Okay, so I’ve been wanting to try making tri-tip in my Instant Pot for a while now. I’d seen some recipes floating around, but honestly, I was a little skeptical. Could you really get that good, smoky flavor from a pressure cooker? Turns out, you totally can (with a little help)!
Getting Started
First, I grabbed a nice-looking tri-tip roast from the store – about 2.5 pounds. I made sure it wasn’t too big to fit in my 6-quart Instant Pot.
The Seasoning
Next up, the all-important seasoning. I’m a big fan of keeping it simple, so I mixed up a rub with:
- Salt (plenty of it!)
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika (this is key for that smoky flavor)
I rubbed that mixture all over the tri-tip, making sure to get every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
The Sear
Now, this step is crucial for getting a nice crust. I heated up some oil in my Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Once it was hot, I carefully placed the tri-tip in and seared it for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it was nicely browned. This adds so much flavor!
Pressure Cooking Time
After searing, I removed the tri-tip and poured in about a cup of beef broth. I also added a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for extra flavor (totally optional). Then, I put the trivet in the Instant Pot and placed the tri-tip on top.
Here’s the tricky part: figuring out the cook time. I found that a good rule of thumb is about 10 minutes per pound, plus a 15-minute natural pressure release. So, for my 2.5-pound roast, I set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook” on some models) for 25 minutes.
The Natural Release
The 15-minute natural pressure release is very important to get more tender meat. I did a mistake once by immeditately release the pressure, and the meat became so dry.
The Results
After the natural pressure release, I carefully opened the Instant Pot and checked the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be around 135°F for medium-rare. I took the tri-tip out and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
And there you have it! Delicious, tender tri-tip, cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot. It was juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I served it with some roasted vegetables, and it was a total hit. I’ll definitely be making this again!
