How To Make Brown Rice In Instant Pot
There are only two things that you need to get right to make fluffy brown rice in the Instant Pot and that would be
The steps are easy and straightforward
Note You dont have to saute the rice with ghee or add salt but it tastes so much better if you do it!
Read this: How to make brown rice over a stovetop.
Familiarize Yourself With The Panel
The panel with all the buttons can be intimidating, but you actually only need to use a few settings.
- Pressure Level button make sure it is set to high
- Pressure Cook button use the up and down arrows to set the time
- Cancel button if you need to cancel the program
Just forget about all those other buttons on the panel for now. And, just in case you were wondering, there is no Start button. Once youve pushed the Pressure Cook button and set the time using the up and down arrows, then the Instant Pot will start by itself.
The LED screen will show you the time youve set, and the time will count down once the post has come up to pressure.
Electric Pressure Cookers With Delayed Cooking Timers
If you are looking to buy an electric pressure cooker with a delayed cooking timer then you need to be careful to closely check the features of every model. Not all electric models have this feature built in.
Just about the most expensive model made, the Fast Slow Pro by Breville doesnt even have a delay cook timer while the super inexpensive Elite Platinum does have a delay that stretches up to 24 hours!
It takes a lot of digging to find this information so Ive put this page together to help you out because I get this question from time to time.
No matter what you need the delayed cook start timer for all models listed on this page include this in their feature set.
Ive ordered this list in no particular order and Ive included both expensive and inexpensive models. I hope you find it helpful.
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Whats The Big Deal With Instant Pots Anyway
Instant Pots are multifunction, programmable electric pressure cookers. Think of them as little cooking robots.
If youre not familiar with pressure cooking, the entire point of an Instant Pot can be confusing.
The big sell here is pressure cooking is up to 70 percent faster than other ways of cooking. Pressure cookers reach higher temperatures because their lids lock into place without steam escaping, which creates a pressurized environment inside the pot. In this environment, the cooker reaches 250°F .
With pressure cooking on a stove, you have to keep a close eye on the cooker because you regulate the heat source. If you let the burner get too hot, the pressure builds up too much and the cooker spews out angry jets of steam .
But with an electric Instant Pot, the cooker regulates its own heat via sensors. Thats the other win. No need to carefully monitor it as your food cooks. Program the Instant Pot and once its going, youre free to go for a walk, vacuum the living room, check your emailyou get the idea.
Instant Pots can do other things besides pressure cook, too. With the lid off, you can sauté ingredients before pressure cooking. You can also use it as a slow cooker or make yogurt in your Instant Pot. Were not going to worry about doing those things here, though. This guide is all about pressure cooking.
Coco Morante
Instant Pot Manual Setting
Depending on the model, the Instant Pot manual setting button will either say Pressure Cook or Manual. This is the setting youre likely to use the most. The temperature, pressure level and cooking times can be adjusted on the control panel.
- Turn the Instant Pot on. It should say OFF on the screen, indicating its in the Stand-By mode.
- Select Pressure Cook button . The default settings will be Normal mode on High pressure. If you press the Pressure Cook button again, it will change from Normal mode to Less or More, which simply changes the automatically programmed cooking time. Less would be 20 minutes and More would be 45 minutes.
- Use the +/- keys to change the cooking time in each mode. In most cases, you will leave it in Normal mode and simply adjust the time as needed.
- Use Pressure Level button to adjust the pressure level press it to toggle between High and Low. For most recipes, you will use High pressure except for cooking more fragile foods like fish, seafood or fast-to-cook vegetables.
- With the manual setting, you can use Natural Release or Quick Release or a combination of both once the cooking is done.
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Avoid The Dreaded Burn
Oh, the dreaded burn. There are quite a few reasons why it happens. For example, one of the most common ones is when canned tomato products are stirred with other ingredients. To solve this issue, always add tomatoes on top and do not stir. Because Instant Pots heating element is located at the bottom and may.more likely will cause sugars caramelize and burn.
I have compiled a list with 10 tips on how to avoid Burn forever.
Which Instant Pot Buttons To Use
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SO MANY BUTTONS! How to use Instant Pot is a top Google search. If you own an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker and want to know what each button does and when to use it, my complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about using the Instant Pot buttons for every model and version!
If youre just getting started with your Instant Pot, your first question might be How do I know which Instant Pot buttons to use? Heres a detailed explanation that will help.
The most important thing to know is the buttons are just preset, suggested cook times for specific items. If you use the Poultry button, your Instant Pot will not know how much meat is in the pot or whether its frozen or fresh. Your Instant Pot CANNOT sense what you are actuallycooking and CANNOT tell you when the food in your pot is cooked through.
So when youre cooking chicken soup, you can use the Soup button, the Poultry button, the Meat button, or the Manual button It really doesnt matter which button you use, just choose the button with the closest cook time to the time in the recipe youre using .
Read Also: Frozen Baby Back Ribs Instant Pot
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 .
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 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.
Instant Pot Yogurt Setting
The Yogurt button is a non-pressure cooking Smart Program made for easily fermented dairy and non-dairy recipes. The setting modes Less, Normal and More are used for different times of fermentation or for boiling the milk. Below are some basic steps and setting options for making yogurt using the Yogurt setting button.
PASTEURIZING/HEATING MILK
- Add milk to the inner pot. A minimum of 4 cups of milk is recommended for a 6-quart Instant Pot . Secure and close the lid. Make sure to press the quick-release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position. On Duo Classic, turn the steam release hand to point to Venting. Do this before you select the settings and make any adjustments.
- Select Yogurt setting. The default mode is Normal. Press Yogurt again to cycle to the More option. The display indicates boiL. After 10 seconds the cooker begins heating. This setting mode can be used to pasteurize the milk but is also there for heating the milk before adding in the starter culture. When pasteurization/heating completes, the display indicates End.
ADDING STARTER CULTURE
FERMENTING YOGURT
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What Is An Instant Pot
Im sure youve heard the buzz about the Instant Pot and how its one of the most popular kitchen appliances ever. There are several Instant Pot models available on the market, and with a large and loyal fan base, there are even entire websites dedicated to using it.
A huge Instant Pot fan myself, I love to share my Instant Pot knowledge and help answer questions like what exactly is an Instant Pot, and what does it do?
In short, an Instant Pot is a programmable, electronic pressure cooker. When the lid is on and in the locked position, it creates a tight seal that allows pressure and steam to build, so the food is cooked faster than other methods.
And you can cook delicious recipes like the best Instant Pot Chicken Breast, really crispy yet juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and perfectly cooked Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and better than take out Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas.
In addition to pressure cooking, the magical Instant Pot can also be used as a yogurt maker, rice cooker, slow cooker, and more, thanks to all of the different smart settings and buttons. Yeap, the Instant Pot really can do it all!
So, are you ready to learn how to use your Instant Pot buttons and cook up all sorts of food quickly and easily? Then let me show you.
Using Saute Function After Cooking
The Sauté function is also useful for finishing the dish after pressure cooking is done. Once the pressure has been completely released, open the lid and then press Sauté button again. Press the button again to cycle through Less or More for lower or higher temperature.
Use it for:
- Simmering the sauce or broth in the dish that needs to evaporate and reduce or thicken.
- Adding more fragile or no-cooking-required ingredients like baby spinach, fresh tomatoes, fruit, cheese, milk or cream.
- Thickening sauce with butter, cream or flour.
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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.
Instant Pot Program Keys
The most important thing you should know about all those buttons and settings on your Instant Pot is that they are preset suggested cook times. That means that if you hit “poultry” on it, it won’t be able to tell if you used frozen chicken or be able to tell you if the chicken is completely cooked.
You will still have to use common sense and a meat thermometer to tell if your food is completely cooked.
You may not use these as often, but here are some other buttons that you might see on an Instant Pot, along with what happens if you press them. With every button, if you press more or less after you press the specific button you can adjust the cooking time up or down.
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The Instant Pots Basic Controls
This wouldnt be a good Instant Pot guide for beginners if we didnt discuss the basic controls! Below is a picture of the control panel for the IP were using for this guide:
Underneath your Instant Pots LED display is a section that says Low Pressure and High Pressure. The pressure button changes these when youre doing a manual program.
Under the pressure indicators is an area that says Less | Normal | More. These are called the mode indicators. The Adjust button changes these. This will affect the cook time. You cant use the Adjust button for the Rice or Manual functions.
Under the mode indicators are a minus symbol and a plus symbol. You can push the minus or plus to manually adjust the cook time. You can change the cook time for all the function buttons except for the Rice function. This is important, because different foods of the same category take a different amount of time to cook.
Below that are the Adjust,Timer,Manual, and Keep Warm/Cancel buttons . I already covered the Adjust button and will discuss Manual in a bit.
The Timer button is used to delay when the Instant Pot starts heating up and working. So if you set a timer for 1 hour, itll start warming up in 1 hour, then go through the cook time you specified. Dont use it for perishable foods that can go bad if left out at room temperature or foods with a porridge-type consistency .
Now lets get down to the meat of this Instant Pot guide for beginners the function buttons!
