Are you looking for a flavorful and tender roast that's ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven roasting? Then look no further! This Instant Pot Tri Tip Roast recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and surprisingly easy even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family with this incredibly juicy and delicious homemade meal, all thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pound tri-tip roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Instructions:
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Sear the Tri Tip: Pat the tri-tip roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the final dish.
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Prepare the Instant Pot: Transfer the seared tri-tip to your Instant Pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme to the pot.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. Larger roasts may need the full 75 minutes for optimal tenderness.
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Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. This slow release is crucial for keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender. After the natural release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the tri-tip from the Instant Pot and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid and serve the delicious juices alongside the sliced tri-tip.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tri Tip:
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate properly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time depends on the size of your roast. A larger roast might require a slightly longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F for medium-rare to medium.
- Make a delicious gravy: Use the leftover cooking liquid to make a rich and flavorful gravy. Simply thicken it on the stovetop with a cornstarch slurry or flour roux.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include carrots, potatoes, or onions alongside the roast for a complete one-pot meal. Add them during the last 20 minutes of cooking time.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Different liquids: Swap the red wine for another liquid like apple cider or even just more beef broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Instant Pot tri-tip roast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a healthy meal option that's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this simple yet impressive recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners!