A Santa Maria tri-tip seasoned with Chef John's spectacular spice rub is grilled until the steak is black outside, deliciously juicy, and pink inside.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Calories
452 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Stir salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
Step 2
Place tri-tip in a glass baking dish and coat on all sides with spice mixture. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Step 3
Combine vinegar, vegetable oil, crushed garlic, and Dijon mustard in a sealable container. Cover the container and shake until ingredients are blended.
Step 4
Remove tri-tip from the refrigerator. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 5
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat; lightly oil the grates.
Step 6
Place tri-tip on the preheated grill and brush with vinegar mixture. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, and baste. Flip and baste every 4 minutes until tri-tip starts to firm up and is reddish-pink and juicy in the center, 25 to 30 minutes total. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.