California Santa Maria Tri-Tip on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Santa Maria Tri-Tip is a classic Californian BBQ recipe that delivers mouthwatering, juicy beef with a perfect crust. This recipe uses the Arteflame Grill to achieve a steakhouse-quality sear on the center grill grate at over 1,000°F before reverse-searing on the flat-top cooktop. The result is a flavorful and perfectly cooked tri-tip bursting with smoky, garlicky goodness. Let's fire up the grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 (2-3 lb) tri-tip roast
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Wood chunks for smoking
• Optional: Fresh salsa or beans for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Arteflame Grill

• Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
• Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
• Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
• Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F.

Step 2: Seasoning the Tri-Tip

• In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the tri-tip.
• Let the seasoned meat rest at room temperature while the grill heats.

Step 3: Searing the Tri-Tip

• Once the grill is ready, place the tri-tip directly onto the center grill grate.
• Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a deep crust forms.
• Move the seared tri-tip to the flat cooktop away from the intense heat.

Step 4: Reverse Searing on the Flat Cooktop

• Apply butter to the cooktop and place the seared tri-tip onto it.
• Cook the tri-tip until it reaches 115-120°F for rare, 125°F for medium-rare, or 135°F for medium.
• Remove the tri-tip from the grill when it is about 15°F below the desired final temperature.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

• Let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
• Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Serve with fresh salsa or beans.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
• Slice the tri-tip thinly against the grain for the best texture.
• Grilling vegetables on the flat-top cooktop while cooking the tri-tip makes for a complete meal.

Variations

1. Smoky Chipotle: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder to the rub for a spicy, smoky kick.
2. Herb Crusted: Mix in 1 tbsp dried rosemary and thyme for a herbaceous flavor.
3. Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 tbsp brown sugar and ½ tsp cayenne to the seasoning mix for a caramelized, spicy crust.
4. Garlic Butter: Melt garlic butter and baste the tri-tip while cooking for extra richness.
5. Teriyaki Glaze: Brush on teriyaki sauce during grilling for an Asian-inspired twist.

Best Pairings

• Grilled vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers
• Homemade salsa or pico de gallo
• Warm garlic bread
• A bold red wine such as Zinfandel or Syrah
• Classic baked beans or grilled corn

Conclusion

The Arteflame Grill brings out the best in tri-tip, delivering a flavorful crust and juicy center through the reverse-searing method. Master this California BBQ classic and impress your guests with a restaurant-quality grilled tri-tip.