santa maria steak recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best santa maria steak recipe

I’ve always been a fan of Santa Maria steak, and my family loves it just as much as I do. This recipe is a staple in our household, and we often have it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

The dish originated in Santa Maria, California, where it was served at the local wineries and became a popular favorite. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s also incredibly easy to make.

The key to making a great Santa Maria steak is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it low and slow over red oak wood. This allows the meat to absorb all the rich flavors of the wood smoke, giving it a depth of flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.

We often serve our Santa Maria steak with a side of garlic butter and herbs, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. My kids love helping me prepare the meal, and they always get excited when they see the sizzling steak on the grill.

It’s a meal that brings us all together and creates memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s also incredibly healthy, thanks to the lean cut of beef and the low cooking temperature.

This makes it a great option for families who are looking for a hearty yet nutritious meal.

Santa Maria Steak

4.5 from 1334 votes

Santa Maria steak is a classic California barbecue dish featuring tri-tip steak seasoned with a special dry rub and grilled to perfection. This recipe serves 4 people and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Santa Maria Steak Rub

2 tbsp garlic salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder

For the Steak

3 lbs tri-tip steak
1/4 cup olive oil

For Garnish

fresh parsley
lemon wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
2Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any residue.
3Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
4In a small bowl, combine garlic salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to make the Santa Maria steak rub.
5Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
6Pat the tri-tip steak dry with paper towels.
7This helps to achieve a better sear.
8Generously apply the Santa Maria steak rub to both sides of the steak, pressing gently to ensure the rub adheres to the meat.
9Drizzle both sides of the steak with olive oil to help the rub stick and promote even cooking.
10Place the steak on the preheated grill, positioning it diagonally to the grill grates.
11This helps to create attractive grill marks.
12Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
13Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the steak.
14Close the grill lid to maintain heat and promote even cooking.
15Once the steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
16Let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes, loosely tented with aluminum foil.
17This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak.
18After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
19This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew.
20Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
21Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly grilled Santa Maria steak.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Grill brush
Basting brush
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 23g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can marinate the steak in red wine overnight before grilling. Ensure the steak is at room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking.

Watch Video Of How Santa Maria Steak Works

This Santa Maria steak recipe is always a hit with my family and friends, and I highly recommend giving it a try for your next family gathering or special occasion.

The key to making this recipe work is using high-quality ingredients and cooking it low and slow over red oak wood – trust me, it makes all the difference!

When you’re ready to serve your Santa Maria steak, be sure to pair it with some garlic butter and herbs – they add an extra layer of flavor that complements the rich flavors of the wood smoke perfectly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Maria Steak

What type of steak is best for Santa Maria steak?

The best type of steak for Santa Maria steak is a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye. Look for cuts that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure they stay tender during cooking.

How do you prepare the grill for Santa Maria steak?

To prepare the grill for Santa Maria steak, you’ll need to heat it up over red oak wood until it reaches an internal temperature of 500°F (260°C). Once heated, reduce the heat to medium-low (about 275°F or 135°C) to maintain a consistent temperature throughout cooking.

What is the secret ingredient in this recipe?

There isn’t really a secret ingredient in this recipe – just good old-fashioned garlic butter! However, feel free to experiment with different seasonings or herbs to add your own twist on this classic dish.

Can I cook this recipe on an indoor grill or grill pan?

While you can cook this recipe on an indoor grill or grill pan, keep in mind that it won’t have the same smoky flavor as cooking over an outdoor grill with red oak wood. If you’re looking for a more authentic taste experience, consider investing in an outdoor grill or using your oven with a broiler attachment.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Unfortunately not – this recipe features beef as its main ingredient.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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