterday, and was chef's kiss .
Now, let's get to the good stuff: the ingredients! On to the next section of the Tip Steak Recipes !
Okay, here's a section focusing on ingredients and equipment for our Santa Maria Tri-Tip recipe. Let's get this sorted!
Santa Maria Tri-Tip: California's Grilled Delight Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: California Tri-Tip Magic Starts Here
Right, so before we get grilling, let's talk about what you actually need. this ain't some fancy michelin-star gig, mind you.
It's proper, simple food. so, grab a cuppa, and let's dive in. honestly, finding good tri tip recipes can be a bit of a minefield, but this one's a winner.
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
First, the star of the show: 1 (2-3 pound / 900g - 1.4 kg) tri-tip roast . try to find one that’s nicely marbled with fat.
That marbling is what gives you that juicy tenderness. the leaner ones can get a bit tough, you know? you can find different tri tip steak recipes , but try to use a tri tip roast for the most flavor! don't forget 2 tablespoons / 30 ml of good quality olive oil .
For the rub, you'll need 4 cloves of garlic , minced finely. then, 2 tablespoons / 30 ml of coarse sea salt (kosher salt works a treat too).
Freshly ground 1 tablespoon / 15 ml of black pepper is essential. and finally, 1 teaspoon / 5 ml each of garlic powder and onion powder
Seasoning Notes: The Santa Maria Secret
The key to a great tri tip recipe is simplicity. this isn't about overwhelming the beef with loads of different flavors.
It’s about letting the quality of the meat shine through. the garlic, salt, and pepper are your best mates here.
Consider this your perfect tri tip marinade . trust me, it works.
For flavour enhancers, don’t be shy with the garlic. It really makes a difference. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth.
Don't have sea salt? kosher salt is your best bet. out of fresh garlic? okay, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but try for the real deal if you can.
Seriously, find some nice tri tip steak !
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Real
You don't need loads of fancy kit here. a grill (gas or charcoal) is essential. preferably one with a lid to keep the heat in and get that smoky flavour.
A meat thermometer is non-negotiable. honestly, guessing is just asking for trouble. we're aiming for 130- 135° f (54- 57° c) for medium-rare.
Use tongs for moving the meat. a large resealable plastic bag or container for marinating is handy. and, of course, a cutting board and a sharp knife for slicing.
If you are a fan of grilled tri tip make sure to use a good quality gas or charcoal grill.
Don't have a fancy marinade container? a sturdy zip-lock bag does the trick. no meat thermometer? honestly, invest in one.
But if you really must, press the centre of the steak. firm means well-done, springy means medium-rare, and squidgy means rare.
Don't say i didn't warn you. if you want to try other tip steak recipes and find your perfect one, the thermometer is still recommended.
And finally if you are aiming for a tri tip roast , keep in mind that the cooking time will vary.
So get that tri tip steak ready and start grilling!
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk tri tip recipes . honestly, if you're after a bit of californian sunshine on your plate, you can't go wrong with a santa maria tri-tip.
It's proper lush, and dead easy too. you know?

Santa Maria Tri-Tip : California's Grilled Delight
This tri tip recipe brings the iconic santa maria-style tri tip to your table. simply marinated and grilled, this cut delivers a tender, juicy, and smoky flavour.
It’s simpler than you think, mate! it's absolutely divine for a barbie in the garden. you can find similar tri tip recipes online, but this one's got all the best bits.
Prep Steps
Alright, before we get started, a bit of mise en place is key. it is important to do some planning before starting any sort of cooking.
It will help you to be more successful in all the tip steak recipes .
Essential mise en place . trim your 2-3 pound tri-tip roast of excess fat. mince 4 cloves of garlic, and measure out your 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt, 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Get a large bag ready too, you know?
Time-saving organization tips . Prep the marinade the night before. Honestly, it makes a world of difference. The longer it marinates, the better the flavour!
Safety Reminders . Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat. No one wants the tummy rumbles, do they?
Step-by-Step Process
Right, let's get cooking.
- Marinade Magic: In a bowl, whack in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good mix.
- Marinate the Meat: Pop the Tri Tip Roast in a bag. Pour the marinade over, making sure it's coated properly. Seal it up and bung it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better, you know?
- Get the Grill Ready: Get your grill ready for indirect heat. If you're using charcoal, push the coals to one side. For gas, turn off one or two burners. Aim for 275- 325° F (135- 165° C) .
- Sear it (Optional): Sear each side for 2- 3 minutes over direct heat to get a nice crust.
- Indirect Heat Cooking: Place the Tri Tip Steak on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat. Shut the lid. Cook till the internal temperature hits 130- 135° F (54- 57° C) for medium-rare.
- Resting Time: Take the tri tip steak off the grill. Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing. It needs a breather, you know?
- Slice it Right: Find the grain of the meat, and slice against it thinly. It'll be more tender that way.
- Serve it Up: Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. Serve it right away!
Pro Tips
Here's a few Tri Tip Recipes tips.
Expert Technique : For extra flavour, chuck some wood chips on the coals for a bit of smokiness. Oak or hickory work a treat, they do.
Common mistake to avoid : Overcooking it! Use a meat thermometer. Honestly, it is the best £10 you will ever spend.
Make-ahead options : You can marinate the tri tip up to 24 hours in advance. Just makes life a bit easier, doesn't it?
Honestly, once you’ve tried this grilled tri tip recipe , you’ll be converted! it's a proper winner, and dead easy.
Happy grilling, you legends! and remember, always double-check with a thermometer for the perfect tri tip marinade and internal temperature for safety's sake.
Right, let's talk tri tip recipes . honestly, finding the perfect one can be a bit of a mission, can't it? you're scrolling through pages and pages of search results when all you want is proper grilled tri tip that tastes banging.
So, lets dive into the nitty-gritty bits that’ll make your tri-tip the talk of the town.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Tri Tip Shine
These aren't just suggestions. They're the secret sauce to taking your Tri Tip Steak from "meh" to "Oh my gosh!"
Serving it Up Right
Right then, serving time! forget boring plating. we are going to plate like chefs. think about this: slice your tri tip steak nice and thin.
Fan it out on a platter. a few sprigs of parsley? bang! colour is key. it's not rocket science, is it?
Sides? Oh mate, roast spuds are a MUST, or how about a simple green salad with a vinegarette? Seriously, these tri tip recipes deserve the best!
For drinks, crack open a nice cold beer. A crisp lager works a treat. Or, you know, go fancy with a glass of red. It's up to you.
Storage Savvy
Right, leftovers! if you're lucky enough to have any, wrap that tri tip roast up tight in cling film. pop it in the fridge.
It'll be good for three days, max. honestly, it never lasts that long in my house.
Freezing? yeah, you can freeze cooked tri-tip. just make sure it's properly wrapped. it'll keep for a few months. when you reheat it, though, low and slow is the way to go.
You don't want to dry it out.
Reheating is easy enough in the oven, microwave or even skillet.
Playing Around with Flavours
One of the best things about Tip Steak Recipes is how versatile they are!
Want to ditch the gluten? simply make sure your tri tip marinade is gluten-free. easy peasy! a squeeze of lemon can brighten it up or even a little chili flakes for a kick.
For a summer twist, add some chopped fresh herbs to your Tri Tip Recipe , like rosemary or thyme. The herbs make the whole dish taste more of a summer.
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's get the health stuff out of the way, shall we? Tritip Recipes give you protein, which is good for you.
Approximate per serving (6 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
There you have it, then. making tri tip recipes easy. now get out there and get grilling! you've got this, i promise.
A brilliant tri tip steak recipes that will be the talk of the table.

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is tri-tip, anyway? Is it some fancy cut I've never heard of?
Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin, popular on the West Coast, especially in California. Think of it like a hidden gem – it's relatively inexpensive but incredibly flavourful and tender when cooked right. It's often compared to sirloin or brisket, offering a balance of lean meat and rich marbling.
How long should I marinate my tri-tip? I'm a bit of a "chuck it in and hope for the best" cook, but I want to do this right!
Ideally, marinate your tri-tip for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! The longer it marinates, the more flavour it absorbs and the more tender it becomes. If you're short on time, even a 2-hour marinade will make a difference. Just remember, patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to flavour!
What temperature should I cook my tri-tip to for the best results? I don't want it to end up like shoe leather!
Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium, or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium-well. A good meat thermometer is your best friend here – it'll save you from guesswork and ensure a perfectly cooked tri-tip every time. Remember to let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, as this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat nice and tender.
I'm looking for good tri tip recipes; what's the best way to slice it? I always seem to mess this part up!
The key to slicing tri-tip is to slice against the grain. Look closely at the meat to identify the direction of the muscle fibers. Then, use a sharp knife to slice perpendicular to the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat much easier to chew and more tender overall. It's like the difference between cutting a rope and untangling it!
Can I use a different cut of meat if I can't find tri-tip? My local butcher is giving me the "thousand-yard stare" when I ask for it.
While tri-tip is the star of the show here, you could potentially substitute it with sirloin or flank steak. However, these cuts may require adjustments to the cooking time and method. Sirloin is a leaner cut, so be careful not to overcook it. Flank steak is also best cooked quickly over high heat and sliced thinly against the grain, similar to tri-tip.
How should I store leftover tri-tip? Can I freeze it? I'm thinking of making a big batch for meal prep.
Leftover tri-tip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, warm it gently in the oven or microwave to prevent it from drying out. Sliced tri-tip makes a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, or tacos!