Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (2024)

27

Community Pick

Submitted by MaryMc

"Santa Maria is a town in central California, north of Santa Barbara. Grilled tri-tip is a local specialty. It's traditionally served with corn tortillas, Recipe #185563 and Recipe #185562."

Download

Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (2) Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (3)

photo by Pasty Cornish Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (4)

Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (5) Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (6)

Ready In:
4hrs 35mins

Ingredients:
10
Serves:

6

Advertisem*nt

ingredients

  • 2 -3 lbs beef tri-tip roast or 2 -3 lbs top sirloin roast
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper, fresh-ground
  • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 12 teaspoons paprika
  • 12 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 cup red wine vinegar
  • 12 cup garlic-infused vegetable oil

Advertisem*nt

directions

  • Mix together the black pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne, rosemary, and salt and rub on the meat. Let stand at 1-4 hours.
  • Prepare the barbecue grill, using water-soaked oak chips (preferred, if you can find them) or mesquite chips on the charcoal to produce smoke.
  • Drizzle the oil slowly into vinegar, whisking rapidly. Brush on the meat as soon as you put it on the grill.
  • Grill the meat over direct heat, medium-high. Turn at least 3 times, basting every time. Grill 30-35 minutes, to 140 degrees F.
  • Slice about 1/8" to 1/4" thick across the grain and serve with corn tortillas and salsa.

Questions & Replies

Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe - Food.com (7)

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Advertisem*nt

  1. Living in San Luis Obispo, just to the north of Santa Maria, where it's reported that the cut of meat "tri tip" was originated at Cal Poly, it's a staple, even in the winter months.What gives the Santa Maria style tri tip it's true great flavor is a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder and most importantly it is bbq'd/smoked over oak and only oak.

    slo_cook

  2. I use this rub and oil mixture at least once a month, either on steaks (flank, skirt, or filet mignon) we grill or on roasts (twice tri tri and once bottom round). It is delicious and easy to prepare! Be sure to not use the rub without the oil mixture because the rub has a tendency to burn in parts if it's not protected by oil.

    Resilient

  3. No way could we not give this a 5!! Better than Moe's in Pismo Beach! Followed your recipe exactly but we did use smoked paprika. What a perfect flavorful crust on the outside & so juicy throughout. Thanks Mary and by the way "central coastal" might be a more accurate description of the region in CA where you will find beautiful little Santa Maria.

    ZONA FOODIES

  4. I fixed this today on the grill and we all enjoyed it. Every easy to prep and the flavor blend was just right. Thanks for the great recipe.

    Mary K. W.

  5. very good marinade. Cooked it in the oven instead of the grill because I ran out of gas. Different than a balsamic type marinade that I usually use. Will make again.

    madlycooking

see 19 more reviews

Advertisem*nt

Tweaks

  1. Doubled recipe for about 6.5 pounds tri-tip (3 roasts). Substituted smoked paprika for paprika and dried ground chipotle chile for the cayenne to add some smokiness to the meat since I cooked the roasts on a gas grill. Rubbed day before and set uncovered in refrigerator. Browned on 2 sides over high heat for about 15 minutes, rotating for even grill marks. Then turned of the center burner and moved all 3 roasts to the center of grill to cook over indirect heat with grill lid closed, for about 20 to 30 more minutes, opening periodically to turn, rotate and baste roasts with the oil and vinegar emulsion. Glad I cooked the roasts only to about 130 to 135 degrees, even though we prefer our beef medium rare to medium, it was cooked perfectly. Be sure to let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing -- first in half crosswise and then rotate 90 degrees and slice against the grain. (Refer to Bobby Flay's video on Santa Maria tri-tip for demonstration on how to slice.) I prefer 1/8" thick for sandwiches and 1/4" thick for a beef entree. Delicious, loved by all!

    Anastasia H.

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

MaryMc

SeaTac, Washington

  • 17 Followers
  • 36 Recipes
  • 4 Tweaks

I live with my husband near Seattle. I'm a college administrator, a Mac geek, a Deadhead, and a fat activist. I love to mess around (and make a mess) in the kitchen--there isn't much that I don't like to cook. My pie crust is getting almost as good as my mother's, and that's saying something!<img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z265/marymcg/RegSwap1.jpg" border="0" alt="Summer 2007 Regional Swap"><img src="http://www.caymandesigns.com/foodothers/fallswap.jpg" border="0" alt="2007 Fall and Halloween Swap"><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/bugh8er/food%20and%20swaps/4811_36055_t.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/copperhorse58/Birthday%20and%20Celebration%20Images/Calendargirls2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/Permanent%20Collection/PACSpring09Participation.jpg"> <img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/Permanent%20Collection/PACSpring09Iwasadopted.jpg"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w115/bugh8er/Halloween/4811_180759.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

View Full Profile

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE

Old School Santa Maria Tri-Tip

by Kana K.

Oven Roasted Santa Maria Tri-Tip

by Ohmikeghod

3

How to Peel Peaches, 3 Ways

27 Healthy Lunches for Kids

View All Recipes

Santa Maria Tri-Tip Recipe  - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cooking method for tri-tip steak? ›

When it comes to cooking tri-tip in the oven, opt for broiling the meat instead of baking to keep with the fast-cooking methods that make tri-tip recipes most delicious. As with grilling, marinating 2 to 3 hours will help to keep the steaks tender and moist, but it it's not essential.

How to cook tri-tip on Santa Maria grill? ›

Place tri-tip on grill and sear for about 20 to 25 minutes total cooking time. Cook until an instant read thermometer reads 120°F for a rare roast, 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium. Step 3: Remove from the grill, let rest on a cutting board 30 minutes for the juice to redistribute and for it to slightly cool.

How do you make tri-tip more tender? ›

My tri tip marinade starts with a base of olive oil plus red wine and balsamic vinegar. The oil adds a little extra fat and helps tenderize the meat. The acid in the vinegar does its part, too, breaking down the steak's tough fibers.

Does tri-tip get tender the longer you cook it? ›

The longer you cook tri-tip the more tender it will become, so you can choose your time according to what you are trying to accomplish. For a more traditional texture you can cook it until it is just heated through, usually 3 to 4 hours.

Is it better to sear a tri-tip before or after cooking? ›

Reverse searing a tri tip steak can start with a grill or oven. The point is to cook the steak until it's almost done, followed by giving it a quick sear on high heat. Therefore, you can choose whether to use the oven or the grill, depending on your usual preferences for cooking steak.

Is it better to cook tri-tip fast or slow? ›

If you need shredded or strips of beef for fajitas, tacos, salads, or sandwiches, a slow-cooked tri-tip steak meal might be the best choice. Not only is it convenient to make when you want something ready to go after a long day, but it also makes for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Should I marinate tri-tip? ›

Marinating tri-tip infuses the meat with flavor and moisture, making it more tender and enjoyable once cooked. Although other cuts can also be marinated, tri-tip's lean nature makes it well-suited for this preparation method.

What goes well with Santa Maria Tri Tip? ›

Potato and Rice Side Dishes
  • Mashed potatoes. This creamy, buttery, and fluffy mashed potatoes are enjoyed by young ones and the young once. ...
  • Baked potatoes. A baked potato is a timeless classic that never disappoints. ...
  • Fried Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Jasmine Rice. ...
  • Fried Rice. ...
  • French Onion Soup. ...
  • Classic Caesar salad. ...
  • Spicy green beans.

Is it better to grill or bake tri-tip? ›

Tri tip is MADE for grilling, and it just tastes better than oven roasting. You are going to get an amazingly tender tri tip either way,, but you are only going to get that ultra-crispy black exterior from the grill. The smoke also adds flavor.

Is it better to marinade or dry rub a tri-tip? ›

Marinating Tri Tip steak is a good idea because it's one of the leaner cuts of meat that can get a little tough when cooked without extra moisture. It's particularly good for steaks that will be grilled or smoked. Try marinades with any strong flavor that will pair well with beef.

How to make tri-tip not chewy? ›

While the tri tip is a steak-like cut, it has very long muscle fibers, and long muscle fibers mean stringy, chewy steak if you don't handle them correctly. You have to cut across the grain of the meat fibers to shorten the individual fiber pieces you'll be eating.

Why is my tri-tip so tough? ›

The tri-tip has a good amount of marbling throughout, but is actually quite lean and devoid of any fat caps, so it can be tough if not cooked properly. This is definitely a cut built for grilling and keeping medium rare to medium.

How to make tri-tip fall apart? ›

The key to being able to smoke a tri tip like a brisket (low and slow so you get fall-apart meat goodness) is to begin with a Prime cut tri tip. You need enough fat in your steak because tri tip is leaner than a brisket.

Should I sear my tri-tip before baking? ›

Searing Tri Tip Steak

If you want a sear that your oven isn't achieving, consider searing the tri tip steak before putting it in the oven. Just heat up a skillet with a drizzle of oil and sear the steak on each side for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can do the same after it comes out of the oven.

What side of tri-tip do you cook first? ›

Follow the directions below for cooking Tri-Tip in the oven to perfection:
  1. Place the Tri-Tip roast fat-side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. ...
  2. For a Tri-Tip roast that is medium-rare at the thicker end, roast for 25–30 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers at 125°F.

Should tri-tip be medium or medium-rare? ›

This distinctive cut is gaining attention across the nation for its hearty roasted flavor and juicy, tender texture. While generally well-marbled, Tri-Tip roast is still considered a lean cut and can become dry if not cooked to the proper temperature. This roast is best served medium-rare to medium.

Can you cook tri-tip like a regular steak? ›

Lean, tender, and flavorful, Tri-Tip Steak works well with smoking, grilling, and roasting. We recommend cooking to a medium-rare internal temperature of 135 degrees F.

What's the difference between a tri-tip and a tri tip steak? ›

Tri-tip steak vs tri-tip roast – is there a difference? Yes. The tri-tip roast is the complete roast, situated at the bottom of the sirloin. Tri-tip steaks are individual steaks cut from the roast.

How to cook store bought tri-tip? ›

Directions
  1. Rub beef all over with thyme, basil, marjoram, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper; transfer into a resealable plastic bag. ...
  2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). ...
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. ...
  4. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
May 18, 2022

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6088

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.