No Santa Maria barbecue is truly complete without its most iconic side dish: Santa Maria style BBQ beans. While tri-tip grilled over red oak often gets the spotlight, these humble, creamy beans are just as essential to the authentic Central Coast experience. Made with a unique local variety known as pinquito beans, this dish delivers subtle, savory flavors that perfectly complement smoky grilled meats.
What Makes Santa Maria Style BBQ Beans Special?
Unlike other barbecue regions where beans are heavily sweetened or spiced, santa maria style BBQ beans take a more balanced, rustic approach. The dish uses pinquito beans—tiny, pinkish legumes native to California’s Central Coast. Their texture is creamy, their flavor mild but earthy, and when simmered with aromatics and a touch of seasoning, they become the heartwarming foundation of the meal.
These beans are most often served alongside grilled tri-tip, salsa fresca, and toasted garlic bread, making them part of the classic Santa Maria BBQ spread.
Pinquito Beans: The Star Ingredient
Pinquitos are the santa maria style BBQ beans that people prepare along with tri-tip cooked over red oak for an authentic meal. Grown exclusively in the Santa Maria Valley, these beans have earned a cult following for their unique size and rich texture.
If you can’t find pinquito beans locally, dried pink beans or small red beans are your best substitute, though nothing truly replicates the creamy bite of the original.
Where to Find Pinquito Beans
- Local Farms & Markets: If you’re near the Santa Maria Valley, regional farm stands and markets often sell pinquitos.
- Online Retailers: Several specialty food stores and local producers offer shipping nationwide.
- Gourmet Grocers: Some high-end or organic markets may carry pinquito beans, especially on the West Coast.
Classic Santa Maria Style BBQ Beans Recipe
To make a pot of traditional Santa Maria style BBQ beans at home, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. The magic is in the method—and giving the beans time to soak in the flavors of the seasonings and aromatics.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinquito beans
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced linguica or bacon for added depth
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Rinse pinquito beans and soak them overnight in water. Drain before cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, cook onion and garlic in a bit of oil until soft and fragrant.
- Simmer: Add beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and enough water to cover everything by two inches. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Protein (Optional): Stir in cooked bacon or linguica during the last 30 minutes for extra richness.
- Season and Serve: Once the beans are tender and creamy, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm alongside grilled tri-tip.
Check out our video and easy pinquito beans recipe.
How to Serve Santa Maria Style BBQ Beans
These beans are meant to be part of a well-rounded plate. Traditionally, they’re served spooned onto a plate with:
- Slices of oak-grilled tri-tip
- Salsa fresca (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime)
- Grilled French bread brushed with garlic butter
- A fresh green salad or macaroni salad
Don’t forget to offer extra beans for seconds—they always go fast.
Variations and Tips
While purists keep their santa maria style BBQ beans simple, there’s room to make the dish your own:
- Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving.
- Use a slow cooker to make preparation even easier for gatherings or events.
Just remember, no matter how you tweak them, the soul of this dish comes from the pinquito bean and its place in Central Coast culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Santa Maria BBQ may be best known for smoky tri-tip cooked over red oak, but the soul of the meal often sits quietly to the side in a warm bowl of santa maria style BBQ beans. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or crafting a full Central Coast-inspired dinner, these beans bring balance, comfort, and authenticity to every plate.
Now that you’ve got the recipe and the history, all that’s left is to get cooking. Embrace the simplicity and savor every bite of this true California classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are santa maria style BBQ beans made with?
They’re traditionally made using pinquito beans—small, pink beans native to the Santa Maria Valley—simmered with garlic, onions, spices, and sometimes a bit of linguica or bacon.
Can I substitute pinquito beans?
Yes, you can use pink beans or small red beans if pinquitos aren’t available, though the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same.
Are santa maria style BBQ beans spicy?
Not typically. The flavor is mild and savory. You can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just omit any added sausage or bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer base.
How long do they keep?
Cooked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer-term use. The flavor often improves the next day!