Whether cooking a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert, an electric pressure cooker can help you make quick work of some of your kitchen duties. This introduction to the Instant Pot will help get you decide if an electric pressure cooker is for you.
The Instant Pot is a versatile and convenient appliance that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. However, it’s important to use it properly and follow the instructions in your user manual to ensure that it functions correctly and safely.
While the term “Instant Pot” is commonly used, it’s actually a brand name. There are a number of manufacturers who produce electric pressure cookers; the Instant Pot is just one brand. It happens to be the brand I own, so I tend to refer to mine as an Instant Pot. Just know that there are other options!
Cooking Options
As you can see in the image below, there are a number of functions to choose from. I particularly like the sauté option, as I can brown ingredients before setting the Instant Pot to pressure cook.
There’s also a slow cooker function. My Instant Pot also stands in as a rice cooker.
One Appliance, Many Functions
One of the greatest things about the Instant Pot is that it extends the number of cooking options in your kitchen, especially handy during the holidays when the stove top is running at full capacity.
The Instant Pot, with its different functions can act as many different appliances, reducing the amount of space you use in your kitchen. It can be a:
- Rice cooker
- Slow cooker
- Steamer
- Electric pressure cooker
The options offered will vary by Instant Pot models. With a collection of good Instant Pot recipes, this little device is a great option for small kitchens!
This appliance is made of a heavy base which holds the heating element, the removable metal inner pot, and a lid with a pressure valve. The bottom of the cooking pot sits directly on the heating element.
Pressure Cooking
If you have a new Instant Pot and are just learning to use it, follow these simple steps for first time success:
- Prepare the ingredients as directed in the recipe and add them to the Instant Pot in the order specified.
- Check to assure that the sealing ring is attached properly. This silicone ring sits inside the lid; the groove in the ring should align with (and be held in place by) the metal frame in the lid.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid by setting it in place and turning until it plays a little tune. This indicates that the lid is properly seated. Check the steam release valve to be sure it’s in the sealing position. If left in the venting position, steam will escape from the pot and pressure will not build.
- Set the cooking time and pressure level. The manual setting is the basic cooking option for cooking under pressure; you may be able to choose high pressure or low pressure. The exact settings will depend on the recipe you’re using and the model of electric pressure cooker, so be sure to follow the recipe and manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Press the start button on the Instant Pot to begin the cooking process. The time required to reach full pressure will vary depending on what you’re cooking and how full the pot is. Once pressure builds, the cooking time will begin. You’ll see this on the digital read-out on the front of the pot.
- When the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep to let you know that the cooking time is complete. To release the pressure, you can use either the natural release method or the quick release method. See below for more on how to do this. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this safely.
- Once the pressure has been released, you can open the lid and serve the food.
One thing to note is that the cook time listed in a recipe does not include the time needed for the appliance to build pressure, nor does it include the time required for using the natural release method. So while a recipe needs to cook for 20 minutes, it may take as much as 40 minutes to complete the cooking cycle.
When Can I Open my Instant Pot?
One common question that many Instant Pot users have is when they can remove the lid from the pot. The answer to this question depends on the recipe.
If you’re using the Instant Pot to pressure cook food, it’s important to wait until the pressure has been released and reaches a safe level before removing the lid. The high pressure inside the pot can result in steam burns or other injuries if you try to open the lid too soon.
To release the pressure and cool down the pot, you can use one of two methods: natural pressure release or quick pressure release.
With natural pressure release, you simply allow the pot to sit undisturbed until the pressure has naturally dissipated. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of food you’re cooking. You should be able to freely turn the lid. (One of the great IP safety features is that the lid will not easily open while pressure remains in the pot.)
With a quick release method, you’ll manually open the pressure release valve. This will cause a jet of steam to emerge; be sure to use an oven mitt or cover the steam vent with a towel to protect yourself from the hot steam. As the remaining pressure diminishes, the steam will stop flowing. It’s a good idea to wait a few minutes, then you can carefully open the lid. Be sure to tip the top of the lid away from you to prevent steam burns!
If you’re using the Instant Pot to slow cook or sauté food, you can remove the lid at any time during the cooking process as it is not under pressure.
Safety Precautions
It’s true — these electric pressure cookers cook food under pressure. (Ha! Did this just start playing in your head??) The concern I hear most is that of a potential explosion.
And of course you should use caution when using an electric pressure cooker. What does that mean?
- Follow manufacturer’s directions on filling the pot. Don’t exceed the maximum fill line!
- Use caution and common sense when manually opening the steam release button. Steam will flow from the vent when it’s opened. Be sure that no parts of you are in its path to prevent burns.
- Do not try to remove the lid while the cooker is still pressurized. Whether you allow for a natural or manual release, be sure that pressure is completely released before lifting the lid.
- As with any hot pan, lift the lid away from you, to prevent steam from escaping toward you.
There are ten Instant Pot safety mechanisms in place to prevent dangerous accidents.
I’ve been cooking in my Instant Pot for years now, and have no incidents to report!
The Instant Pot can be used for making sweets, too, like this easy strawberry compote.
For those of us on a budget, there’s another thing to consider about cooking in an Instant Pot. Even the least expensive cuts of meat (or toughest roosters) come out falling-off-the-bone tender.
It’s all I use anymore for cooking dry beans from scratch. I use it regularly for making broth and soups, for making rice, and for cooking taro.
For all of the things an Instant Pot can do, these electric pressure cookers are not a safe method for pressure canning.
Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot is excellent for cooking fast meals, but you can use it for making sweet stuff, too!
Instant Pot Meat Sauce
This rich and flavorful meat sauce is easy in the Instant Pot. Serve it over pasta, polenta, or just alongside a loaf of crusty French bread for dipping!
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash makes a great low-carb substitute for pasta. Making it in the Instant Pot is a snap!
Instant Pot Chili Recipe with Beef and Beans
This healthy beef chili recipe is a budget-friendly dinner option. Perfect for Superbowl game day, too!
Instant Pot Turkey Gravy
Homemade gravy is easy to make from scratch! You can make it on the stove top or use your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Strawberry Compote
This easy two-ingredient strawberry compote is great on French toast or spooned over ice cream.
Instant Pot Refried Beans
Build a better burrito with these Instant Pot refried beans! Homemade from dried beans, they're budget friendly and a great addition to taco night.
Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Pecans
This apple spice cake can be baked in an Instant Pot or a standard oven.
Thai Peanut Noodles - Quick and Easy in the Instant Pot
This noodle recipe makes a lovely light lunch or a side dish for your favorite grilled meats.
Easy 30 Minute Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Serve this Indian-inspired butter chicken recipe over rice for a warming meal.
Easy Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe - Cultured Table
Desssert in the Instant Pot? Yes indeed! This creamy and delicious cheesecake is a great way to end a meal.
Instant Pot Carnitas for an Easy Meal
This tender pork is flavorful and perfect for taco Tuesday!
