Disadvantages Of Quick Release
Using Quick Release creates a lot of movement inside the pot. If the pot is very full or youve just cooked something foamy or starchy, this can result in liquid or bits of food spurting out of the release valve and making a mess of your kitchen.
Another side effect of the rapid change in pressure is that some foods can break apart or burst, especially beans. And if youre using Quick Release after cooking something that was meant for Natural Release, its likely your food will come out undercooked or tough.
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How Do I Use Quick Release
When using the Quick Release feature, steam will shoot out of the top of the Instant Pot very quickly, so be aware of location when doing this. The escaping steam can damage kitchen cabinets and may have a strong food smell.
For this reason, taking the pot outside for a second or moving it to a safe location like a countertop away from the cabinets or the kitchen table could be helpful. Whatever you choose to do, to use the Quick Release, do the following:
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Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release
I got my first ever instant pot on the 25th of November 2016. I remember the date well because it was my daughter Sofias 2nd birthday. We were doing the birthday thing and I was staring at my instant pot sat in its box and was super excited to get it out and see what all the fuss was about.
The next day the hubby and I, did just that and made instant pot broccoli, instant pot salmon and broccoli and a few other recipes, and of course the instant pot water test.
We had already been in the instant pot facebook groups and had learnt all the instant pot jargon and were ready to go.
But for those of you that havent learnt about the instant pot first, all that instant pot jargon is probably driving you crazy and the biggest one of all, is often instant pot natural pressure release.
Today, I wanted to make things even easier for you and share with you:
- What does natural release mean on instant pot?
- Natural release vs quick release.
- Do you turn instant pot off for natural release?
- How long is natural release on instant pot?
- How to do natural release on instant pot?
- And so much more.
Plus, as well as our free newsletter, we also have a free instant pot mini course. It is ideal for instant pot beginners or those that want to get more confident with their electric pressure cooker. The free course runs for 5 days with a new lesson delivered each day to your inbox.
How To Make Quinoa In An Instant Pot
Jump To RecipeThis post may contain affiliate links.
Heres how to make perfectly fluffy quinoa in your Instant Pot in just minutes! This foolproof method will give you delicious quinoa every time.
I typically cook quinoa in a rice cooker, but I know many of you dont have a rice cooker at home. Luckily, its easy to make quinoa in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker! I like using my Instant Pot because I get perfectly fluffy quinoa every single time. I dont have to worry about standing over the stove or keeping an eye on a simmering pot.
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What Is Quick Release Instant Pot
A quick release instant pot will release the pressure in no time. If you want to cook food quickly, go with this method.
As soon as the instant pot beeps, you turn the pressure release valve to open or the quick release valve to venting. Doing so will release the steam from the instant pot in no time.
However, be cautious while depressurizing the instant pot with a quick release method. Stay away from the steam release valve and consider using a potholder or a silicon glove to protect yourself from burns.
When you see or hear the float valve drop down, it means the quick pressure release process is over. It is now safe to open your Instant pot.
Natural Release Vs Quick Release: Whats The Difference
There are two ways you can release the pressure from your Instant Pot when the food is done cooking: Natural Release vs Quick Release.
Natural Release: Natural Release is letting the pressure release naturally. Instead of manually releasing the pressure, you wait for the pressure to release from the pot on its own.
Quick Release: A quick release method is immediately letting the pressure out of the pot once the food is done cooking. This process usually only takes a couple of minutes.
In recipes, you may see natural release as NR or NPR. You will see quick release as QR or QPR.
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How To Know When The Pressure Is Down Inside The Instant Pot
Every model of Instant Pot comprises of a float valve. This valve rises and falls while cooking to release pressure inside the pot. The position of the valve indicates the pressure level inside the Instant Pot. If the float valve is standing higher than the normal level, then the pot is still under pressure. On the other hand, is the valve is low or in its normal state, this means the pressure inside the pot has been released and its no longer sealed.
My Recipe Says To Do A Natural Release Followed By A Quick Release Help
Not to worry, many recipes have you do this.
First, you perform an Instant pot Natural Release for a certain amount of time, usually 10 or 15 minutes.
Then you to a Quick Pressure Release to toggle the steam release valve to quickly vent any remaining pressure.
Finally, you release any remaining pressure by moving the top of the Instant Pot from the sealed position to completely open. Just be careful to do this slowly.
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A Quick Review Of Important Terms
Since were focusing on the Instant Pot, there are few parts youll need to be able to identify in order for the information in this post to make sense. So lets quickly review a few of the most important parts of the Instant Pot that pertain to pressure release:
- Pressure Release Handle The big knob on the lid used to manually release pressure from the pot. Can be set to Sealing or Venting.
- Float Valve This is the round metal bit next to the pressure release handle. When it is level with the lid, the pot is pressurized when the float valve drops down, the pot is no longer pressurized and can be opened safely.
- Pressure Release Button Newer Instant Pot models dont have a pressure release handle, but rather a pressure release valve and a new pressure release button. Pressing the button triggers the release valve to open and release steam, just like turning the pressure release handle on an older model does.
Note: Other electric pressure cookers may have slightly different parts, but they all work in pretty much the same way. So if you have a pressure cooker that isnt from the Instant Pot brand, the information in this post should still be useful and applicable to you, even if the parts on your pressure cooker have slightly different names. 🙂
How To Release An Instant Pot Without The Natural Release
This is a bit of a tricky one. While the pressure within the instant pot is particularly high, the lid will be locked in place. This is done for safety, as rapid decompression done in a non-controlled manner can be very dangerous indeed.
Without a natural release, youll have to use the quick-release function of the instant pot to release the pressure. Therefore, simply press the button or twist the handle of your release valve in order to release steam.
Make sure youre careful not to touch the steam that comes out of the instant pot it will be exceptionally hot, and likely to burn you.
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Let Us Discuss Few More Aspects Of Natural Release In An Instant Pot:
The count-up number is used to keep track of the natural release. Quick-release is when you manually let the instant pot emit the steam while a natural release occurs when you move the valve to the venting position.
Natural release is usually specified by a recipe. If a recipe calls for natural release wait for the release time-lapse then shift to the venting position. Let the steam and pressure release completely and drop down the valve. Open the lid slowly facing away from your face.
Natural pressure release happens when the cook cycle ends, and the steam escapes. The natural pressure release will occur 10-20 minutes after the instant pot completes its cycle.
Natural Release is a viable option if you are cooking foamy food. If you do not use natural release for foamy foods hot steam could come out of the steam release valve or float valve.
Q: When Do I Use A Natural Pressure Release
Using a natural pressure release allows the cooking to stop gradually. You dont want to open the valve quickly when the ingredients inside could be foaming. Youll get foam shooting out through the valve, so use a natural pressure release when making steel cut oats, a large pot of soup or pasta.
You also want to use a natural release for large cuts of meat. Just like youd let meat rest after grilling it, a slow natural release is said to let the meat relax and be more tender.
Our Favorite Recipes to use Natural Pressure Release
During a natural release, the cooking continues so you need to take that in to account when determining your cook time. If a recipe calls for a Quick Release, you can use a Natural Release if you prefer, but reduce the cook time.
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Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot drastically cuts down the cooking time for cuts of meat that usually have to cook slowly for a long time in order to become tender. And there are many accessories you can use with it to cook in lots of different styles. Its one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy.
The Instant Pot is an incredible tool in the kitchen for making dishes that usually take a long time. If you dont have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. You can also read up on how to use it, in case youre not sure if its for you.
- Dont Have an Instant Pot Yet?This guide can help you choose the right one.
What Is Natural Release Time Of The Instant Pot
The natural release time depends on the size of the pot and also on what is cooked inside it.
Larger Instant Pots build up high pressure than their smaller counterparts and will take more time to release pressure. The natural release takes more time for liquid-based food like soup compared to other non-liquid varieties.
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How Much Time Does An Instant Pot Need To Naturally Release
The time that it will take for the instant pot to release the pressure will depend on the ingredients of the dish you are cooking as well as the liquid thats inside the cooker.
If the pot is completely full, it will take around 30 minutes for it to disperse the pressure. On the other hand, if the pot is not full and has only a small amount of liquid, it could disperse the pressure in as fast as 5 minutes!
If you are cooking roasts, then you definitely should apply the NPR or natural pressure release. You should allow enough time for the pot to naturally release the pressure, or you wont achieve the tenderness that youd want for your meat.
What Is Natural Release Instant Pot
As the name suggests, you need to leave your instant pot to work on its own for this method. Your instant pot will release the pressure once it depressurizes on its own.
Your instant pot will signal you with a beep stating that it has completed the cooking cycle and will automatically start releasing the pressure.
To figure out if your instant pot has released its steam completely, completely check the float valve for this. The natural release process is complete if it drops down.
Once the pressure is released it is now safe to open the lid. Remember, you will only be able to open the lid if the pot is depressurized. Never try to open the lid before this process.
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Advantages Of Quick Release
One advantage of Quick Release is that it stops the cooking process pretty much right away. This is especially useful when cooking seafood, fruits, and vegetables, because they can easily end up overcooked during a more gradual release of pressure.
Another advantage is right in the name: its quick! It may take a minute or two for the float valve to drop depending on how full your Instant Pot is, but itll be a great deal faster than if you allowed the pressure to drop naturally.
Did You Know We Have A Podcast
We started the Magic With Gadgets podcast in the January of 2021 as a way to offer a different way to enjoy Recipe This. It focuses on cooking with kitchen gadgets. You can find out more about our podcast here.
With twice weekly episodes through September to December. This is episode 2 of the second season and you have the choice between reading this post, listening to the podcast or both.
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How To Use Magic Release
When Do You Do A Natural Pressure Release
You use a Natural Release in those electric pressure cookers recipes when you want the food to continue cooking.
Since the pressure releases gradually, there’s less movement in the Instant Pot.
With the Natural Release method, the skin on foods like a whole chicken or turkey breasts stays intact since the pressure and temperature go down gradually.
This is similar to allowing meats to rest after they’ve roasted. In turn, this keeps meats juicy, tender, and flavorful.
For foamy foods like grains and pasta, doing a Natural Release reduces mess from foam. It also prevents a lot of liquid spurting out of the steam release valve or clogging it.
While Natural Release is the slowest pressure release method, it has advantages like retaining flavor and tenderness in meats.
It’s also an excellent way to avoid foam spurting from the steam release valve when making Instant Pot potato soup, broths, beans, grains, foamy foods. Or recipes with large liquid volume or high starch content like congee and porridge.
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When Do I Use A Natural Pressure Release
A natural pressure release is best used when youre cooking something with a lot of liquid or starch, like soups, stews, and porridge. As the steam in your Instant Pot rises, it carries along with it drops of liquid in these foods, which may be colored, sticky, and/or oily.
Natural release prevents this liquid from rising too quickly and making a mess by splattering across your kitchen. Just make sure the Instant Pot recipe you use takes the natural release into account in its timing, as the remaining heat can still cook your food as steam is released, with the potential to overcook it.
