Santa Maria-Style Grilled Tri-Tip

Santa Maria-Style Grilled Tri-Tip

A traditional California-style grilled beef tri-tip seasoned with a simple dry rub and cooked using indirect heat, ideally over red oak wood.

1h 10mIntermediate8 servings

Equipment

Small bowl
Grill
Instant-read thermometer
Cutting board

Ingredients

8 servings

Dry Rub

  • 6 g garlic powder
  • 14 g salt
  • 6 g black pepper
  • 6 g dried parsley

Meat

  • 1020 g beef tri-tip, fat-side intact

Grilling

  • red oak wood chips, soaked in water

Nutrition (per serving)

228
Calories
27g
Protein
1g
Carbs
12g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
748mg
Sodium

Method

01

Mix the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning thoroughly over all surfaces of the tri-tip. Allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

30m
02

Prepare the grill for two-zone cooking with a medium-high heat area. If using wood chips, soak them in water for 20 minutes and add them to the heat source before cooking.

20m
03

Place the meat on the hot side of the grill with the fat-side facing up. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes until browned, then flip and sear the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes.

10m
04

Move the beef to the cooler, indirect-heat side of the grill. Cover and continue cooking, flipping every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 52-54°C (125-130°F) for medium-rare.

Look for: The exterior should be deeply browned.Feel: The meat should feel firm but yield slightly to pressure.
05

Transfer the tri-tip to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. Slice the meat thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

15m

Chef's Notes

  • Tri-tip grain often changes direction in the middle of the cut; adjust your slicing angle accordingly.
  • For safety, ensure beef reaches a minimum internal temperature of 52°C/125°F before resting.

Storage

Refrigerator: 4 daysStore in an airtight container.

Freezer: 3 monthsWrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating: Slice before reheating and warm gently in a pan with a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture.

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