Santa Maria Style BBQ is a culinary tradition originating from the Central Coast of California. Known for its unique flavor profile and cooking techniques, it is a beloved regional cuisine. The heart of Santa Maria Style BBQ lies in its focus on open-fire grilling, typically using red oak logs. This imparts a distinct smokiness to the meats, creating a flavorful experience. The centerpiece of this BBQ style is tri-tip, a tender and juicy cut of beef, seasoned with a simple yet flavorful rub consisting of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The meat is then slow-cooked over the open fire, resulting in a deliciously charred exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. The traditional accompaniments to Santa Maria Style BBQ include pinquito beans, a small pink bean variety, and a side of fresh salsa, typically made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It is a social and communal affair, with friends and family gathering around the grill, enjoying the mouth watering aromas and savoring the smoky, hearty flavors. Santa Maria Style BBQ is a celebration of both the region’s agricultural heritage and the spirit of outdoor cooking, creating a culinary experience that is both rustic and refined.
Ingredients of Santa Maria Style BBQ
⦁ – 2 teaspoons salt
⦁ – 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
⦁ – 2 teaspoons garlic powder
⦁ – 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
⦁ – 1 teaspoon onion powder
⦁ – 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
⦁ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⦁ – 1 (2 1/2 pound) beef tri-tip roast
⦁ – ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
⦁ – ⅓ cup vegetable oil
⦁ – 4 cloves crushed garlic
⦁ – ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Steps to make Santa Maria Style BBQ
Step 1
In a bowl, stir together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Ensure the ingredients are well mixed for a balanced seasoning blend. This versatile mixture can add flavor to a variety of dishes, including meats, poultry, vegetables, and marinades.
Step 2
In a glass baking dish, place the tri-tip and generously coat it on all sides with the spice mixture. Make sure the meat is well covered with the spices. Next, cover the dish with plastic wrap to seal in the flavors and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the spices to penetrate and enhance the taste of the tri-tip. This marinating process will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the delicious flavors of the spice blend.
Step 3
In a sealable container, combine vinegar, vegetable oil, crushed garlic, and Dijon mustard. Make sure the container is tightly sealed. Shake the container vigorously until all the ingredients are well blended together. The shaking action will help emulsify the oil and vinegar, creating a harmonious mixture. This flavorful dressing can be used to enhance the taste of salads, marinades, or as a basting sauce for your Santa Maria Style BBQ.
Step 4
After the 4-hour marinating time, take the tri-tip out of the refrigerator. Allow it to sit uncovered at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat come to a more even temperature before cooking. Allowing it to rest at room temperature ensures more even cooking and helps the tri-tip retain its juiciness and tenderness. Once the 30 minutes have passed, the tri-tip will be ready to be cooked to perfection on the grill or in the oven, according to your preferred cooking method.
Step 5
Before grilling, preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. This can be done by turning on the grill and allowing it to heat up for several minutes. Additionally, lightly oil the grates of the grill to prevent the meat from sticking. This will ensure that the tri-tip cooks evenly and achieves a delicious sear. Once the grill is hot and the grates are lightly oiled, you’re ready to start grilling the tri-tip to perfection.
Step 6
Place the seasoned tri-tip on the preheated grill and brush it with the vinegar mixture. Allow it to cook for approximately 4 minutes, then flip the meat and baste it with more of the vinegar mixture. Repeat the process of flipping and basting the tri-tip every 4 minutes. Continue cooking until the tri-tip starts to firm up and has a reddish-pink and juicy center. This should take around 25 to 30 minutes in total. To ensure the meat is cooked to the desired doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the tri-tip. It should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Once cooked, remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.
Nutrition Facts
⦁ – Calories: Approximately 40 calories per serving.
⦁ – Total Fat: Approximately 0.4g.
⦁ – Cholesterol: 32mg.
⦁ – Sodium: Approximately 4,606mg (may vary based on the specific brand and type of salt used).
⦁ – Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g.
⦁ – Fiber: Approximately 2.4g.
⦁ – Protein: Approximately 1.8g.
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Steps to avoid while making Santa Maria Style BBQ
1. Over-marinating: While marinating the tri-tip is essential, avoid marinating it for too long. Over-marinating can result in the meat becoming too tender and mushy.
2. Using excessive heat: While grilling the tri-tip, avoid using excessively high heat. Santa Maria Style BBQ is known for its slow-cooking technique, so it’s important to maintain a moderate heat level for even cooking and to prevent charring.
3. Skipping the resting period: After cooking the tri-tip, don’t skip the resting period. Allowing the meat to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
4. Not monitoring internal temperature: To ensure the tri-tip is cooked to the desired level of doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking the meat.
5. Neglecting the balance of flavors: Santa Maria Style BBQ is known for its simple yet delicious flavor profile. Pay attention to the balance of the seasoning rub and the marinade to ensure the flavors complement each other without overpowering the natural taste of the tri-tip.
FAQ
1. Q: What makes Santa Maria Style BBQ unique?
A: Santa Maria Style BBQ is known for its open-fire grilling using red oak logs, which imparts a distinct smokiness to the meats. The centerpiece is the tri-tip, seasoned with a simple rub and slow-cooked to perfection.
2. Q: Can I use a different type of wood for grilling?
A: While red oak is traditional, you can experiment with other hardwoods like mesquite or hickory to add different flavors to your BBQ.
3. Q: What can I serve as sides with Santa Maria Style BBQ?
A: Traditional accompaniments include pinquito beans and fresh salsa. You can also add grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a green salad.
4. Q: Can I cook the tri-tip in the oven instead of on a grill?
A: Yes, you can cook the tri-tip in the oven by following similar cooking temperatures and times. However, grilling over open fire is the traditional method.
5. Q: Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of salt, pepper, and spices in the rub according to your personal preferences.
6. Q: How long should I marinate the tri-tip?
A: It is recommended to marinate the tri-tip for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, you can marinate it longer for more intense flavor.
7. Q: Can I use a different cut of beef instead of tri-tip?
A: Tri-tip is the traditional cut for Santa Maria Style BBQ, but you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
8. Q: Can I substitute the red wine vinegar with another type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use a different vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you prefer. It may slightly alter the taste.
9. Q: Is Santa Maria Style BBQ suitable for different dietary preferences?
A: Yes, Santa Maria Style BBQ can be adapted for different dietary preferences. You can use a leaner cut of beef, adjust the seasoning to reduce sodium, and choose sides that suit your dietary needs.
10. Q: Can I freeze leftover Santa Maria Style BBQ?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked tri-tip for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw and reheat properly before consuming.