How To Master An Instant Pot

Instant Pots can transform meal preparation, offering convenience and versatility for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts. This guide sheds light on the various Instant Pot models and their functionalities, providing an introduction to cooking with this innovative appliance.

Getting to Know Your Instant Pot

The Instant Pot Duo is a classic model that combines seven functions in one appliance, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and making yogurt. Its user-friendly interface and variety of sizes make it a solid choice for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus offers additional settings for eggs and cakes, improving on the original Duo with a larger, easy-to-read display and more customizable options.

The Instant Pot Pro is designed for the more adventurous home chef. This model adds the ability to sous vide, reaching a broader range of temperature controls for precision cooking. It comes with programmable presets to save your favorite recipes.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Air Fryer brings even more to the table. With this model, you get all the standard pressure cooking and slow cooking options, plus an air fryer lid. This means you can crisp up wings, fries, or even a whole chicken after pressure cooking.

The Instant Pot Pro Plus can connect to your smartphone, offering access to hundreds of recipes that you can start remotely with a tap.

Understanding these variations and capabilities is key to making the most out of your Instant Pot. Select the one that aligns with your cooking style and aspirations.

First Instant Pot Trial

If you’ve got your hands on a new Instant Pot and are wondering where to start, a simple stew or a batch of rice serves as the perfect introduction. Let’s dive into how to kick off your Instant Pot journey with a beginner-friendly recipe.

For Making Rice

1. Measure Your Ingredients: For rice, you’ll typically need a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. Take 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of water for every 2 servings. Rinse your rice under cold water to remove any excess starch.
2. Set It Up: Secure the rice and water in the pot. Twist the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the steam valve is set to sealing.
3. Dial It In: Navigate your Instant Pot’s menu to find the “Rice” setting if it has one; the white rice setting. If you’re opting for brown rice or another variety, use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. For white rice, set it for about 12 minutes, brown rice usually takes about 22-24 minutes.
4. Wait, Then Release: After the timer beeps, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes then switch the valve to venting for quick release.
5. Fluff and Serve: Once all the steam has escaped, and it’s safe to open, fluff the rice with a fork, and you’re ready to serve.

For Making a Stew

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop up your choice of vegetables and meat. Think carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef chunks. Season them as per your recipe.
2. Sauté If Needed: Using the “Sauté” function, brown your meat in Instant Pots if your stew recipe calls for it.
3. Combine everything: Once browned, combine your meat with the rest of your ingredients and liquids in the pot.
4. Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot’s lid, setting the steam valve to sealing. Choose the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the time according to the recipe, typically around 35 minutes for a stew.
5. Release and Thicken: Once cooking time concludes, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes, followed by quick release for any remaining pressure. Open it up, and if your stew needs thickening, you can set it to sauté mode and let it simmer a bit more.

Starting with these straightforward recipes not only demystifies using your Instant Pot but also opens up a gateway to experimenting with more complex dishes. Remember, practice makes perfect. Get familiar with the settings, and soon enough, you’ll be making a variety of meals with ease.

Mastering Sauté

The sauté function of your Instant Pot allows you to brown meat, sauté vegetables, or simmer ingredients directly in the pot before you start the pressure or slow cooking process. It’s like having a stovetop inside your electric cooker, aiming to deepen the flavors of your dishes without dirtying additional pans. Here’s how to use the sauté function:

1. Getting Started: Turn your Instant Pot on by pressing the ‘Sauté’ button. Wait until the display reads ‘Hot’. This means the pot is preheated and ready for your ingredients.
2. Adding the Ingredients: Once ‘Hot’ flashes on the screen, add some oil to the pot. The Instant Pot doesn’t need much time to heat the oil, so be prepared to add your meat or vegetables promptly to avoid overheating.
3. Sautéing Meat: If you’re browning meat, lay it in an even layer to ensure a golden crust. Avoid crowding the pot; browning in batches may be necessary for larger recipes. Sear the meat and release easily from the bottom; remove it and set it aside.
4. Sautéing Vegetables: For veggies, stir occasionally until they’ve reached your desired level of tenderness and are lightly browned. The time can vary based on the type of vegetable, so keep an eye on them.
5. Deglazing the Pot: After sautéing, a small amount of liquid – broth, wine, or even water – can help lift those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Pour it in and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom gently. This process not only cleans your pot but also infuses your dish with extra flavor.
6. Transitioning to Cooking: With your ingredients sautéed and the pot deglazed, you’re now set to switch to pressure or slow cooking. If you used the ‘Sauté’ function to start a stew or sauce, add the rest of your ingredients and liquids now, then seal the lid and choose your cooking method.

Mastering your Instant Pot’s sauté function opens up a world of culinary options, enhancing dishes with rich layers of flavor.

Selection

Selecting the right Instant Pots aligns closely with understanding your personal cooking needs and aspirations. The journey towards mastering your Instant Pot begins with embracing its capabilities. Remember, every successful dish starts with getting to know your appliance better.

1. Instant Brands. Instant Pot Duo Series. Instant Brands. https://www.instantbrands.com/product/duo.
2. Instant Brands. Instant Pot Pro Series. Instant Brands. https://www.instantbrands.com/product/pro.
3. Instant Brands. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Series. Instant Brands. https://www.instantbrands.com/product/duo-crisp.
4. Instant Brands. How to Use the Sauté Function on Instant Pot. Instant Brands. https://www.instantbrands.com/blog/how-to-use-saute-function-on-instant-pot.