When you think of barbecue, your mind might immediately jump to the smoky flavors of Texas brisket, the tangy sauces of Kansas City ribs, or the pulled pork of the Carolinas. However, there’s another barbecue style that often flies under the radar, even though it’s been a tradition in the American West for well over a century.
This is California’s own Santa Maria style barbecue—a cooking tradition that has been perfected on the Central Coast. Unlike the slow-cooked, sauce-slathered meats you might find elsewhere in the country, Santa Maria style barbecue focuses on simplicity, quality, and the pure, unadulterated flavor of the meat itself. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special and how you can bring a piece of this California tradition to your own backyard.
The Roots of Santa Maria Style Barbecue
As its name suggests, Santa Maria style barbecue originated in the Santa Maria Valley on the Central Coast of California. Its roots go back to the early 19th century, during the days of the Spanish rancheros. These ranchers would host large gatherings, often called “fiestas,” where they would cook beef over a red oak fire, a local hardwood that imparts a distinct flavor to the meat.
These fiestas were community events, with everyone coming together to enjoy the food, music, and camaraderie. The tradition of cooking meat over an open flame became deeply ingrained in the culture of the Santa Maria Valley, and it eventually evolved into what we now recognize as Santa Maria style barbecue.
What Makes Santa Maria Style Barbecue Unique?
Santa Maria style barbecue stands out from other types of barbecue for several reasons. One of them is the type of meat used. While other barbecue traditions might focus on pork or brisket, Santa Maria style barbecue is all about beef, specifically tri-tip.
Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. In the past, it was considered a less desirable cut and often ground into hamburger meat. But in Santa Maria, it became the star of the barbecue, thanks to the following cooking method:
- The meat is first seasoned simply with a mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some cooks might add a few other spices, but the seasoning is generally kept straightforward to let the flavor of the beef shine through.
- Once seasoned, the meat is grilled over an open flame, using red oak wood that burns hot and imparts a slightly sweet, smoky flavort. The grills used in Santa Maria style barbecue are often adjustable, allowing the cook to raise or lower the meat over the fire to control the cooking temperature.
Cooking tri-tip over an open flame requires attention and skill. It’s typically cooked to medium-rare, with a nice char on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. The result is a cut of beef that is flavorful, slightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying.
This style of barbecue has become so iconic that it has been declared the official barbecue of California. You’ll find it served at community events, restaurants, and even competitive barbecue circuits. The annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, for example, is a major event that showcases the region’s barbecue tradition, drawing visitors from all over the state.
Traditional Santa Maria Style Barbecue Sides
No barbecue is complete without a selection of delicious sides, and Santa Maria style barbecue is no exception. The traditional sides served with this type of barbecue are simple but complement the beef perfectly.
- Pinto Beans: One of the most common sides is pinquito beans, a small pink bean that is native to the Santa Maria Valley. These beans are typically slow-cooked with bacon, onions, garlic, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with the grilled beef.
- French Bread: Another traditional side is grilled French bread, often served with a garlic butter spread. The bread is toasted over the same red oak fire used for the beef, giving it a smoky flavor that matches the meat perfectly.
- Salad: A fresh green salad is also a common accompaniment, providing a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the meat and beans. The salad is usually dressed with a simple vinaigrette, allowing the freshness of the greens to stand out.
Some variations might include salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chilies, adding a bright, zesty element to the meal.
How to Enjoy Santa Maria Style Barbecue at Home
If you’re inspired to try Santa Maria style barbecue yourself, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to recreate at home, even if you’re not in California! The key is to start with a good-quality tri-tip roast and keep the seasoning simple.
Here’s a basic guide to getting started:
- Clean Your Grill: Come on now. Don’t go through all this work only to cook on a dirty, greasy grill. Make sure your BBQ is ready to cook and give it a thorough cleaning. Need help? SDBBQ offers barbecue grill cleaning services in Southern Cali.
- Choose Your Tri-Tip: Look for a well-marbled tri-tip roast, ideally around 2-3 pounds. Trim off any excess fat, but leave some for flavor.
- Season the Meat: Mix together salt, pepper, and garlic powder in equal parts. Rub the seasoning all over the tri-tip, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Prepare the Grill: If you have access to red oak wood, that’s ideal. If not, you can use other hardwoods like hickory or oak. Set up your grill for indirect cooking, with the wood or charcoal on one side and the meat on the other.
- Grill the Tri-Tip: Place the tri-tip on the grill, over indirect heat. Cook the meat, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. This should take about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast and the heat of your grill.
- Rest and Slice: Once the tri-tip is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin slices.
- Serve with Traditional Sides: Pair your tri-tip with pinquito beans, grilled garlic bread, and a fresh green salad for a true Santa Maria style barbecue experience.
Enjoy Santa Maria Style Barbecue at Home
Santa Maria style barbecue has grown from its humble beginnings on the ranches of the Central Coast to become a beloved tradition throughout California and beyond. Whether you’re enjoying it at a large fiesta or a small backyard gathering, it brings people together to share good food and good company.
If you’re a BBQ fan who loves to grill at home, it’s important to keep your equipment in top shape. San Diego BBQ can help you maintain your grill or even provide you with a brand new one to keep the Santa Maria style tradition alive in your own backyard. Give us a call and let’s make sure your grill is always ready for your next barbecue adventure. We provide BBQ services in the Greater San Diego area. To schedule a free estimate, call (858) 605-5777 today.
