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.
When Should You Use Quick Pressure Release
A quick pressure release method works best when you want to stop the pressure cooking quickly. Go with this technique for cooking delicate foods that can otherwise break when exposed to high pressure.
It is also ideal for foods that you dont wish to overcook. Foods like vegetables, poultry, or pasta can get mushy if cooked for more time than needed. A quick pressure release proves beneficial here.
The quick release method is handy when you have to add ingredients in the inner pot in the middle of the cooking process. Add the required ingredients after quickly releasing the steam and program the instant pot to continue pressure cooking after closing the lid.
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This is the quickest pressure release method, but you should also take certain precautions while using the quick release method. Dont use quick release for liquid foods like soups as it may splatter along with the steam while creating a huge mess in your kitchen.
Also, keep your hands away while the steam is being released. As the pressurized steam is heated above the boiling point, it is hot enough to even burn your skin severely.
There are two ways to release the pressure quickly:
The Instant Pot Keeps Beeping
Its normal for the pot to beep as it starts to heat, beep when its starting the timer, and beep when the timer is done. If its beeping otherwise, that usually means something is wrong, and you should look to see if theres a code flashing on the screen. This most often indicates an overheating issue that your Instant Pot wants you to know about ASAP.
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So How Do Instant Pot Settings Work
Each Instant Pot setting button is essentially a SMART PROGRAM option. Most smart programs, or buttons, simply set the pot to HIGH or LOW pressure for a specific period of time most closely aligned with the food it is meant to cook. For example, the default SOUP button sets the pressure cooker for 30 minutes at HIGH pressure, which you could use to cook any food that requires that much time and pressure.
If you press each SMART setting button more than once, it will toggle between Normal, Less or More options, which gives you more control of time, temperature or default pressure. For example, the RICE button can be set to Less or More depending on how soft or firm you like your rice or the type of rice you might be cooking.
Some buttons dont use the pressurizing function of the Instant Pot. For example, Slow Cook and Sauté settings use the heating element that sits underneath the inner pot. They are programmed for heat level and time.
To keep it super simple, it is possible to use the Instant Pot for all recipes using just a few important buttons. With the Pressure Cook or Manual buttons in addition to the Pressure Level and and buttons, you can control the time and pressure level which are otherwise preset for the rest of the buttons. This will work for any recipe that requires pressure. For non-pressure cooking, the Sauté, Slow Cook and Yogurt buttons help you accomplish a similarly custom cooking setting.
Hybrid Or Shortened Pressure Release
I tend to use this a lot. I usually allow the pot to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. Then I release all remaining pressure. You will see this method used most often in my pressure cooker recipes.
Many of my recipes ask you to NPR for 10 minutes and then release all remaining pressure. So you leave the pot alone for 10 minutes, and then you turn the valve from sealing to venting and allow the rest of the pressure to be released quickly.
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Instant Pot Natural Release Vs Quick Release
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What is the difference between Natural Release vs. Quick Release for the Instant Pot?
Dont have an Instant Pot yet or new to Instant Pot? Read What is The Instant Pot for more info! .
If you are lucky enough to have recently become the owner of an Instant Pot, then congratulations! There are a ton of amazing recipes available from Instant Pot Ribs to the most delicious Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe!
But maybe pressure cooking is new to you. If so, youll need to get familiar with natural release vs. quick release.
Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release Vs Quick Release
Last updated By Susan
Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release vs. Quick Release -What does it mean when an Instant Pot recipe calls for ” Natural Pressure Release” and/or “Quick Release”? and how do you know which method to use?
One of the first things youll want to understand when cooking in the Instant Pot is how to release the steam thats formed in the pot while youve been pressure cooking. How you release the steam will depend on what you are cooking.
Here’s a visual for the terms we will be talking about.
Anatomy of an Instant Pot
**Please Note- I have the Instant Pot Ultra model and the photo above is of my Ultra- depending on what model you own, the configuration may be slightly different. In some models the steam release valve and the quick release handle are combined.
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Instant Pot Guide: A Beginners Guide To Using Your Pressure Cooker
Wondering how to use your new Instant Pot? In this Instant Pot Guide, Ill walk you through what you need to know to start cooking with your Instant Pot today. Safety features, how to do an Instant Pot water test, whats the difference between a natural pressure release and a quick release, and what will happen step by step through the cooking process.
Ill be honest the first time I used my Instant Pot, I was overwhelmed and a bit scared. An Instant Pot can be intimidating for a new user. There are so many buttons and safety warnings.
However, I guarantee that once you get started, youll wonder what you ever did without your Instant Pot. I love mine so much that I now own two Instant Pots!
Im going to help you get started with all of the tips and tricks that I have learned through trial, error and research. This Instant Pot manual will tell you everything you need to know to use your Instant Pot for the first time.
Pressure Cooker Opening Methods
This list includes an opening method I came up with and another that has been unofficially around for many years they add more options to your pressure cookery. We start the list with the fastest opening method and conclude with the slowest. Further down, theres an opening method we no longer recommend and one that used to be OK for older cookers but should not be used on modern stainless steel pressure cookers.
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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. 🙂
When To Quick Release Instant Pot
As most foods require a quick release of the instant pot, I dont want to list 200 different instant pot recipes here, as otherwise you will feel like you are being spammed.
But what I will share with you, is foods that if you dont do an instant pot quick pressure release immediately will be ruined.
Instant Pot Frozen Broccoli This is because zero minutes is just enough for the broccoli. Any longer and your broccoli will turn to mush.
Instant Pot Soft Boiled Eggs If you want to make instant pot dippy eggs and serve them with soldiers then you need them at that perfect time to crack the tops off and enjoy. One extra minute and your eggs will start to go hard boiled.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash I find that a minute over and your butternut squash becomes mash.
There are of course some foods, like soup, that if you forget about the instant pot, it will survive if you are late doing your quick pressure release.
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My Instant Pot Isnt Searing Very Well
Sautéing with your Instant Pot is convenient, but it can be challenging to get a decent sear on specific cuts of meat. We recommend opting for a different appliance entirely to sear most larger-cut foods, like steak, because your Instant Pot wont get hot enough to execute a deep sear. Smaller cuts of meat may prove to be successful, but we cant promise that the meat wont become chewy or soggy. Searing is not the Instant Pots strong suit, so you should leave that job up to your trusted frying pan.
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How To Make An Instant Pot Naturally Release
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General Rule Of Thumb
Most recipes should tell you which method to use. This is because how much time you allow the pot to depressurize should be taken into account in the recipe. Which way you choose can have a big affect on the outcome of the dish.
However, if you come across a recipe that doesnt specify which method to use, you can follow these general principles:
- For food like pork roast, beans, rice, soup, and things that are mostly liquid, like bone broth, use natural release.
- When cooking eggs, vegetables, delicate foods, or ingredients that have a preferred temperature range, use quick release.
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How To Clean Your Instant Pot Lid
There are two parts to the Instant Pot lid, the actual lid and the silicone ring which goes inside.
The silicone ring is one of the most essential parts of the machine and as a result should be cleaned with great caution. Although you should find new machines come with a replacement ring, and further replacements can be purchased online.
If you find that your Instant Pot lid smells its likely to be the silicone ring inside. This should be cleaned separately to the actual lid of the Instant Pot .
Ive found that the Instant Pot lid rarely requires anything more than a wipe down with a damp cloth. However, it is also dishwasher safe. Although its recommended you remove the sealing ring and the anti-block shield beforehand.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using An Instant Pot
Instant pots combine a pressure cooker and a slow cooker for ease of use. Having multiple cooking appliances together is helpful as it occupies less space in the kitchen. It cooks your food for the right amount of time not too little or not too much. The temperature sensors inside keep track of the status of food and shut themselves off before food gets a chance to burn.
You can hasten the cooking process when you cook meat by using the pressure cooker feature. However, for vegetables, you will need to use a quick pressure release to prevent them from getting overcooked.
How Long Is Natural Release On Instant Pot
The instant pot natural release time differs greatly depending on what food you are cooking.
In many instant pot recipes, I find that 10 minutes seems to be the standard time.
BUT if you have an instant pot that is very full then expect a long time for natural pressure release. Such as our instant pot irish stew.
Or I find that the natural release time is similar to the time to pressure. Therefore, if you have a food that takes about 15 minutes to go to pressure then expect 15 minutes of natural pressure release.
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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.
Whole Wheat / Alternative Pasta
There is no need to make any adjustment to the formula if using whole wheat or alternative pasta. Because this method of cooking pasta is based on the recommended cook time on the package, any type of pasta can be cooked this way.
We tested this method with several varieties of whole wheat pasta and with several varieties of alternative pasta .
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Tips For Releasing Your Instant Pot’s Pressure
- The Instant Pot has a lid that locks automatically when pressure is built up inside, so you can’t open it by accident. This avoids any unfortunate mishaps, making the pressure cooker especially safe. Once the pressure has released, the lid will automatically unlock.
- Repeated steam exposure to your kitchen cabinets can strip away paint or warp wood. When releasing steam, be sure to position the valve away from your cabinets.
- Some recipes call for a natural release for a few minutes followed by a quick release. This is often to allow a dish to cool slightly before releasing the pressure so that it doesn’t splatter hot liquid from the valve.
- Instant Pot recipes vary widely on how they calculate cook times. Some include pressure release time in their estimates, others include both pressure build and release, while others don’t include either. Factor this in when estimating how long a recipe will take.
- “Some Instant Pot models take longer to come down from pressure than others,” says Bir. For example, the Ultra is known for an extra long natural release.
- If you’ve waited half an hour for the pressure to release, chances are you can safely perform a quick release to let any remaining steam escape without greatly impacting the dish.
- Inspect your release valve periodically to make sure it isn’t clogged. It’s a good idea to clean it every few weeks to make sure it works properly.
Pressure Isnt Building In My Pot
This usually happens when the pressure release valve has been turned to open when you sealed the lid, but you didnt notice at the time so steam is just slowly leaking out of the pot as it tries to heat up. This isnt good for the food inside, and it keeps the pot from actually reaching the correct pressure levels.
The best solution for this is to get in the habit of always checking the pressure valve when you seal the lid. Just look and make sure its in the locked position before you select your pressure cooking setting.
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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.
