What Is Quick Pressure Release
A quick pressure release occurs when the pressure release switch is turned to the venting position allowing the steam to escape through the pressure release valve.
If you notice any liquid or foam oozing out of the pressure release valve, switch the valve back to the Sealed position and use an Intermittent Pressure Release. Stay away from the escaping steam to avoid any damage.
How Long Will My Instant Pot Take To Come To Pressure
While it may take longer for the 8 quart to come to pressure than the 3 quart and the 6 quart, once it comes up to pressure your cooking times should be the same. You might not notice any significant Instant Pot cooking differences when it comes to cooking times though. They should be relatively spot on no matter which pot you are using.
It takes an average of 5-10 minutes for my 6 quart Instant Pot to come to pressure, depending on how much food is in it and if that food is frozen. An Instant Pot with frozen food takes longer to come to pressure than one with refrigerated food.
Note: Technically the cook times should be the same. If you want to see how crazy different cook times can be, head over to the Instant Pot Facebook group and ask how long it takes to make hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot. Youll quickly see what I mean by every pot and every size being different.
You can safely assume that unless noted otherwise, every Instant Pot recipe online is made for a 6 quart size. If youre using a 3 quart size or mini Instant Pot, divide the recipe in half and the cook time stays the same. If youre using an 8 quart Instant Pot, you can easily double the recipe youre cooking and the cook time stays the same.
How Do I Make Pot Roast In The Instant Pot
Heres a basic Instant Pot pot roast recipe. Thinly slice 1 large red onion. If its too large to fit inside your Instant Pot, cut a 3-pound chuck roast in half against the grain . Season the chuck roast with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil using the Sauté function. Brown the meat on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes, and remove to a plate. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a 12-ounce stout beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Place the chuck roast back into the pot. Secure the lid and set on HIGH pressure for 40 minutes.
While the roast is cooking, mince 2 garlic cloves, halve 1/2 pound of baby Yukon Gold potatoes, peel and cut 4 carrots into 1-inch pieces, and quarter 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms. When the roast is done, allow to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release and remove the lid. Remove the chuck roast to a carving board to rest and cover with foil.
Then add the potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms secure the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release, then remove the lid and transfer the vegetables to a platter. Select the Sauté function and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow to reduce to 1 cup, for 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the butter. Thinly slice or shred the pot roast. Serve with sauce and vegetables.
Read Also: Instant Pot Cooking Frozen Meat
How To Do A Timed Natural Release
The timed natural release process can take 10 to 20 minutes. You can keep the Keep Warm mode on or off while doing a quick release in bursts. If you wish to turn this mode off, press Cancel.
Q: When Do I Use A Quick Pressure Release
Using a quick pressure release stops the pressure cooking quickly. Therefore, you should use a quick pressure release when you are cooking ingredients, like vegetables, that you want to avoid overcooking.
I use a quick pressure release when I make my Quick Pressure Cooker Potato Salad so the potatoes are tender but still chunky and hold their shape.
Our Favorite Recipes to use Quick Pressure Release:
Dont use a quick release with ingredients that foam or have fatty or thick ingredients.
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Recommended Foods For Natural Release
Using natural release is good for cooking foods that need prolonged cooking.
For example, cooking foods like beans is better with the natural release method. These foods can withstand the extra cook time as the steam releases, and natural release will ensure they do not get ripped apart from the force of escaping steam.
It is also recommended to use this method for liquid foods like soup, or foamy foods like potatoes and oatmeal. As the steam is released gradually, you wont have to worry about the liquid splattering out of the instant pot and creating a mess around the kitchen.
You can also consider natural release while cooking meat, especially recipes like pot roast. The gradual release of the pressure allows the meat to rest, making it tender and juicier.
What Types Of Pressure Releases Do Instant Pots Have
An Instant Pot wont open if it senses that the pressure inside has not been reduced to 0. It will also remain locked until all internal temperatures have reached below 116 degrees Fahrenheit or 48 degrees Celsius so it is very important for you to use the correct release method when opening your instant pot after cooking. There are three common types of Instant Pot pressure release methods:
Read Also: How Long For Instant Pot To Depressurize
Keep A Notebook Of Tips When You Convert A Recipe For The Instant Pot
Cooking in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker is easy, but youll want to make notes when you convert recipes to make in one.
Write down notes so youll know what changes you made and can tweak the recipe the next time you make it. Or, if youre cooking from a cookbook, Ive started writing notes in the margins so I can duplicate what changes I made.
Once youve adapted a couple of recipes, it gets easier. You learn to trust your instincts and use your senses.
If youd like to print this post to keep in your notebook, I created a .
Now, its your turn. Id love to hear your tips and tricks. If you have a tip that helps you convert a recipe, please leave a comment. If I didnt answer your question about converting a recipe, leave me a comment too and Ill do my best to answer it.
Thanks!
If youre new to using the Instant Pot, be sure and check out my posts on Which Instant Pot Button to Use and Quick Pressure Release or Natural Pressure Cooker Release.
Im adding a great suggestion by one of my long-time Pressure Cooking Today readers. She suggested new users make several reliable recipes written for the pressure cooker before trying to adapt their favorites to the pressure cooker. Better to experience some sure success before riding the bike without training wheels, so to speak.
Minute Instant Pot Natural Release Method
There is one method that is a happy medium. Its the 10 Minute Natural Release method. All you need to do is follow the Instant Pot Natural Release Method for 10 minutes and then switch to the Quick Release Method. Youll still have steam to vent through the quick release valve, but it wont be much. This method allows you to get the time benefits of the Quick Release with the cleanliness benefits of the Natural Release.
Also Check: How To Cook Frozen Beef In Instant Pot
How To Do An Instant Pot Water Test
Now that you have completed the water test, you are ready to cook in your Instant Pot!
Steam Vent Is Blocked
When the cooking time that you programmed into the pot finishes, steam will automatically start to naturally vent from the steam value on top of your instant pot. You can, at that point, choose to rapidly vent the steam if you want.
If you cannot naturally release steam into the room that youre in, and the steam release valve will not release steam manually either, then the steam release valve itself may be blocked.
This is a fairly common problem due to the fact that a lot of people use their instant pots to cook fine foods like rice or quinoa the small grains can sometimes get caught in the steam valve, leading to a clog which can impair the overall function of the machine.
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What Is Quick Release
This is the fastest way to release the pressure from your Instant Pot and stop the cooking process. To use the quick release method, turn the steam release handle on the top of the Instant Pot from the sealed position to the venting position. This will allow the excess steam to shoot out of the lid immediately, and the Instant Pot will be depressurized within minutes.
We like using quick release for fast-cooking vegetables like broccoli, or delicate seafood like this lemony poached salmon recipe.
Editors Tip: Be sure to read the safety precautions before using the quick release method!
Quick Release Vs Natural Release Instant Pot
Cooking with an instant pot is convenient, time-saving, and mess-free, but it can be intimidating if youre not careful with the steam release.
Are you new to using an instant pot and wondering about how natural pressure release works? If so, youve come to the right place!
This guide covers everything that you need to know about the instant pot, how to natural release instant pot, how it is different from the quick pressure release method, how long the natural release process takes, and much more!
Also Check: Can You Put The Instant Pot Lid In The Dishwasher
Sealing Ring Isnt Properly Seated
The final thing that could be wrong with the pressure system of your instant pot is the sealing ring. In order to generate and maintain a reliable seal, any appliance will need to use a rubber sealing ring. In the case of your instant pot, the sealing ring can be found within the lid and is designed to be removed and replaced after a while of use.
If your sealing ring isnt properly seated, is missing, or has hardened due to time and use, then it will not be able to create a proper seal. This means that while your instant pot may have been supplying heat to the inner chamber, you will not have been effectively cooking your food.
Why Does My Instant Pot Say Burn
The Instant Pots burn message simply means that your Instant Pot has detected that its inner pot has gotten too hot. There may be a slight amount of burned food at the bottom of your pot, but not enough to ruin whatever youre cooking. Instead of continuing on with this warning, your Instant Pot will actually stop the cooking process to prevent further burning.
There are a number of reasons your Instant Pot will display its burn message. Most of these involve mishaps that may occur during the cooking process, like not adding enough liquid or forgetting to adjust the steam valve to the sealing position. Once you figure out what youve done wrong, correcting the error is easy. Heres what may be triggering the burn notice and the precautions you can take to prevent it.
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Oh Wait Now My Recipe Says To Release Pressure How Do I Do That Why How
Yes! All of that magical, quicker-cooking pressure has to be released before you can open the pot! When the machine beeps to indicate its done cooking, hit the Cancel button, to avoid overcooking your food. Then you have two options: The first, basically, is do nothing. If you do this, the pressure will gradually release through the steam valve on its own, and in about 15 to 20 minutes the metal float valve will drop down. This is natural pressure release.
Or, you can quick release, which means opening the valve by turning it from Sealing to the Venting or by pressing the steam release button . Be SURE to keep any exponsed skin away from the vent, or you will get a steam burn! I like to use a towel or a long wood spoon. Use quick release for foods like vegetables and seafood that you want to avoid overcooking. Use natural release for dense foods like pulled pork, or that have a chance of splattering or foaming out the release valve if quick release is used.
What Is A Quick Pressure Release
This is when you turn the pressure release valve/quick release valve to “open” or “venting” at the completion of the cooking cycle. This forces the steam to release from the Instant Pot quickly.
When you hear the “beep/s” that the cooking cycle has been completed, immediately switch the pressure/steam release valve to “venting”. This opens the vent and allows all accumulated steam/pressure to release from the Instant Pot right away.
Use caution when switching the pressure release/quick release valve to venting. Use a pot holder or silicone glove to avoid burns and always keep your face/hands away from the steam release valve.
You will know the Quick Pressure Release is complete when you see/hear the float valve drop down. Once that has happened it is safe to open the Instant Pot.
When to use Quick Pressure Release
A Quick Pressure Release means pressure/steam within the Instant Pot is released very quickly so its perfect for foods that are delicate and those that you don’t want to cook longer than the cooking cycle .
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Overview Of A Pressure Cooker And Instant Pot
A pressure cooker is the traditional stovetop cooker that we have been using in our households for a long time. In comparison, the instant pot is an advanced electric pressure cooker that comes with great multitasking features to assist you with your cooking.
Although both have been designed to provide you with the best cooking experience, each type comes with the characteristics that can maximize your performance in the kitchen.
A stovetop cooker is perfect for all canning needs. It gains pressure faster and takes little time to release it. This reduces the overall cooking time. It is also quite easy to use and is even affordable. These days, there are tons of different kinds of pressure cookers, so make sure to review all your pressure cooker options before buying.
An instant pot is an intelligent electric cooker that has the functions of multiple cooking appliances. It speeds up your cooking and takes 2 to 6 times less time than a normal pot.
An instant pot speeds up the cooking time by 2 to 6 times. It is essentially a stovetop cooker with added features like an automatic shut-off function, LED control panel, delay timer, and variable cooking programs.
So, which device is the winner? If you want to look into their differences further, you can get a detailed explanation here stovetop cooker vs instant pot.
Now that we know the basic differences, lets dive deeper into how they can be used.
What Is Natural Release
Instant Pot natural release is when you allow the Instant Pot to cool down by itself, releasing steam slowly. When the food is done cooking, the Instant Pot will automatically release steam gradually until the float valve drops down. This could take up to 30 minutes.
We recommend natural release for soups and other food with high liquid content.
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Instant Pot Water Test
Before you use your Instant Pot for the first time, you should perform a water test. The Instant Pot water test is like an initial test run for your Instant Pot.
The water test will both ensure that your Instant Pot is working properly and will familiarize you with using your Instant Pot.
One of the Instant Pots that I purchased was defective. A water test helped me to determine that the Instant Pot wasnt working properly. I was able to contact Instant Pot support and get a replacement.
Note: If you have the Instant Pot Ultra, you will use the dial to select cooking programs and change the cook time and then press start. Instead of a steam release valve that you turn, the Instant Pot Ultra has a steam release button that you will press if you want to manually release the pressure. The steam release valve will seal automatically on the Ultra, whereas on other models you turn the valve between a venting and a sealing position.
