Go Back
Sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on a platter with an herb brush.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Santa Maria Tri Tip Steak

This Santa Maria style tri tip steak recipe explains the authentic way to prepare the dish with adjustments for different grills and the oven
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Christie Vanover

Ingredients

  • 1 Swift Meats tri tip steak

Tri tip Seasoning

  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Garlic Oil

  • 1/4 cup corn oil
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • Prep the Meat: Remove the meat from the packaging and pat dry. Trim away any excess silver skin or fat.
  • Seasoning: Combine the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or shaker. Sprinkle over the entire tri tip.
  • Garlic Oil: Place the oil in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Add the smashed garlic and let steep while you heat the grill. Stir in the vinegar and salt.
  • Light the Grill: Heat your grill to 325F degrees with red oak, creating an indirect heat zone.
  • Grill: Place the meat on the heated grill. Immediately, baste with the garlic oil. Grill for 15 minutes.
  • Flip and Baste: Flip. Baste again. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip. Baste again. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip. Baste again. Continue this flip and baste process until the internal temperature of the tri tip is 130F degrees.
  • Rest and Slice: Remove from the grill and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice against the grain.

Notes

In addition to salt, pepper and garlic, try my award-winning brisket rub. 

Prepare in an Oven

Add 1 tsp of liquid smoke to the garlic oil. Set your oven to 325F degrees. Place the tri tip on a rack over a rimmed sheet pan. Cook following the baste and flip method above. After the first three flips, raise the oven temp to 425F. Continue basting and flipping every 5 minutes, until it reaches 130F degrees. 

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg