The Most Popular 4th of July Dish in Every U.S. State

In California, the 4th of July doesn’t revolve around fireworks—it revolves around tri-tip. Born in Santa Maria and perfected on red oak grills, this cut of beef became a West Coast cookout icon in the mid-20th century. Juicy, seasoned with just garlic, salt, and pepper, and sliced thick across the grain, it feeds a crowd with style.

Why tri-tip? Because Californians don’t just grill—they curate. This is a state that celebrates diversity and sunshine, and tri-tip delivers both: adaptable, bold, and perfectly at home beside avocado salad and a citrus IPA. It’s beachy. It’s smoky. It’s pure California.