This Instant Pot Tri Tip Roast is tender and flavorful when cooked in the Instant Pot and it's easy to cook it to the perfect internal temperature with a sear on the outside, even when pressure cooked.
Trim the tri tip of all but 1/4” of the fat cap, if there is one. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Mix together all of the seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle it evenly over the tri tip and pat it in with your hands. Let sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavor.
Set the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Pour in the water. Place the tri tip on the trivet.
Close and lock the lid. Cook for 20 minutes on high pressure with a 5 minute natural release, then release the remaining pressure. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure your desired internal temp has been reached: 135°-140° F for medium, 145° F for medium-well.
Remove the roast to a plate to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
If the meat hasn’t reached the proper internal temperature, lock the lid back on and let sit on Keep Warm for 5 more minutes.
Adjust the cook time: If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For medium-rare, cook for 18 minutes; for medium, cook for 20 minutes; and for medium-well cook for 22 minutes.
If you want a sear on the outside of the roast, you can heat the pot on sauté mode, add some oil, and sear the roast on all sides for 2-3 minutes. If you do this, you will need to reduce the pressure cooking time to 15-17 minutes or the meat will be overcooked.
Let it rest: Allowing the tri tip to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps to retain its juices and ensures a tender result.