Best Foods to Cook on a Santa Maria Grill

A Santa Maria grill is known for its ability to cook over live fire while giving the cook precise control over heat. With its adjustable grate system, this style of grill makes it easier to bring out bold wood-fired flavor in a wide variety of foods.

While Santa Maria–style grilling is famous for California tri-tip, the design works exceptionally well for much more than beef. From seafood to vegetables, the right foods can truly showcase what this style of grilling can do.

Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is the classic choice for Santa Maria grilling and remains one of the most popular foods to cook over an open flame.

Because the grate can be raised or lowered, you can:

• Sear the outside over high heat
• Slowly finish the roast
• Preserve natural juices
• Create a rich smoke flavor

The adjustable cooking height helps larger cuts cook evenly without burning the exterior before the center reaches the desired temperature.

Ribeye Steaks

Ribeye steaks benefit from the intense sear that a live-fire grill can produce.

A Santa Maria grill allows you to:

• Lower the grate for a crust on the outside
• Raise it to finish gently
• Prevent excessive flare-ups from rendered fat

That control helps create the kind of steakhouse-quality finish many outdoor cooks want at home.

Chicken Halves

Chicken can be difficult over direct flame because the skin can burn before the meat fully cooks.

With a Santa Maria grill, you can:

• Start closer to the fire for crispy skin
• Raise the grate to finish slowly
• Maintain moisture inside the meat

This makes split chicken or chicken halves an excellent match for this cooking method.

Sausage

Sausage cooks especially well over wood or charcoal because the smoke complements the seasoning.

The adjustable grate helps by:

• Reducing split casings
• Preventing scorching
• Allowing even browning
• Managing flare-ups from dripping fat

Whether cooking fresh sausage or smoked links, the steady heat creates excellent results.

Vegetables

Vegetables often become more flavorful when cooked over live fire.

Great options include:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Corn on the cob

The open flame adds a subtle char while the adjustable grate helps avoid overcooking delicate vegetables.

Seafood

Seafood can benefit from the gentle heat control of a Santa Maria grill.

Popular choices include:

• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Lobster tails
• Scallops
• Whole fish

By raising the cooking surface slightly, seafood can cook evenly without drying out or sticking excessively.

Cast Iron Side Dishes

Santa Maria grills can also handle cast iron cookware for side dishes cooked alongside the main course.

Common favorites include:

• Roasted potatoes
• Baked beans
• Skillet vegetables
• Macaroni and cheese
• Cornbread

Cooking side dishes over the same fire can add another layer of flavor to the meal.

A Grill Built for Versatility

The foods you cook and the amount of space you need can help determine which Santa Maria grill best fits your outdoor setup. The SMG 36 Santa Maria Grill is a practical choice for everyday backyard cooking, offering enough grilling space for meals like tri-tip, steaks, vegetables, and seafood. For those who regularly cook for larger groups, the SMG 60 SS Santa Maria Grill provides a larger stainless steel cooking area while preserving the same adjustable-height control that makes Santa Maria grilling unique.

Both models allow cooks to enjoy traditional wood-fired flavor while adapting to different cooking styles and outdoor spaces.

More Than a Traditional Grill

While many grills can cook basic meals, a Santa Maria grill offers a cooking experience that combines:

• Fire control
• Versatility
• Authentic flavor
• Traditional craftsmanship

For cooks who enjoy live-fire grilling, the right foods can quickly show why this style has remained popular for generations.