Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip BBQ
Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip BBQ is a signature dish from California's Central Coast, featuring a beef tri-tip roast seasoned with a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices, then grilled over red oak wood. It's traditionally served with pinquito beans, a fresh salsa, and garlic bread, making it a staple of local celebrations and gatherings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbs, providing a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving contains roughly 400-500 calories, depending on the cut and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Zinc | 8.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Selenium | 38 mcg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.7 mg |
Per 1 serving (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of red oak wood for grilling imparts a unique, slightly sweet smoky flavor that's distinct to the Santa Maria region. Nutritionally, tri-tip is a leaner cut compared to other barbecue meats, offering a balance of flavor and protein without excessive fat.
