If you’re a fan of slow-cooked, flavorful meats, then smoking Santa Maria style tri tip is a must-try. The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland smoker is perfect for achieving the signature charred exterior and juicy, tender interior of this classic California cut. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down the process of smoking Santa Maria style tri tip on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland, so you can impress your guests at your next backyard barbecue. From choosing the right cut of meat to seasoning and cooking, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get smoking!
How to Smoke Santa Maria Style Tri Tip on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful cut of meat to smoke, look no further than Santa Maria tri-tip. This cut, which comes from the bottom sirloin, is a favorite in California’s Santa Maria Valley. It’s a lean and tender cut that’s perfect for smoking, and it packs a ton of flavor when combined with the right seasoning and smoking method.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through how to smoke Santa Maria style tri-tip on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland. We’ll cover everything from seasoning the meat to monitoring the temperature and cooking time. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to smoke a perfect tri-tip every time.
Materials
- Santa Maria tri-tip (1-2 pounds)
- Red oak wood chunks
- Offset smoker (we used the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland)
- Instant-read thermometer
- Wireless thermometer
- Cutting board
- Butcher’s paper
- Aluminum foil
- Gas grill
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
To prepare the tri-tip for smoking, you’ll want to start by creating a simple rub. Mix together black pepper, garlic powder, and coarse salt in a small bowl. Once you have your rub ready, it’s time to apply it to the meat.
Take your tri-tip and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Then, generously apply the rub all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 2: Set up the Smoker
Before you start smoking, you’ll need to get your smoker set up. Preheat your Oklahoma Joe’s Highland to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you have a good fire going with plenty of red oak wood chunks.
Step 3: Smoke the Meat
Once your smoker is up to temperature, it’s time to start smoking the tri-tip. Place the meat on the smoker and close the lid. Monitor the temperature with your wireless thermometer, making sure it stays at a steady 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
After about 1.5 hours of smoking, the internal temperature of the tri-tip should be around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect time to take it off the smoker and sear it on a gas grill.
Step 4: Sear the Tri-Tip
To get a bit of crust on your tri-tip, you’ll want to sear it on a gas grill. Preheat your grill to high heat. Then, carefully place the tri-tip on the grill and sear it for about 3 minutes on each side.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Meat
Once your tri-tip has been seared, it’s time to wrap it in foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the juices distribute evenly throughout the meat.
After the tri-tip has rested, it’s time to slice it. Make sure to cut against the grain to ensure tender, flavorful slices. Serve it up and enjoy!
Conclusion
Smoking Santa Maria style tri-tip on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland is a delicious and rewarding experience. With the right seasoning and smoking method, you can create a juicy, flavorful cut of meat that your whole family will love. Just remember to monitor the temperature, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different rubs and seasonings.
FAQs
- What kind of wood should I use to smoke tri-tip?
- We recommend using red oak wood chunks for the best flavor.
- Do I need a wireless thermometer to smoke tri-tip?
- While you don’t necessarily need a wireless thermometer, it does make the process much easier and more accurate.
- Can I smoke tri-tip in a pellet smoker?
- Yes, you can smoke tri-tip in a pellet smoker. Just make sure to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
- How should I slice my tri-tip?
- Make sure to cut against the grain to ensure tender, flavorful slices.
- Can I make Santa Maria style tri-tip without an offset smoker?
- While an offset smoker is the traditional way to smoke Santa Maria style tri-tip, you can also use a pellet smoker or any other type of smoker that can maintain a steady temperature.
