California Santa Maria Style Tri Tip

Bring authentic California flavors to your table with this bold and juicy Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a savory blend of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano, this iconic dish showcases the essence of West Coast barbecue. The tri-tip roast is seared over direct heat to achieve a beautifully charred crust, then slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection—whether on a grill or in a smoker. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is easy to master and delivers a standout dish that's sure to impress at any backyard gathering or family dinner. Serve thinly sliced against the grain to highlight its tender texture, and pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate California-style feast. Perfect for fans of smoky flavors and BBQ grilling, this Santa Maria tri-tip guarantees every bite is a celebration of flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Tri-tip roast
• 1.5 tablespoons Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Remove the tri-tip from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.

Step 3

Brush the tri-tip roast with olive oil on all sides to help the rub adhere to the meat.

Step 4

Generously apply the seasoning blend to all sides of the tri-tip, pressing it into the meat with your hands to ensure even coverage.

Step 5

Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F if using a grill or 225°F for smoking). If using a grill, set up an indirect heating zone by turning off one side of the burners or arranging the coals to one side.

Step 6

For grilling: Sear the tri-tip over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. Then move it to the indirect heat zone and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.

Step 7

For smoking: Place the seasoned tri-tip in the smoker and cook low and slow until it reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium), about 1.5-2 hours.

Step 8

Once the tri-tip reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill or smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a flavorful and tender roast.

Step 9

Slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin slices for the most tender results. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(965.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2592.9

Total Fat 165.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 725.7mg	0%
Sodium 3210.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.9g
Protein 239.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 167.8mg	0%
Iron 27.3mg	0%
Potassium 3410.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.4%

Protein: 38.2%

Carbs: 2.5%