Instant Pot Natural Release
An Instant Pot can make cooking easier, but there’s a little bit of a learning curve while getting used to it. If you’ve heard the term natural release, you might be wondering what it is and how to achieve it. The alternative to natural release on an Instant Pot is quick release. We’ve got more information on both release types below.
Watch Our Youtube Video Explaining Quick And Natural Pressure Releases
Part 3 in our Getting Started Guide will walk you through an initial test run for your Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Crockpot Express, or other brand of electric pressure cooker.
If youre in a hurry to get cooking, you can always skip to our Make Your First Meal post and come back to this information while youre waiting for the chicken to cook.
Once you have your first meal under your belt, move on to some easy pressure cooking recipes. Before you know it, youll be making fabulous pressure cooker meals and wondering how you ever cooked without it.
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.
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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.
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.
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How To Use An Instant Pot Or Modern Pressure Cooker
Instant Pots can help you save time once you know how they work. This guide will help you overcome the learning curve.
The Instant Pot has become the latest kitchen must-have. You’ll likely find a variety of sizes and styles that can do everything from steam, roast and even air fry. Most Instant Pot or multi-cooker users swear by the ease and speed at which recipes cook. However, there are just as many stories of fails as there are successes. The key is to understand how the Instant Pot works.
This guide will walk you through what you need to know about your new Instant Pot and how to use it to create healthy, delicious dishes.
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 onwhich 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.
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Slow Normal Pressure Release
This is a relatively fast opening method and can take from 5 to 6 minutes depending on the pressure cooker type and fill level . Similar to Normal release, this method releases pressure using the cookers valve, or the pressure releasing mechanism, but pressure should be released very slowly. If the valve only allows for pressure to release full-throttle, the cook should release it in very short bursts- if anything other than steam sprays out of the valve , the valve should be closed for 10 seconds before the next slow release or short burst. The Slow Normal release is for occasions where its just not practical or convenient to wait for the full Natural or 10-Minute Natural release or for tricky foods .
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.
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Should I Cancel Keep Warm Mode For A Natural Pressure Release No
Published: by Mike Vrobel · This post may contain affiliate links ·
In my Instant Pot FAQ, I have the following question:
Q: What about natural pressure release? When the Instant Pot finishes cooking, it switches to Warming mode is that OK with a natural pressure release? Or should I cancel it?A: Cancel warming mode to speed up natural pressure release.
I was reading the Instant Pot Community Facebook group, and saw a heated debate: Keep Warm and Natural Pressure Release. One side was strongly in the warming mode doesnt matter camp, the other was in the turn warming mode off group and used my FAQ post as evidence.
After reading the debate, I started to wonder am I wrong about warming mode? I assumed that turning off the heat would speed up the natural release that the pot would lose heat quicker without any heat being added by warming mode.1In part, because thats how I learned to do it with a stove top cooker turn off the heat and move the pot to an unlit burner so it cools down faster. The argument against cancelling Keep Warm mode is the pots thermostat. Warming mode keeps the temperature between 145°F and 172°F, so it wont turn the heat on until the temperature drops to 145°F. Thats well below the temperature where pressure will release.
In summaryKeep Warm mode doesnt affect natural pressure release. It finishes at about the same time either way, so dont bother canceling it. I was wrong in my Instant Pot FAQ Im sorry I gave you bad information.
Taking Care Of Your Instant Pot
Its a good idea to give your pressure cooker a good inspection before using it. That way, you know its in tip-top shape before starting to cook.
Remove the stainless steel inner pot. Now, look inside the base. Ensure the heating element is dry, free of dirt, dried-on food, or grease before using your pot.
After cleaning your inner pot with Barkeepers Friend and a non-scratch sponge, make sure its dry before starting to cook or when putting it away.
Make sure the silicone ring fits snugly onto the lid. It should be tear-free, clean, and dry.
Remove the steam release valve by slowly pulling it straight up. Make sure its clean and free of grease and food debris.
If its dirty, use warm running water to clean it. Then place it back on the Instant Pot lid.
Check the float valve to ensure its clean and free of dirt, grease, and dried-on food. Use warm water to clean it, if necessary.
If needed, wash the lid in warm water to clean it. Make sure the top is dry before cooking or putting it away.
Clean the rim of the Instant Pot, both the lid and its threads. I find that dried on food debris is a significant source of burn notices.
Finally, when putting your Instant Pot away, I advise leaving the lid off and upside down for a few days. That way, if the silicone ring is damp or has some lingering food smells, it has some time to air out.
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Q: What Should I Do When My Instant Pot Quick Release Is Spraying Starch
A: Carefully close the pressure release valve, let the pressure come down for five minutes, and try again. Carefully! The steam are pressure-boiling hot. Protect your hands with a towel or an oven mitt. When you try again after five minutes, the vent will spit a little bit – thats normal, as it clears out the valve. But, if it keeps spraying stuff, repeat the process – close the valve, wait five more minutes, then try again.
It may take a few tries to get a clean pressure release. It depends on how hot the pot still is. If I’m impatient, I’ll keep trying to quick release every five minutes. If I have other things to do, Ill give up, turn off the pot, and wait for the pressure to come down naturally.
Take The Fear Out Of Instant Pot Cooking
Are fear and uncertainty are holding you back from making the most of your Instant Pot ? I have a great video course that will help you learn all the basics, whether youre a first time user or could use a refresher.
Instant Success with Jillee will teach you how to use the Instant Pot, how to troubleshoot common problems, and much, much more. Youll get all the tips, tricks, and details you need to go from nervous newbie to Instant Pot Proall in under an hour!
In addition to the video course, youll also get access to other valuable materials like my two bestselling Instant Pot ebooks , a handy cooking times printable, and an Instant Pot programs printable. To learn more about the course, the bundle materials, or to get started, click here!
What delicious creations have you been cooking up in your Instant Pot?
I may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website. I always offer my own genuine recommendation.
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Should I Use The Rice Button
All Instant Pot models come with a “rice” button which functions similarly to a rice cooker. While it’s convenient since you only have to press one button, it only works for long-grained white rice and is not recommended for other varieties like short-grain rice or brown rice.
“I never use the rice button,” says Haymaker. “I’ve had much more success just looking up cook times for various types of rice and using the manual pressure setting.”
I Keep Burning My Fingers When Trying To Release Steam
The release nozzle on the Pots valve is pretty loose, and twitching it open for a fast release after pressure cooking can be painful for even fast fingers. If youve been burnt by steam before, theres a very simple solution that Pot users have found: Just use a wooden spoon. Push the valve open with the spoon to release it and avoid any steam issues.
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First Thing You Should Do With Your Instant Pot
When you first receive your Instant Pot, the first thing you should do is to take time to read the guidelines set on the instruction manual that the pot comes with.
Then conduct a water test. After that, look for recipes that you can cook using the pot. There are tons of resources online that you can refer to for ideas on what to cook on your instant pot, so check them out.
Whats The Benefit Of Using Natural Release
If youre cooking liquid foods like soups or foamy foods like beans and potatoes, natural pressure release is considered to be great for keeping your kitchen clean and mess-free.
The reason is that the natural and gradual pressure release enables lesser movement inside the pressure cooker. Your soup or stock will come out cleaner and your food is more likely to stay intact with this method.
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What Is The Difference Between A Quick Pressure Release And Natural Pressure Release
Both quick pressure release and natural pressure release get the same job done: letting steam out of the Instant Pot so you can open it and enjoy your cooked food. The best one to use depends largely on what youve just cooked, with quick release being more suitable for short cooking cycles and natural release being all but required to avoid a messy kitchen for certain recipes.
Assuming youre following a recipe , we advise that you consult it for which release method to use in order to get the results you desire in the least amount of time.
How To Use An Instant Pot: What You Need To Know To Get Started With Instant Pot Cooking
There are a few basic things that you need to know when using an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. Once you use yours a few times, these will be like second nature. Depending on which Instant Pot model you own, the buttons may be labeled slightly differently. Consult the manual that came with your Instant Pot.
Minimum Liquid Required: As a general rule, you want to use at least 1 cup of liquid in your Instant Pot every time you cook with it. The Instant Pot uses steam and pressure to cook food, and you need liquid to create the steam and pressure. Some recipes may call for more or less liquid. I recommend following recipes from a trusted source while you are learning to use your Instant Pot.
Fill Level: Inside the Instant Pot inner pot, you will see a 1/2 and a 2/3 line marked. Never fill the Instant Pot higher than the 2/3 line with food or liquid . If you are cooking food that will expand during the cook time such as rice, quinoa or beans, do not fill the Instant Pot higher than the 1/2 line.
Pressure Cook or Manual Button: Depending on which Instant Pot model you own, the Pressure Cook button is sometimes labeled Manual and sometimes Pressure Cook. This is the button that you will press to start a pressure cooking cycle. Its your basic pressure cooking button.
+/- Buttons: Use these buttons to adjust the cook time.
Keep Warm/Cancel Button: Use this button to end a cooking program or turn on/off the keep warm function.
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How To Naturally Release Your Instant Pot
To do a Natural Release, you simply just let the Instant Pot do its thing. You dont have to do anything after the timer beeps. Most recipes will tell you to do a Natural Release for a certain amount of time. If it doesnt, 10-minutes is usually sufficient.
After the alloted time on the recipe, you will then turn your valve to the venting position to release the rest of the pressure. However, you can just continue to leave your pot and the pressure will naturally and completely release within about 20-minutes.
You will know all the pressure has been released from your Instant pot because your lid will unlock and you will be able to remove it.
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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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