Which Button Should I Use
The multi cooker does not know what is in your pot. It doesnt know how much it weighs, nor how long it will take to cook it. The buttons are just pre-set, suggested times for cooking that item.
You can cook chicken soup using the soup button, the poultry button, or the meat button. It doesnt matter which button you use, chose the button with the closest cook time to the time in the recipe youre using.
You adjust the pre-set times by using the + and – time select buttons.
Pre-set Times:
Youll want to keep the pre-set times handy so you know before selecting a button what the cook time and pressure level will be.
The Steam Release Value is in the sealed position when the arm on the knob is facing the picture of the steam with an X over it. You can get more information about releasing the pressure on my quick pressure release or natural pressure release post.
Note: You always cook in the non-stick inner pot. Be careful not to add ingredients to the pressure cooker housing when the inner pot is not in place.
You always need liquid in your pot when pressure cooking. Crock-Pot recommends a minimum of 1 cup. If youre cooking ingredients that release liquid as they cook and have a short cook time, you may be able to use less, but 1 cup is a good starting point.
Visit my Getting started with your new Electric Pressure Cooker post for more information about using your new pressure cooker.
How Long Do You Cook Jasmine Rice In The Electric Pressure Cooker
The rice is done after a cooking time of 4 minutes and a natural release of 10 minutes. And thats it, you guys! Perfect jasmine rice every time!
This is for 2 cups of jasmine rice, but the cook time is the same for 3 cups or 1 cup. Oh, as bonus, your house will smell amazing. Think of it as a natural air freshener!
How Long Does It Take An Instant Pot To Preheat
An instant pot takes about 10-15 minutes to preheat depending on the number of contents present in the instant pot. The more the contents inside the instant pot, the longer It will take to come to pressure. The pressure is released from the instant pot in two ways.
In a quick or natural release, the control knob above the pot from the seal is tuned resulting in quick depressurization of the pot. In case of a slow release, the pot is allowed to sit and release pressure slowly and naturally. This is particularly important when cooking delicate foods like beans.
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When To Select Low Pressure
Low pressure should be used for delicate foods like eggs, fish, and vegetables. However, all of these foods can also be cooked using high pressure for a reduced amount of time. If you are confused about whether or not to use low or high pressure, its best to stick to high pressure. This should be specified in recipes.
How To Cook With The Instant Pot
How you use your Instant Pot depends on what you’re cooking. But, many recipes — especially those involving meat — tend to follow this formula:
The above steps can vary quite a bit, depending on the recipe, but most of what I cook in my Instant Pot follows that sequence.
Here, the Instant Pot’s valve is in Sealing position.
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How To Set The Timer On An Instant Pot
If you dont want to use the presets for a certain meal, or if youre working around your own recipe, youll have to manually set the timer on the pot.
To set the timer on the Instant Pot press the manual button on the interface. Of course, you have to do this after you have filled the pot with the ingredients you need, set the pressure release valve to sealing, and set it to the right setting.
Once you press the manual button, you can use the – and + buttons to adjust the timer to the exact time you want. It is important to note though, that the countdown of the timer doesnt start right away.
So if you set the timer to 30 minutes, you might actually have to wait closer to 40 minutes for the timer to be up.
Thats because the timer starts counting down once the right amount of pressure has been built.
Depending on your setting, it can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes for the pressure to build. Aside from that, you cant open the pot until the pressure has been released, which can also take around 10 minutes.
Its, therefore, best to add 10-20 minutes to your cooking time whenever you use your Instant Pot.
You can also press the presets on the pot which automatically set a timer, which you can manually adjust by pressing the – and + buttons.
Extra Accessories And A Secret Tip
A secret tip you may not initially know about your Instant Pot is the lid holder.
On the side handles you will see a hole that perfectly fits your lid. Place the lid here when you are sautéeing ingredients or serving up recipes.
A few accessories to purchase:
- Extra silicone rings Over time the silicone rings will stretch out or adopt the flavor of various recipes. Its great to have color-coded replacement rings on hand that are designated for certain types of recipes.
- Steamer basket This can be used when cooking delicate items like eggs or when making stocks.
- Glass Lid Using a glass lid when slow cooking and steaming allows you to see inside your pot while cooking.
- Storage Lid Have some leftovers? Pop a silicone lid on top and store the stainless steel pot in the refrigerator.
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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.
Manual Pressure Cook With Quick Release Or Npr
Many Instant Pot users almost always use manual settings. While Smart Program buttons are handy, cooking instructions can vary for different types of rice, smaller or larger beans, and soup with or without meat. With manual settings, you have more control over the time and pressure level. Here is how to use the Instant Pot with manual pressure cooker settings.
Step 1. Star the Instant Pot as mentioned above.
Step 2. Add food, seasoning and liquid to the pot. The liquid can be cold or hot hotter liquids take less time to heat up so the Instant Pot comes to pressure quicker. Stir if needed.
Note on stirring: If adding tomato sauce or paste, keep them on the top and dont stir too much as these foods can sometimes thicken and burn during cooking again, this depends if water and stock are also added as when diluted, its less of a problem.
Step 3. Get your lid and quickly check that the sealing ring on the inside is in place. If its loose or sticks out, the pot might not seal properly and it will not be able to come to pressure. Place it on top and twist it until it locks in place.
Step 4. On older models like Duo Classic, check that the steam release handle on top of the lid is pointing to Sealing. On the more advanced models of the Instant Pot, the vent will automatically seal when the cooking process begins. On the Duo Nova the quick release button should be popped up and not pressed down.
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Keep A Positive Mindset
When we surveyed our readers about their initial experience with the Instant Pot, many users had the advice to just have fun with the pressure cooker! Set aside any expectations, know the Instant Pot is an exceptionally safe kitchen device, and try something new. Even if it doesnt go according to plan, it should boost your confidence.
Over to you! Do you have any further questions about how to use the Instant Pot as a beginner? What foods or recipes do you plan to cook first? Anything else we can help you with? Leave your feedback and comment below!
How To Cook On Manual
When you use a manual setting, you are in charge of selecting the cook time, and the pressure in some models, rather than relying on one of the preset buttons like rice or stew. Older models of Instant Pot have a Manual button and newer models have a Pressure Cook button, but both buttons do the exact same thing.
To cook on manual, all you have to do is press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and then use the + or buttons to set the cook time. The Instant Pot automatically cooks on high pressure, but some models have a separate Pressure button that allows you to cook at low pressure if youd like to.
Make sure you secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing, to ensure the pot will come to pressure. Its also important that you follow a trusted Instant Pot recipe, so that you have sufficient liquid in the pot and that your ingredients are layered properly.
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Instant Pot Jasmine Rice That Comes Out Perfect Every Time
Many people dont realize that an Instant Pot is a perfect tool for cooking rice. Since it builds up steam inside of a closed vessel, it acts just like a stand-alone rice cooker would. Thats good news if you want to limit the number of kitchen appliances you have!
Quickly read through the following steps to make jasmine rice in the Instant Pot that comes out fluffy and just right every time! No rice sticking on the bottom of your pan, no having to add more water during cooking, no under-cooked grains. Just perfectly cooked rice, every time.
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How To Cook For Zero Minutes
Yes, there really is a zero minute cooking cycle on the Instant Pot. This short cycle is most commonly used to cook non-starchy vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini. If you cook them for even one full minute, then turn to mush!
Cooking for 0 minutes is the same as cooking anything else on Manual. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button, then use the button to lower the cooking time to zero minutes. The Instant Pot will still take several minutes to come to pressure , and then as soon as the cooking cycle beeps to signal that its complete, youll quickly release the pressure right away so that the vegetables dont over-cook. It will take 2 to 3 minutes for the pressure to release, so the food will be in your Instant Pot for at least 12 to 15 minutes in total, giving it plenty of time to cook.
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Setting Up Your New Instant Pot
How to set up your new instant pot! We are setting up the Duo Plus 60.
Here are step-by-step instructions, from taking your new pot out of the box, to making shredded chicken breasts!
We definitely think every home cook should own an Instant Pot for a variety of reasons, but what happens after that box arrives at your door?
Some people are a little intimidated to take the Instant Pot out of the box for fear its going to be difficult to setup.
Well, fear not! We are here to help you set up your very first Instant Pot!
We will go step-by-step to show you how easy it is to set up your Instant Pot and have it working and ready to go in about 20 minutes!
Why You Need An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is definitely not an old school manual pressure cooker. It has plenty of onboard safety features made possible through electronics. For example, a host of sensors help it self-regulate internal pressure and temperature. Theyre designed to ensure the Instant Pot operates within preset safety limits.
Sensors also detect whether the lid is locked or not. And unless the cover is firmly clamped down, the Instant Pot wont take on pressure. Likewise, once the cookers interior becomes pressurized, the lid automatically locks in place.
Factor in the numerous preprogrammed settings tailored to the type of food it cooks. All that makes Instant Pots light years ahead safety-wise of their ancient pressure cooker counterparts. Of course you still need to operate your appliance properly and with care.
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Functions Of Each Of The Instant Pot Buttons
Still, there may be times you prefer to use the preset options or you might just be curious to know how they work. There is a bit of variety among each of the different models however, all of the Instant Pot buttons cook the same.
For your convenience, Ive created a printable Button Summary Sheet with detailed explanations of the different settings for each of the major Instant Pot modelsjust click the link on your model below:
Instant Pot Duo
Learn How To Boil Water
Whichever electric pressure cooker you end up with, your first time using it should involve literally learning to boil water. You do this by adding a cup or so of water to the inner pot , sealing the lid, and selecting a short cook time. Within five minutes, the water should heat up and build pressure, at which point the pressure is released via the natural method, or you can use the quick-release method. .
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Your Pressure Release Valve Is Letting Steam Escape
Sometimes, even when the sealing valve is in the sealing position, it can still need a little adjusting. If you see steam coming from your steam release valve, you may need to just adjust the valve a little. Just give it a little wiggle up and down and push it more into the sealing position. Sometimes it just doesnt go into the right place when we turn it.
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Vent The Food And Enjoy
Once the cook time has passed, often youll then move the valve to venting which, in a glorious geyser of food smells, will release the pressure and steam inside your Instant Pot. Be careful touching the valve, it can get hot. Either wear an oven mitt or move the valve with a wooden spoon. It will release a lot of hot air, so its a good idea to lean back the first time you move the valve, and definitely keep your eyes away from the valve when you let it vent.
Once the Instant Pot is done venting this might take a few minutes remove the lid and gaze upon your finished food and enjoy.
A side note: in the picture below you can see a little circular valve that looks like a button. When the Instant Pot pressurizes, you should see it rise. This lets you know the Instant Pot is pressurized, which means the lid will be locked. The only way to open the Instant Pot, at that point, is to wait for it to depressurize. So dont worry, feel safe.
Some recipes, including some very common ones like rice, call for something called a Natural Pressure Release, which just means you let the pressure slowly fade inside the Instant Pot. You do not move the valve to venting for a certain amount of time. My favorite Instant Pot rice recipe, for instance, calls for just a few minutes of cook time but 10 minutes of natural release before you open the Instant Pot.
Either way, you need to let the pressure release from the Instant Pot, but then youre ready to enjoy.
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How To Quickly Release The Pressure
If a recipe calls for a quick release, that means youll need to move the steam release valve from the Sealing position to the Venting position as soon as the Instant Pot beeps, signaling that the cooking cycle is complete.
Make sure that you dont place your hand directly over the vent, as steam will shoot out the top of the steam release valve. Instead, keep your hand to the side of the valve or use a spoon to turn the vent, if youre on the extra-cautious side. I always use my hand and have never had an issue.
Pros And Cons Of The Crock
Now that Ive explained how to use the Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker, let me share the pros and cons.
Pros
- No manual or pressure cook button you have to use one of the pre-set buttons.
- You have to be careful not to scratch a non-stick pot
- The float valve is in the handle where it is difficult to see. Its harder to tell when the pressure has been released and you can open the pot.
- The pre-set cooking time adjusts to a range of cook times that varies for each setting. The steaming chart included in the manual indicates a cook time of 1 minute but the steam function does not adjust to 1 minute.
Despite the cons, Ive used the Crock Pot Pressure Cooker for a few weeks now and Ive been really pleased with how well it performs.
If you are in the market for a low priced pressure cooker with a non-stick pot, then the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker is an option worth considering.
If youve purchased a Crock-Pot Express and want to join a Facebook group, check out the Crockpot Express Community.
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