There’s something extremely satisfying about a perfectly grilled tri-tip. Born in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Santa Maria-style tri-tip is smoky & garlicky. This version adds a freezer-friendly twist: marinate ahead, then reverse sear or grill when the craving hits. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend crowd or stocking your summer grill stash, this recipe is designed for flavor, flexibility, and a little bit of ranch house magic. It’s one of the mainstays in my Cattle Country Ranch House edition of my freezer-to-grill series What Makes it Santa-Maria style? Best Cuts to Use Cooking Options What to Serve it With Santa Maria-style meals are traditionally served with: For your…