Santa Maria Style BBQ Oakwood Grilled Tri-tip

A classic BBQ recipe with a flavorful seasoning salt mixture and a tangy basting sauce.

Santa Maria Style BBQ Oakwood Grilled Tri-tip

  • Servings: 6 servings

Perfect for a summer cookout.

Ingredients

  • 2 3-pound tri-tip roasts


Seasoning Salt Mixture:

  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp white pepper
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 4 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 6 tbsp salt


Basting Sauce:

  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Directions

  • Heat a grill to low.
  • Mix together all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Smash garlic cloves into a paste. Transfer garlic paste to a small bowl; whisk in oil and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate basting liquid for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days.
  • Coat both sides of the tri-tips with half of the seasoning mixture, rubbing it in as you would a dry rub. Let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Place the tri-tips over a low-temperature fire, 1 with the fat side up, and the other with the fat side down.
  • Turn as the first side gets crispy, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful of flare-ups, as the dripping fat will fuel the fire.
  • Turn the tri-tips before the heat pushes juices out the top, and continue to turn using this timing method throughout the cooking process.
  • After turning, baste with sauce and season lightly, 4 times per side.
  • Continue turning until the tri-tips are cooked to your liking.
  • Remove from fire and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into 1/2-inch slices against the grain.