Holy Savory Santa Maria Roast Beef Recipe for Sunday Dinners

Beef lovers rejoice in this mouthwatering santa maria roast beef recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this classic dish brings robust flavors and tender textures to your dinner table.

The santa maria roast beef method originated in California’s Central Coast region, celebrating traditional barbecue techniques.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this savory masterpiece with simple yet powerful seasonings.

Marinated and grilled with care, each slice promises a rich, succulent experience that melts in your mouth.

Salt, pepper, and garlic create a sublime rub that transforms an ordinary cut into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this legendary beef preparation that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 9

How To Make Santa Maria Roast Beef

• Prepare the Beef

Grab your tri-tip and give it a quick pat down to remove excess moisture. Massage a light layer of olive oil across the entire surface to help seasonings stick and promote beautiful browning.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip together a zesty dry rub blend that will make your taste buds dance. Generously coat the entire roast, ensuring every inch gets some love. Let the meat hang out at room temperature and absorb those incredible flavors for about 30 minutes.

• Fire Up the Heat

Crank your grill or oven to a sizzling 425°F. If using a grill, set up a two-zone cooking area to control temperature perfectly.

• Develop a Golden Crust

Sear the beef over direct heat, creating a mouthwatering exterior with deep caramelized edges. Flip once and repeat on the other side, aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown finish.

• Slow and Steady Cooking

Move the roast to indirect heat, allowing it to cook gently. Close the lid and let it reach a perfect medium-rare around 130°F. This typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on thickness.

• Allow Juices to Settle

Give your masterpiece a 10-minute rest period. This crucial step helps redistribute delicious juices. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve your delectable Santa Maria-style roast beef.

Tips To Master Santa Maria Roast Beef

• Perfect Meat Texture Trick: Let the roast sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent doneness throughout the meat.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Skip any sugary seasonings in the dry rub and focus on herb-based spices to keep the recipe suitable for low-carb and keto diet followers.
• Oven-to-Grill Flexibility: This Santa Maria-style roast beef works beautifully in both outdoor grills and indoor ovens, making it adaptable for different cooking environments and seasons.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining roast beef into delicious sandwiches, salad toppers, or quick stir-fry protein by storing sliced meat in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the dry rub's heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, allowing guests to enjoy a mild or spicier version based on personal preference.

How To Serve Santa Maria Roast Beef

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Creamy horseradish sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the rich beef perfectly.
• Rustic Side Delight: Roasted Santa Maria-style pinquito beans provide an authentic regional touch that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Grilled asparagus spears with a light lemon sprinkle create a bright, crisp contrast to the hearty roast beef.
• Wine Pairing Magic: A bold California Cabernet Sauvignon or robust Zinfandel will harmonize beautifully with the meat's smoky, seasoned profile.

Storing Santa Maria Roast Beef

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover roast beef in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate up to 4 days, keeping meat moist by adding a splash of beef broth before sealing.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Slice cold roast beef for sandwiches, salad toppers, or quick tacos. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of broth to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap sliced or whole roast beef tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
• Temperature Safety Check: Always use a food thermometer when reheating. Warm roast beef to internal temperature of 165F to ensure safe consumption and kill potential bacteria. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain meat quality.

Santa Maria Roast Beef Ingredients

• Tri-Tip Roast: Premium cut perfect for grilling, choose well-marbled meat for maximum tenderness and flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasoning stick and creates beautiful caramelized exterior during cooking.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances meat's natural flavors and helps form delicious crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warm undertone and classic Santa Maria seasoning profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep savory notes without raw garlic bite.
• Dried Oregano: Introduces subtle herbal background characteristic of California-style seasoning.

• Salsa: Fresh tomato-based condiment that complements grilled beef's richness.
• Tortillas: Traditional side that allows guests to create impromptu beef wraps.
• Pinquito Beans: Signature Santa Maria side dish with smoky, hearty profile.

Tools For Cooking Santa Maria Roast Beef

• Grill or Oven: Essential for cooking the roast at high heat, perfect for achieving that delicious crust.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking the internal temperature and ensuring perfect doneness.
• Cutting Board: Large surface needed for patting dry the meat and slicing after cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Ideal for trimming fat and slicing the roast thinly against the grain.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing the dry rub ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving the roast on the grill or in the oven.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional for tenting the meat during resting period.

Tender Santa Maria Roast Beef Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Santa maria roast beef, a classic California culinary gem, showcases robust beef seasoned with regional spices. Local ranchers perfected this tender, juicy dish that celebrates central coast cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2.123 pounds (963 grams) tri-tip roast (or sirloin roast)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 tsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Meticulously blot the roast with paper towels to eliminate moisture, trim excess fat, and massage olive oil across the entire surface to create a protective protective layer that enhances flavor retention.
2. Seasoning Development: Combine dry rub ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly massaging the spice mixture over the entire roast to ensure comprehensive coverage. Allow the seasoned meat to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, enabling flavor absorption and temperature equilibration.
3. Heat Configuration: Preheat the cooking apparatus to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, establishing two distinct heating zones if grilling – one for direct high-intensity searing and another for controlled, indirect cooking.
4. Searing Stage: Position the roast over high heat, caramelizing each side for 4-5 minutes to develop a rich, flavorful exterior crust that seals in moisture and intensifies taste profile.
5. Precision Cooking: Transfer the roast to the cooler section of the grill or oven, closing the lid and monitoring internal temperature. Target 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare doneness, typically requiring 20-30 minutes depending on the cut’s thickness.
6. Finishing and Serving: After cooking, let the roast rest undisturbed for 10 minutes to facilitate juice redistribution. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and create an optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat the beef thoroughly dry before seasoning to guarantee a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Seasoning Strategy: Let the spice rub sit on the meat for 30-45 minutes to deeply penetrate and enhance flavor complexity.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature for consistent doneness, avoiding overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the roast to rest exactly 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 727 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg