If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a classic tri tip roast, the Instant Pot tri tip recipe is the perfect solution. The Instant Pot, a popular kitchen appliance, allows you to cook this flavorful cut of meat to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Instant Pot tri tip recipe, how to achieve a tender, juicy roast, and how to pair it with sides that your whole family will love.
Why Choose an Instant Pot Tri Tip Recipe?
Tri tip is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and has a delicious natural flavor. The Instant Pot helps you cook this hearty cut of meat quickly while keeping it juicy and tender.
Here are a few reasons why the Instant Pot tri tip recipe is a game-changer:
- Fast Cooking: The Instant Pot reduces the cooking time for tri tip from several hours in the oven or on the grill to just about 60 minutes.
- Tender and Juicy: The pressure cooking function locks in moisture, creating a tender, juicy roast.
- Flavor Infusion: The Instant Pot allows for deep flavor infusion. As the roast cooks, the spices and seasonings meld with the meat, creating a mouthwatering dish.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve prepared the meat and set it in the Instant Pot, you don’t have to worry about it until it’s done. This allows you to focus on other tasks or relax while the Instant Pot works its magic.
What You’ll Need for This Instant Pot Tri Tip Recipe
Before diving into the cooking instructions, let’s first review the ingredients and equipment you’ll need for this Instant Pot tri tip recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lb tri tip roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Instant Pot
- Meat thermometer (optional, for perfect doneness)
- Tongs or spatula for searing
- Cutting board for resting the roast
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Instant Pot Tri Tip
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this Instant Pot tri tip recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Tri Tip
Start by seasoning the tri tip roast with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Then, rub the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme onto all sides of the meat. This seasoning combination will provide an aromatic flavor that complements the natural richness of the tri tip.
Step 2: Sear the Tri Tip
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tri tip roast. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust.
This step will help lock in the flavors and juices, giving your Instant Pot tri tip recipe a beautiful, caramelized exterior. Once the roast is seared on all sides, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
With the Instant Pot still on sauté mode, add a small amount of beef broth (around 1/4 cup) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits left at the bottom of the pot—this is where all the flavor is! These bits will infuse the roast with even more flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Tri Tip
Return the seared tri tip to the Instant Pot and pour the remaining beef broth (and soy sauce if using) over the meat. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.
Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes for medium doneness. If you prefer your tri tip medium-rare, cook it for about 40 minutes. For well-done tri tip, cook for 50 minutes.
Step 5: Natural Release and Resting
After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. This helps the meat retain moisture. After 10 minutes, quick-release any remaining pressure.
Remove the tri tip from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting the meat helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tender.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the tri tip against the grain to ensure it’s as tender as possible. Serve it as-is, or drizzle it with any remaining juices from the Instant Pot. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Delicious Variations of the Instant Pot Tri Tip Recipe
While this basic Instant Pot tri tip recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Garlic Butter Tri Tip
For a rich and buttery flavor, make a garlic butter sauce to serve with your tri tip. Simply melt butter in a pan, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Drizzle the garlic butter over your sliced tri tip just before serving.
2. BBQ Tri Tip
If you love barbecue flavors, you can add your favorite barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot after searing the meat. Cook the tri tip in the pressure cooker as usual, then finish by brushing more BBQ sauce onto the roast and broiling it for a few minutes in the oven for a caramelized finish.
3. Instant Pot Tri Tip with Veggies
For a one-pot meal, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the Instant Pot along with the tri tip roast. The veggies will absorb the flavors of the meat, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Just be sure to cut the veggies into chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Spicy Tri Tip
If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give your Instant Pot tri tip recipe a spicy kick that pairs well with the savory richness of the beef.
Best Sides to Serve with Instant Pot Tri Tip
A tri tip roast is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a delicious side dish can elevate the experience. Here are some side dish ideas to complement your Instant Pot tri tip recipe:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic make the perfect side dish for tri tip.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great veggie options that add color and flavor.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn pairs perfectly with the savory tri tip.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Tri Tip Every Time
Achieving the perfect tri tip every time can be challenging, but these tips will help ensure a tender, juicy roast:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for well-done.
- Don’t Skip the Searing Step: Searing the tri tip creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices. Don’t skip this step, as it enhances the overall flavor.
- Rest the Meat: Resting the meat before slicing ensures the juices don’t run out, making for a more flavorful and moist roast.
- Add Flavor with Broth or Wine: Using beef broth or a splash of red wine in the Instant Pot will infuse the meat with extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot tri tip recipe is the ultimate solution for preparing a flavorful, juicy roast in less time than traditional cooking methods. The Instant Pot’s ability to lock in moisture and infuse the meat with savory flavors makes this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or special family meals.
By following these easy steps and experimenting with different flavor variations, you can make a tri tip roast that will impress your family and guests every time.
Try this Instant Pot tri tip recipe today, and enjoy a tender, perfectly cooked tri tip with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
