Santa Maria Style Grilled Tri Tip Roast

Enjoy a bold, smoky tri tip roast with a classic garlic pepper crust, perfect for grilling and slicing for a crowd.
Prep 10 Mins
Cook 30 Mins
Serves 6–8

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pat the tri tip dry, then rub it generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  • Preheat grill for two-zone heat: one side high direct heat, one side indirect.
  • Sear the tri tip over direct heat for 4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.
  • Move to indirect heat, close the lid, and grill for 18 minutes.
  • Rest 10 minutes, then slice thin against the grain and serve.

Santa Maria Style Grilled Tri Tip Roast Recipe

Grill a Santa Maria style tri tip roast the right way with a simple, flavour-packed rub and a fire that builds a smoky crust while keeping the center juicy. This recipe breaks down exactly how to season, set up your grill for direct and indirect heat, and hit the right doneness for tender, sliceable beef.

You’ll also learn the key step most people miss: how to rest and slice tri tip against the grain so it stays tender instead of chewy. Expect clear temperatures, timing guidance, and practical tips so you can repeat the results every time.

Made with Diamond D Ranch beef, this is a straightforward, crowd pleasing grilled tri tip recipe that delivers bold flavour without complicated steps. Serve it for family dinners, cookouts, or meal prep, and enjoy steakhouse-style slices at home.

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