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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.