How to Cook Tri Tip in Instant Pot: Your Easy Guide

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Unlock Tender Tri-Tip Perfection with Your Instant Pot!

Ever gazed at a beautiful tri-tip roast, dreaming of a succulent, flavorful meal but felt intimidated by the cooking process? Well, get ready to have your mind blown by your trusty Instant Pot! This often-underestimated cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and lean texture, can transform into an incredibly tender and juicy masterpiece right in your pressure cooker. We’re here to walk you through exactly how to cook tri tip in Instant Pot, making it an absolute breeze even for beginner cooks.

Forget long oven roasts or complex grilling techniques. The Instant Pot uses high-pressure steam to tenderize the tri-tip quickly, locking in moisture and flavor. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this method promises a delicious, stress-free experience. Let’s dive in and make some magic!

Gather Your Gear & Goodies: What You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything ready to go. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a few key ingredients and your Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pound beef tri-tip roast (trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other high-heat cooking oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • Optional: Your favorite tri-tip rub or steak seasoning

Equipment:

  • Instant Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
  • Trivet or steamer rack that fits inside your Instant Pot
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step: Instant Pot Tri-Tip Perfection

Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, unbelievably tender tri-tip every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Tri-Tip

Start by patting your tri-tip roast completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear! If there’s any silverskin or excessive fat, trim it off. Next, generously season the entire roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other rub you prefer. Make sure to really rub the seasoning into the meat.

Step 2: Searing for Flavor (Don’t Skip This!)

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get nice and hot – you should see a shimmer. Carefully place the seasoned tri-tip into the hot pot. Sear each side for 3-5 minutes, or until you achieve a deep golden-brown crust. This searing step is essential for developing incredible flavor and creating a beautiful outer layer on your roast. Once seared, remove the tri-tip and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Deglazing the Pot

The bottom of your Instant Pot will have delicious browned bits stuck to it – these are called “fond” and are packed with flavor! Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the bottom. This process, called deglazing, prevents the “Burn” error and adds depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking Time!

Place the trivet or steamer rack into the Instant Pot, then carefully set the seared tri-tip on top of the trivet. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure. For a medium-rare tri-tip, cook for 15 minutes. For medium, aim for 20 minutes, and for medium-well, 25 minutes. Remember, cook times can vary slightly based on the thickness of your roast.

Step 5: Natural Release & Resting

Once the cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to open the lid immediately! Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10-15 minutes. This “natural release” helps the meat reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more tender and moist roast. After the natural release, manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the sealing valve to “Venting.” Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.

Carefully remove the tri-tip from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for another 10-15 minutes. This resting period is just as crucial as the cooking itself, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice.

Step 6: Slice Against the Grain & Serve

Tri-tip has two distinct grain directions, so pay attention! Look closely at the meat and identify the direction of the muscle fibers. Slice against the grain into thin pieces. This makes a huge difference in tenderness! Serve your delicious Instant Pot tri-tip immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for a Flawless Tri-Tip

Want to elevate your Instant Pot tri-tip from good to absolutely amazing? Keep these insider tips in mind:

  • Marination Magic: For an even deeper flavor, marinate your tri-tip for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, before cooking. A simple marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear! Searing isn’t just for looks; it creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds layers of flavor to your roast. It’s a non-negotiable step.
  • Deglaze Like a Pro: Those browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pot are pure flavor. Scraping them up with a liquid adds incredible depth to any pan sauce or just enhances the overall taste.
  • Temperature Matters: The best way to ensure your tri-tip is cooked to your liking is with a reliable meat thermometer. Here’s a quick guide:
    • Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
    • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
    • Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
    • Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

    Remember, the temperature will rise a few degrees during the resting period.

  • Slice Against the Grain: This is arguably the most important tip for tenderness. Tri-tip is notorious for being tough if sliced incorrectly. Take a moment to observe the grain and slice perpendicularly to it.
  • The Importance of Resting: Seriously, don’t rush this! Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.

What to Serve with Your Tender Tri-Tip

Your perfectly cooked Instant Pot tri-tip deserves some equally delicious companions! Here are some ideas:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes
  • Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli
  • A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
  • Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up those delicious juices
  • A rich mushroom gravy (you can make one using the Instant Pot drippings!)

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any tri-tip leftover (which is unlikely once people taste it!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s delicious sliced cold for sandwiches or reheated gently for another meal.

Quick Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about cooking tri-tip in your Instant Pot:

What internal temperature should my tri-tip be?

For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C). Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast.

Can I use quick release instead of natural release?

While you can, it’s not recommended for larger cuts of meat like tri-tip. Natural release (or at least a partial natural release) is vital for keeping the meat tender and juicy. Quick releasing too early can result in tougher, drier meat.

What if I don’t have a trivet or rack?

A trivet is essential to keep the meat out of the liquid, allowing it to steam properly. If you don’t have one, you can fashion one out of crumpled aluminum foil, making a coil or several balls to create a raised surface. Just ensure it’s stable enough to hold the tri-tip.

Can I cook a smaller or larger tri-tip?

The cooking time provided is for a 2-3 pound roast. If your tri-tip is significantly smaller, you might reduce the pressure cooking time by a couple of minutes. For a larger roast, you might add 5-10 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Enjoy Your Instant Pot Tri-Tip!

There you have it – a straightforward, delicious way to conquer tri-tip with your Instant Pot. With these steps and tips, you’re ready to impress yourself and your family with a tender, flavorful roast that tastes like it took all day to make, but only took a fraction of the time. Happy cooking!

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