What About Other Instant Pot Models
- Duo Plus: Like the Duo, but with a blue LCD display and few more settings . You can toggle to sound off or on.
- Smart WiFi: Generally like the Duo, but you can pair it with an app and use your smartphone to control some of its functions.
- Lux: No yogurt making setting. Does not need a drip catcher. Each setting will remember the cook time you programmed most recently.
- Ultra: Has a central control knob, not as many buttons, and a few more special settings. Has a feature to automatically adjust for pressure cooking at altitude. Quick release button keeps fingers away from the steam release valve. Each setting will remember the cook time you programmed most recently.
- Max: This has a touch screen, a sous-vide function, heats faster, can be programmed to automatically release steam, and offers an altitude adjustment option.
What Are The Benefits Of An Instant Pot
In plenty of situations, Instant Pot meals are ready to serve in less than 45 minutes.
Its instant cook time is because of its pressure-cooking function that lock steam produced by liquid , building pressure and forcing steam back into the foods.
But avoid confusing Instant Pot with its old predecessor, the stovetop pressure cooker!
Unlike the old pressure cookers, todays Instant Pot removes all safety concerns and issues with a cover that stays locked until the pressure is released.;
Instant Pot Setup: Manuals And Accessories
Ah, the manual. Heres what usually happens with manuals in my house:
Does that sound familiar? Yes? Thats why were friends!
AnyWAY, I know it sounds boring but I urge you to read the Instant Pot manual. Modern pressure cookers are safe. However, they arent slow cookers. Its important to understand the basic ins and outs of a;pressure cooker before you use it.
Oh, and if you misplace it, you can;find the Instant Pot manual online.
Oh! Recipes! I love recipes. <understatement. ButI must confess. Ive never used this recipe booklet. The recipes didnt really appeal to me and the directions were confusing.
I wish this quick reference guide was handier than it is. As written, it shows the steps for using each function. However, it doesnt explain cook time or the how to release pressure. Im very meh on this guide. It could be so handy!
Question: do you use the free tools that come with appliances? I dont think Ive ever used them! And not just for the Instant Pot. Maybe Im just weird.
Lets take a look at these:; measuring cup,;soup spoon,;rice paddle, and a condensation collector.
Measuring Cup.;If you dont own a glass measuring cup for liquids, I urge you to get one. This measuring cup is flimsy and, without handle, hard to handle.
Now heres a handy accessory! The steam rack. Use this to hold vegetables, pans , or anything else that you dont want sitting in cooking liquid.
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The Ultimate Instant Pot Guide For Beginners
The Instant Pot is an amazing device, but at first glance its pretty overwhelming. There are just so many buttons! How can you possibly choose the right ones for your dish? Luckily the Instant Pot isnt actually that complex. You just need to know a bit about how it works and what the various functions do before you get started. To help you out, here is The Ultimate Instant Pot Guide for Beginners!
How To Set Up Instant Pot
Steam Rack :
Instant Pot Condensation Collector:
Instant Pot Lid:
integral
Steam Release Valve:
sealingventing1. Sealing: 2. Venting or How to Release Pressure from the Pressure Cooking Setting-Quick release.
-Natural release. If you do NOT do a quick release by pushing the valve to the venting position, the Instant Pot will naturally begin to release the steam on its own immediately after the programmed cooking time is over. This;allows the pressure to naturally dissipate on its own. It will start counting to let you know how many minutes it has been releasing the pressure. Usually this takes about 10-20 minutes depending on what and how long you have been cooking something.
The Underside of the Instant Pot Lid:
The Anti-Block Shield:
Instant Pot Sealing Ring:
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Getting Started: How To Use An Instant Pot Or Electric Pressure Cooker
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Wondering how to use your new Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Crockpot Express, Power Pressure Cooker XL, or other brand of electric pressure cooker? Let me help you get it out of the box and into your meal plans with this Getting Started Guide! I have all the details you need to get you cooking and loving your machine!
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!
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How Do I Make Curry In The Instant Pot
Well, there are of course hundreds of thousands of dishes that fall under the general umbrella of curry. Many of them are great to make in the Instant Pot, as it helps cook meat and vegetables quickly and melds the flavors.
Here is one recipe for Kerala-style chicken coconut curry in the Instant Pot. It takes about an hour, and heres the full recipe. To make curry, select Sauté and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 1 piece of peeled and minced fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly browned. Add 3 tablespoons of garam masala. Add 1/4 cup of your favorite curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 large sliced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they have broken down. Add 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, 3 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix to combine, seal the lid, and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally when finished. Serve with rice and yogurt.
What Are All The Parts That Come In The Instant Pot Box
Heres a little cheat sheet to the essential parts.
The sealing rings are an especially important part of the Instant Pot design. They press into the sealing ring rack inside the lid to create a firm seal. When cleaning the Instant Pot these should be removed and cleaned separately in warm soapy water.
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Trivet Or Steamer Rack
Almost all Instant Pots come with a stainless steel steamer rack. Some with handles, others may not have handles. Its very helpful for cooking all sorts of food in Instant Pot.
The long handles on both sides make it easy for handling and removal from the pot. Its also compact, easy to store, and easy to clean.
More Info on How to use the Trivet:Instant Pot Trivet
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.
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Smart Program Pressure Cooking
If you choose to use one of the pre-set smart program options, the steps are even simpler. Please refer to our post on Smart Program Instant Pot Buttons Explained for how to adjust each setting.
Step 1. Start the Instant Pot. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base.;
Step 2.;Add ingredients and liquids to the inner pot. Stir if needed or leave layered.;
Step 3. Secure and lock the lid. Make sure everything feels well sealed.;
Step 4. Select one of the Smart Program buttons. Pre-set cooking time and pressure level will display. You can leave it as is or adjust things like the pressure level from HIGH to LOW. You can press the Smart Program button again to cycle through the Less, Normal and More time options or use the and + buttons to adjust the cooking time further. If you make any adjustments to the selected Smart Program, they will be remembered next time you use it.;
Step 5. Preheating & pressurizing stage begins followed by cooking under pressure as per program settings. Once the Instant Pot beeps again and the timer has reached zero, the cooking process is done.;
Step 6. You can do a quick release or allow the built-up pressure to release naturally , or do both depending on the food/recipe.
Step 10. Once pressure is released, open the lid and stir or remove the contents.;
Is The Instant Pot A Faster Way To Cook
In many cases, yes. For traditionally long-cooking recipes like pulled pork, chicken stock, dried beans, or soups and stews, the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, making it possible to cook these delicious things on a weeknight. Even a recipe like cheesecake becomes faster and easier in the Instant Pot, thanks to the controlled cooking chamber.
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Should The Instant Pot Valve Be Up Or Down
If you cannot open the lid, position the pressure valve down . For Instant Pot models Duo Nova and above, press the steam release button.
This will release any last pressure and steam and in just a few seconds, you can open the pot!
*Safety tip- Never make skin or face contact with the steam released from the pressure valve!
Instant Pot Rice Setting
This button is made for cooking medium and long-grain white rice. The Rice setting uses low pressure and a 10-minute natural release is recommended for perfect results, however, we found that 2-3 minutes natural release followed by quick release is sufficient. Below is how to use the Rice setting on Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on, it will say OFF to indicate the Stand-By mode. Add rice, water or stock and seasoning if you wish. Secure and lock the lid. Press the Rice button. The default setting is pre-programmed to set the pot to cook at Low pressure for 12; minutes, which is suitable for slightly larger rice kernels. If you press the button again, you can adjust the mode from Normal to Less or More .;;
- Less mode 8 minutes at Low pressure tender but firm to bite texture; great for thinner white rice such as Basmati and Jasmine rice.;
- Normal mode 12 minutes at Low pressure for normal texture white rice; great for regular medium to long-grain white rice and for more al dente Arborio risotto rice.
- More mode 15 minutes at Low pressure for softer texture white rice; great for slightly softer risotto.;
If desired, use the / + buttons to further customize the time. The cooking time may be adjusted at any time during pressure cooking.;
RICE COOKING TIPS
1 cup of dry white rice usually yields 3 cups of cooked rice.
The perfect grain to water ratio is 1 cup white rice to 1.25 cups liquid; if cooking risotto rice, the ratio is 1 cup Arborio rice to 2 cups liquid .
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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.
Wow That Was No Big Deal Which Recipes To Make Now
Great job! Take the tape off the front of the cooker and read the owners manual.
Heres the scope of whats possible in your Instant Pot, and eventually youll hone in on what makes sense for you: You might cook primarily beans and grains, shaving minutes off cooking components of other recipes. You might steam vegetables most often . You might lean toward multicomponent one-pot meals. Youre the boss of this thing, so have fun!
- Hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot are actually steamed. The plus with them? So easy to peel!
- Do you love cooking dry beans from scratch? In the Instant Pot, they are fast and plump in the pressure cooker. A game-changer.
- Regular steamed rice in an Instant Pot frees you to focus on cooking the rest of the meal. An IP is essentially a rice cooker on steroids.
- Chicken soup from scratch, ready in 60 minutes.
- Classic chili is weeknight-compatible in an Instant Pot.
- Need cooked butternut squash or other winter squash? Steam it in a pressure cooker!
- Cheesecake is a breeze in an Instant Pot, because you steam itno messing with tipsy water baths and multiple pans like you would in an oven.
- Steel-cut oats are an everyday luxury if you program it to cook right when you wake up. Your oatmeal is ready once your coffees brewed and youre dressed!
Want more recipe ideas? Check out our full list of Instant Pot recipes!
Alison Conklin
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What Comes In The Box
Depending on your specific model of Instant Pot, in the box you should generally find:
- An owners manual, for one. Its boring and confusing, which is why you are reading this. But dont get rid of it!
- A recipe booklet. Some of these recipes are good, some arent so hot, but they all work. Still, hang onto this, too.
- A big ol lid.
Does It Matter How I Layer My Ingredients In The Pot For Cooking
Yes! Its good you asked. The key here is to not put an ingredient that may burn on the bottom of the Instant Pot. You always want some liquid on the bottom: If the heating element gets too hot, the machine will shut off. Also be sure there is enough liquid surrounding the ingredients to prevent anything from scorching.
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Whats The Difference Between An Instant Pot And A Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that can be a slow cookertoo. The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, which means that it can be used either as a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. When used as a pressure cooker, it cooks food extra-fast. A slow cooker cooks slowly! Usually over several hours or a full day. A traditional slow cooker only functions as a slow cooker. An Instant Pot can take the place of a traditional slow cooker and pressure cooker in one small appliance.
