Santa Maria Grilled Tri-Tip | The Recipe Critic

Santa Maria grilled tri-tip is juicy, smoky, and loaded with bold flavor from a delicious spice rub. Grilled until perfectly tender with a gorgeous crust, it’s an easy recipe that’s always a hit at cookouts and summer dinners.

How to Make Santa Maria Grilled Tri Tip

Santa Maria style is classic California barbecue, known for its simple seasoning and big, smoky flavor. I recommend serving it with chimichurri or fresh salsa to get the most California Coastal flavor! Serve some pinquito beans for a true Santa Maria-style meal.

1. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub & Rest: Rub the tri-tip with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture over it and work it into the meat. Then let the tri-tip sit, covered, at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Grill: While the tri-tip is resting, preheat the grill with both direct and indirect heat. Then, sear the seasoned tri-tip on both sides over direct heat. About 5 minutes per side. Then move the tri-tip to a section of the grill with indirect heat. Cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 130ºF when inserted into the thickest part, for medium rare.
4. Rest, Slice and Serve: Remove the tri-tip steak from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Slice the meat against the grain and serve.

What to Serve with Santa Maria Tri Tip

Grilled steak is great on its own, but the right sides make it even better. I like to keep things simple and fresh so the steak can really shine. Here are some easy sides that pair perfectly with it.