Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip Recipe

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip: A Cross Creek Ranch Signature Recipe

Discover the robust flavors of California's barbecue tradition with Cross Creek Ranch's premium American Wagyu Tri-Tip. Celebrated for its buttery texture and succulent taste, our tri-tip brings the historic Santa Maria barbecue into your home.

Why Santa Maria Style?

Originating from the sun-drenched valleys of Santa Maria, this cooking style is a testament to the power of open-flame grilling. Here, it's all about showcasing the natural flavors of high-quality meat—our Wagyu tri-tip is a cut that stands proudly in this tradition.

Ingredients for Santa Maria Tri-Tip

For the Tri-Tip:

• 1 Cross Creek Ranch American Wagyu or Full Blood Wagyu Tri-Tip (about 2.5-3 lbs)

For the Rub:

• 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
• 3 Tablespoons kosher salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon celery salt
• 1 Teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 Teaspoon chipotle pepper
• 1 Teaspoon New Mexico chili powder

For the Bath:

• 1/4 Cup dark brown sugar
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 Tablespoon black pepper
• 3 Cups beef bone broth
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, mashed

For the Basting:

• 1 Cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Cup beef stock (or bone broth)

Directions:

1. Rub & Marinade:

   • Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl.
   • Generously apply the rub to the tri-tip, massaging the spices into the meat.
   • Allow the tri-tip to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

2. The Bath:

   • In a large container, mix together the bath ingredients until the sugar is dissolved.
   • Submerge the tri-tip in the mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours to tenderize.

3. Grilling:

   • Preheat your grill to a high heat setting, around 400-450°F.
   • Remove the tri-tip from the bath and pat dry with paper towels.
   • Sear each side of the tri-tip for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich crust.
   • Move the tri-tip off the direct heat and continue to cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.

4. Basting:

   • Combine the basting ingredients in a spray bottle.
   • Baste the tri-tip every 10 minutes as it grills to keep it moist and flavorful.

5. Rest & Serve:

   • Once the tri-tip reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill.
   • Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.

Bringing it All Together

Serve your Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip with traditional sides like pinquito beans, fresh salsa, and warm, crusty bread to create a feast that celebrates the essence of California BBQ. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.

Cross Creek Ranch's Wagyu Tri-Tip is the centerpiece for a memorable meal, capturing the spirit of the West with every tender slice. Ready to experience the best? Add our Wagyu Tri-Tip to your cart and get ready to grill up a masterpiece.