• Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Prep-Ahead Meals Cookbooks
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Gardening
  • Kid’s Activities
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Budgeting Tips
↑

Premeditated Leftovers™

Prep-Ahead Meals, Cooking Tips, and Frugal Living

  • Cookbooks
    • Prep-Ahead Breakfasts and Lunches
    • Prep-Ahead Meals From Scratch
  • Recipe Index
  • Members Area
    • Member Login
    • Join Us
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Garden
  • DIY
  • Kids
  • Budget

You are here: Home / Recipes and Cooking Tips / Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

February 6, 2019 by Alea Milham 41 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
13612 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Easy Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

This Instant Pot Tri-Tip recipe is perfect for when it is too cold to grill!

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

If you are not from California you may never have heard of Tri-Tip, but it is one of my favorite roasts. Tri-Tip is great roasted or grilled, but when I am craving a roast and don’t have a lot of time to prepare one I cook tri-tip in my Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.

What is Tri-Tip?

Tri-Tip is a triangular shaped cut of meat that is from the bottom of the sirloin. It is lower in fat than many cuts of beef, though it often comes with a piece of fat attached to it. If you can’t find it in your grocery store, ask the butcher to cut this specifically for you.

How Do You Season Tri-Tip?

There is no right or wrong way to season tri-tip. Many people in the Southwest like to season their tri-tip with a Santa Maria Dry Rub. I’ve included my Santa Maria Dry Rub Mix recipe below. Some like to season it with a steak rub. I’ve also included a basic steak dry rub mix recipe below. However, there is no reason you can’t get creative and use Cajun Seasoning or Chipotle Seasoning.

Santa Maria Dry Rub Mix Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Directions:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a jar.
  2. Attach the lid and shake to blend.

While the Santa Maria seasoning is commonly used on tri-tip, I often use a steak dry rub when I have company over as it is a little less spicy.

Basic Steak Dry Rub Mix Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a jar.
  2. Attach the lid and shake to blend.

Do you have to use a dry rub on Tri-Tip?

While a dry rub works well on Tri-Tip, you don’t have to use one. I occasionally add a 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 4 minced cloves of garlic to the Tri-Tip to add flavor instead of using a spice mix. You can also top your Tri-Tip with 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce instead of using a dry rub. It is your Tri-Tip, you can season it however you wish.

How to Cook Tri-Tip in an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

The directions are similar for cooking tri-tip in an Instant Pot, an electric pressure cooker, a multi-cooker such as the Ninja Foodi, and a stove-top pressure cooker.

Searing the Meat

Not all Electric Pressure Cookers have a saute function that allows you to brown the roast. If your pressure cooker doesn’t allow you to sear the meat first, you can do it in a frying pan or you can skip that step. Your tri-tip will still be tender even if you don’t brown it first.

Use the Rack

No matter which appliance you are using, you should place the rack that came with your pot on the bottom of the pot before cooking under high pressure, then place the tri-tip on it, so the roast sits on the rack or trivet instead of directly on the bottom of the pot.

How Much Liquid Do I Add?

When cooking Tri-Tip in an Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker, add 1 cup of beef broth. When cooking Tri-Tip in a stovetop Pressure Cooker add 2 cups of beef broth because stovetop pressure cookers release more steam than Instant Pots and Electric Pressure Cookers.

Use the Quick Release Method when done the meat is done cooking.

For an Instant Pot, an Electric Pressure Cooker, or a multicooker like the Ninja Foodi you will carefully move the release valve from “sealed” to “release”. I recommend using a potholder on your hand when you move the release valve because the steam is very hot.

For a stovetop Pressure Cooker, you will move the pot to the sink and run cold water over the pot until it stops releasing steam.

Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

These cooking instructions will cook the tri-tip to medium doneness. There will be a little pink in the center. If you do not want any pink, cook it for 30 – 35 minutes. Even if it is well done, without a trace of pink, it will still be very tender.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pound tri-tip roast
  • 3 – 4 tablespoons of dry rub mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth

Directions:

1. Slice the thick layer of fat off of the tri-tip.

Cut the layer of fat off of the tri-tip.

2. Sprinkle 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons of dry rub into each side of the tri-tip.

Sprinkle the rub over the tri-tip.

3. Work the rub into the meat.

Work the rub into the meat.

4. Heat the Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker to Saute.

5. Place the tri-tip in the pot and brown the bottom.

Place the tri tip in the Instant Pot and brown the bottom.

6. Flip the meat over and brown the other side.

Flip over the meat and brown the other side

7. Place the rack in the pot. Put the tri-tip roast on top of the rack. Add the broth to the pot.

Place the browned meat on the rack and add the beef broth

8. Seal the lid and turn the valve to sealed. Select the “high-pressure cooker” button, “Meat” button, “Beef” button or the “manual” button. Ensure the high-pressure feature is lit. Then set the timer to 25 minutes. When your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker has stopped cooking, use a potholder to open the valve to quickly release the steam. Ensure all steam has been released and then carefully remove the lid.

9. Remove the tri-tip and let the roast rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. While the tri-tip is resting make gravy using the recipe below if you wish.

Slice the cooked tri-tip after allowing it to rest for 5 minutes

Video of Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

You can print out the directions at the bottom of this article.

How to Make Beef Gravy from Tri-Tip Drippings

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of beef drippings
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

  1. Turn the Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker back to the saute function.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the beef broth or water with the cornstarch until it is smooth.
  3. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the roast drippings, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated.
  4. Continue cooking, while stirring until the gravy is thick and smooth.

How to Make Gravy in an Instant Pot

Ladle the beef gravy into a gravy boat and serve with the sliced tri-tip.

Instant Pot tri-tip with homemade gravy

Printable Recipe for Instant Pot Tri-Tip

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe
Print
5 from 13 votes

Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for Instant Pot Tri-Tip.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Instant Pot Tri-Tip Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 8
Calories 284kcal
Author Alea

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pounds tri-tip roast
  • 3 - 4 tablespoons of dry rub mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Directions:

  • Slice the thick layer of fat off of the tri-tip.
  • Rub 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons of dry rub into each side of the tri-tip.
  • Heat the Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker to Saute.
  • Place the tri-tip in the pot and brown the bottom.
  • Flip the meat over and brown the other side.
  • Place the rack in the pot. Put the tri-tip roast on top of the rack. Add the broth to the pot. A
  • Seal the lid and turn the valve to closed. Select the "high-pressure cooker" button, "Meat" button, "Beef" button or the "manual" button. Ensure the high-pressure feature is lit. Then set the time to 25 minutes. When your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker has stopped cooking, use a pot holder to open the valve to quickly release the steam. Ensure all steam has been released and then carefully remove the lid.
  • Remove the tri-tip and let the roast rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. While the tri-tip is resting make gravy using the recipe below.

Notes

Check your owner's manual for safe handling instructions for your Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 562mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2.6mg

More Pressure Cooker Recipes

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Cooking Beans in a Pressure Cooker

How to Cook Swiss Steak in a Pressure Cooker

How to Make Rice in a Pressure Cooker

This recipe was originally published September 15, 2011, but was updated on February 6, 2019.

13612 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

About Alea Milham

Alea Milham is the owner of Premeditated Leftovers and the author of Prep-Ahead Meals from Scatch. She shares her tips for saving money and time while reducing waste in her home. Her favorite hobby, gardening, is a frugal source of organic produce for her recipes. She believes it is possible to live fully and eat well while spending less.

Comments

  1. Conny says

    July 13, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    Tomorrow will be my first time to cook a tri-tip in the crockpot we will see I’m goi g to try it with bbq sauce

    Reply
  2. Vanessab says

    December 4, 2022 at 6:38 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is a hit at my house and a keeper, thank you. I used the Santa Maria rub you provided. I love that it is easy and doesn’t make a huge mess or heat up the house (or smoke it up when using an oven method on high heat).

    Reply
  3. Linda Nelson says

    March 1, 2022 at 3:54 pm

    5 stars
    I season with the Keg steak spice and that’s it. This is a great way to prepare tri-tip. Has become a family favourite. I serve with oven roasted squash and salad!!

    Reply
  4. Kirsten Joy Hobbs says

    February 28, 2022 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    Yum, thanks for all the extra tips!

    Reply
  5. Carol says

    November 17, 2021 at 11:38 am

    Have you ever tried this with a frozen tri-tip? How would you adjust cooking time?

    Reply
  6. Stacey says

    March 18, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    If I am using a Ninja Foodie Instant Pot and it does not have a manual setting or meat setting, only says pressure cooker, what temperature do I set it for? 350? 390?

    Reply
    • Shelley Ratcliff says

      April 28, 2021 at 9:58 am

      for the pressure cooker, it does not give a temperature. The temperature is for the air fryer.

      Reply
  7. Lisa Matta says

    February 22, 2021 at 10:05 am

    I loved your video! I have a 4 – 5 lb tri-tip. How long should I set the insta-pot for?

    Reply
  8. Autumn says

    February 6, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    So happy I found this recipe. I hadn’t heard of tri tip before I started doing butcher box. I’ve gotten this cut a few times but it came out the best following this recipe – the other times I don’t know what recipe I followed but it wasn’t as good. I used the basic rub and added harissa and extra pepper. Used 3/4 cup of broth and that worked fine. I cooked for 30 minutes.

    Reply
  9. Mary Jean Dennis says

    January 25, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    Tried it tonight and it was delicious! My family loved it! Thank you!😋

    Reply
  10. JAMIE says

    January 5, 2021 at 9:08 am

    Is it correct to use quick release? I have always read to do np release for all meats. Just want to make sure as I’m cooking for company!

    Reply
    • Alea Milham says

      January 5, 2021 at 12:40 pm

      Yes, it is correct to use quick release because we have cooked the meat at high pressure to ensure it is cooked through.

      Reply
  11. Kristie says

    September 19, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    We typically buy our tri-tips pre seasoned from our butcher shop in our home town here is Southern California, they are amazing, especially with cheesy potatoes, or funeral potatoes as some people call them.
    I ended up buying a plain one at my supermarket so I am going to season myself and try it in the Instant Pot, just wondering though that if its only 1.88 lbs, how long should I cook it?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  12. Rob Lemons says

    July 18, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    I put the rub on and wrapped ir in plastic wrap for 3 hours. I went 23 minutes with steak still frozen in the middle in hopes of getting a medium center (wild wishful guestimation). It worked well regardless of my breaking the rules. I would recommend following the recipe closely, And starting with a fully thawed steak.
    Rhe Gravy was really good and took the steak to another level.

    Reply
  13. Kristin says

    June 4, 2020 at 11:48 am

    Anyone try without beef broth? Any substitutes for beef broth?

    Reply
    • Tonia Quintanilla says

      March 3, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      I used onion soup mix in a cup of warm water. Turned out great!!

      Reply
  14. Kathleen Bianchi says

    February 28, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Well, I have some tri-tip steaks and am going to try cooking them in my Instant Pot. I’ll saute the steaks, add potatoes, carrots and onions with beef broth, and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Wish me luck.
    Thanks. Kathleen B.

    Reply
  15. Mary G says

    November 26, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    It’s Wonderful!! Thank you so much for this fabulous recipe. It’s part of my go-to recipes from now on!

    Reply
  16. Nan T says

    November 22, 2019 at 10:28 am

    Oh my gosh. I am from Central Coast of CA and we always BBQ tri-tip. My kids don’t really love charred meat, so I decided to try this. BEST ROAST I have ever cooked. Actually, this is one of the best meals I have ever cooked. Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply
  17. Pat says

    September 7, 2019 at 10:32 am

    5 stars
    I bought two small tri-tips that were already pre marinated with garlic and herb seasoning. I put one package of ajus mix and 3 cups of water in the pressure cooker. Due to high altitude and more pounds of meat I cooked for 38 min. Used the Ajus and sliced the roasts thin for French dip type sandwiches. Thank you for the wonderful recipe and information on tri tip roasts. I wouldn’t have tried this without your guidance! It was so good I am cooking another today in fact.

    Reply
    • Alea Milham says

      September 8, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      Sounds delicious! I love the idea of using tri-tip to make French Dip sandwiches!

      Reply
  18. John says

    July 27, 2019 at 11:00 am

    What temp should I use for a stovetop pressure cooker?

    Reply
  19. Stefanie says

    May 10, 2019 at 7:49 am

    Hi, my tri tip is about 3.5 pounds. How much more time should I add to the cook time? 35 minutes?

    Reply
  20. Jim Williams says

    April 9, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    I’m going to try this recipe, never cooked tri tip in a pressure cooker. I grew up in Santa Maria, CA and was raised on BBQ’d tri tip cooked over a pit of white oak. It is very popular served with pinkito beans, a green salad and garlic bread. One of the tricks we used was to stab the tri tip in various spots and insert whole cloves of garlic it helps to infuse the meat with the garlic flavor. You can leave the garlic there after cooking. Dry rubs work great but just seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder works great as well. Slice against the grain when serving. Living in Santa Maria as a kid in the 60’s it was not uncommon to see BBQ Grill trailers set up in the parking lot of shopping centers, Tri Tip dinners being served for a price of about $5 per person, this included the Tri-Tip Beans and Garlic Bread. Organizations like the Elks, Moose and Eagles all had brick and mortar grill pits and had Tri Tip feeds for the lodge members. You could drive through the County Park any weekend and find groups of folks, families and the like with their Santa Maria Style BBQ Grills on wheels set up and Tri-Tip and Half Chickens on the grill. The smell was ahhhhhh! and the food was soooooo good. I left there in 73 after graduating High School and joining the Navy, I am not sure if it is still the same way or not probably not, but it is a memory I will never forget.

    Reply
  21. Susan says

    February 11, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is wonderful. As an aside however, the pictures show it being slice with the grain. It will be much more tender if you slice it against the grain.

    Reply
    • Alea Milham says

      February 12, 2019 at 8:51 pm

      That is a good point. I always cut tri-tip against the grain when I grill it or roast it. However, I find that it is so tender when cooked in the Instant Pot that it isn’t an issue.

      Reply
  22. Leah says

    February 7, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    5 stars
    This was amazing! So tender and really delicious. I’ll be making this again!

    Reply
  23. Ann says

    January 12, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    This was so quick and easy. It turned out really tender too. Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Dixie Graham says

    December 21, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Is it necessary to use a rack? My rack rests very high in the pot.

    Reply
    • Mary King says

      February 20, 2019 at 5:38 pm

      Turn the rack upside down,

      Reply
      • Alea Milham says

        February 21, 2019 at 12:53 am

        Mary, that is a great idea!

        Reply
  25. Christine Chambers says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:21 am

    Can I put the tri tip in frozen or does it have to be thawed?

    Reply
    • Alea Milham says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:30 pm

      I usually put it in completely thawed. On occasion, I have put the tri-tip in mostly thawed and added 10 minutes to the time. But I have never put it in completely frozen.

      Reply
  26. Rhonda says

    August 15, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    5 stars
    Best roast I’ve ever tasted or cooked. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Darlene HOPEWELL says

      November 17, 2019 at 6:42 am

      I loved the tri tip and steak rub recipe for the instant pot. I am 82 and that was best roast I ever made in 62 yrs of cooking.

      Reply
      • Karen Fisher says

        April 5, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        I’m going to make it tonight hope it’s good

        Reply
    • Karen Fisher says

      April 5, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      Would you put potatoes, celery and carrots in with it while it’s cooking

      Reply
  27. Alea Milham says

    June 18, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Neither of the pressure cookers I use have psi. Check your manual to see at what psi high pressure is on your pressure cooker.

    Reply
  28. Marc says

    September 26, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Tri-tip roast should be a little pink in the middle. Watch your cooking time. You can always close it up and toss it back on the flame. The cooker will be rocking in just a minute. All beef, pork, and some chicken should be seared first in the pot to lock in the all the juices. This not only does that, but it also adds flavor and makes it look so much better on the plate. Tri-tips will usually have a nice crust on them when you get it at a restaurant or a sub shop. Great as a BBQ’d sandwich. Cook it, throw in the fridge and it will slice as thin as paper the next day.

    Reply
  29. Mary says

    September 15, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    I live in the south and had no clue what a tri-tip was! I’ve heard it discussed on message boards but was too embarrassed to ask!

    Reply
  30. Swathi says

    September 15, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    In India, I have seen people cooking meat in pressure cooker, I love that kitchen utensil it is always great help.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Search

Prep-Ahead Breakfasts and Lunches by Alea Milham

Recent Articles:

watermelon cupcakes with whipped cream frosting

How to Make Watermelon Cupcakes

Blueberry Popsicles made with real blueberries

Easy Homemade Blueberry Popsicles Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Prep-Ahead Meals from Scratch Where to Buy

BROWSE:

  • Blog
  • Cookbooks
  • Recipe Index
  • Members Area

ABOUT:

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

Welcome. I'm Alea!

On Premeditated Leftovers I share simple recipes made with whole foods, practical shopping tips, time saving techniques, and meal planning strategies. I also share tips for minimizing food waste, so more of the food that is purchased ends up on the table.

While volunteering as a budget counselor, I realized that food is the element of most people’s budgets where they have the greatest control. I set out to develop low-cost recipes from scratch to prove it’s possible to create delicious meals on a limited budget. Eating well while spending less is about more than just creating recipes using inexpensive ingredients; it’s about creatively combining ingredients so you don’t feel deprived and are inspired to stick to your budget.

Copyright ©2025, Premeditated Leftovers™. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs