Okay, let’s talk about how to make a tri-tip in a slow cooker. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while, and it turned out pretty good, so I thought I’d share my experience.
First, I got a nice piece of tri-tip from the store. It was about 2.5 pounds, and I made sure it wasn’t too fatty, but still had some good marbling. I know some folks trim the fat completely, but a little bit is key for flavor.
Next, I prepped the tri-tip. I made a simple rub with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little paprika. Nothing too crazy, just wanted to give it a little extra somethin’-somethin’. I rubbed that all over the meat, making sure to get it in all the nooks and crannies.
Then, I heated up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it was hot, I seared the tri-tip on all sides. This is important to develop that crust and seal in some of those juices. I know some people don’t bother, but I think it’s worth it. It only took a few minutes per side.
After searing, I transferred the tri-tip to my slow cooker. I poured in about a cup of beef broth. You could use other liquids, but I wanted to keep it simple this time. You can get fancy if you want, it’s your dish, after all!
Cooking Time
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
I set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 7 hours. You could do high for a shorter time, but I wasn’t in a rush. After 7 hours, I checked the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. I was aiming for around 135°F for medium-rare. It was right on the money.
Once it was done, I took the tri-tip out of the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This is crucial, don’t skip this step! You gotta let those juices redistribute. I covered it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Finally, I sliced the tri-tip against the grain. It was super tender and juicy. I served it up with some roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. It was a hit! Honestly, it’s a pretty easy way to cook a tri-tip, and it comes out delicious. Give it a try sometime. You won’t be sorry!
Enjoy!
