Description
Santa maria roast beef brings California’s central coast flavor to your dinner table, celebrating traditional tri-tip barbecue with bold, smoky spices. Robust seasoning and perfect grilling technique promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2.5–3 pounds (1.1–1.4 kilograms) tri-tip roast
Dry Rub Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Cooking Preparation:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by thoroughly drying the cut and removing any unnecessary fat layers, then massage the surface with a light coating of olive oil to enhance moisture retention.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by combining all dry rub ingredients in a mixing container, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Massage the seasoning mixture comprehensively across the entire meat surface, allowing the roast to absorb flavors at ambient temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Configure the cooking surface to medium-high temperature, targeting around 425°F, with a two-zone heat arrangement if using a grill to provide controlled cooking environments.
- Execute an initial searing process by placing the meat directly over high heat, developing a rich caramelized exterior for roughly 4-5 minutes per side until a dark, crispy crust emerges.
- Transition the roast to the cooler section of the cooking surface, maintaining lid closure to create a controlled thermal environment and promote even internal cooking.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for a perfect medium-rare result, which typically requires 20-30 minutes depending on the meat’s thickness.
- Remove from heat and allow the roast to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Slice the rested meat against the grain into thin, uniform pieces to preserve moisture and optimize texture for serving.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose a high-quality tri-tip with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor intensity.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Seasoning Strategy: Allow the dry rub to penetrate the meat by letting it sit at room temperature, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles.
- Slicing Technique: Always cut against the grain to ensure each slice remains tender and easy to chew, maximizing the eating experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg