Santa Maria seasoning is a distinctive dry rub from the Santa Maria Valley region, and this zesty blend of spices and herbs is a flavor in Santa Maria-style barbecue, imparting a salty, peppery snap to grilled meats.
While commercial versions are available, homemade Santa Maria seasoning allows you to customize the flavors with its simple-to-make with common pantry ingredients. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs create the signature savoriness. Sugar balances the strong seasonings.
Red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat. This versatile rub pairs perfectly with beef, especially tri-tip, but also shines on pork, chicken, or fish. For those who enjoy experimenting with cooking methods, try using this seasoning for dishes like air fryer chicken katsu.
A small batch of seasoning will last for months, letting you add authentic Santa Maria flavor anytime. Your grilled meats will never taste the same once you incorporate this addictive regional specialty.
Santa Maria Seasoning
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns, coarsely ground
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried parsley
Notes
Procedure
- Add the sea salt, coarsely ground black pepper, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Transfer the seasoning blend to a jar with an airtight lid. Seal and shake vigorously to further mix and evenly distribute the Santa maria seasoning ingredients.
- Coat your proteins generously with Santa Maria seasoning before grilling. For beef tri-tip, pat the seasoning evenly over all surfaces. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to infuse the flavor.
- Grill seasoned meat over high direct heat, turning occasionally, until cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side for tri-tip. The seasoning will form a savory, crispy crust. If you’re a fan of enhancing beef’s natural flavors, you might also want to check out this method for making confit steak.
Tips and Tricks About Santa Maria Seasoning
- Use higher-quality pre-ground black pepper for the best flavor in this simple blend.
- Customize with other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
- Coat vegetables like zucchini, onions, and bell peppers with this seasoning to add to your grill.
- Mix the seasoning with olive oil to quickly marinate proteins before grilling.
- For a nice crunch, toast the whole peppercorns briefly before grinding.
- Mix in a dash of ground cumin or coriander for added earthiness.
- Use liberally on meats before grilling or sprinkle over dishes like steaks or burgers just before serving.
Conclusion
Santa Maria seasoning may contain common spices, but it packs a flavor of regional specialty rooted in California barbecue tradition–Its zesty rub deserves a permanent place in any griller’s pantry.
Made with simple Santa maria seasoning ingredients you likely have on hand, Whip up a batch to enjoy year-round on everything from beef to chicken and more. If you’re looking for another delicious dish to elevate your cooking game, don’t miss out on this creamy chicken velvet soup.
I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and discover how Santa Maria seasoning takes grilled foods from ordinary to extraordinary with its addictive salty, savory pop. Just be prepared for it to become your new go-to seasoning for all meats headed to the grill.
