Tips To Use An Instant Pot

By: Kitchen Crew   March 31, 2017

The Instant Pot is quickly becoming a staple small appliance in American kitchens. If you haven’t heard of it, an Instant Pot is 7 appliances in 1.

The Canadian manufacturer of the device claims that it can replace a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker/porridge maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer, yogurt maker and stockpot warmer. Getting used to cooking with this versatile device takes some time, but using these tips, it will become your go-to kitchen appliance in no time!

  • Read the manual, cover to cover. The Instant Pot is not an immediately intuitive device; you must learn how to use it correctly.

  • The manual will tell you important safety tips like never force open the Instant Pot before the pressure has been fully released, otherwise, you could get seriously injured.

  • Cook directly from frozen, don’t worry about defrosting first.

  • Freeze in containers that will fit the Instant Pot. (Alternatively, you can set full freezer bags inside the Instant Pot in the freezer, ensuring you get a shape that will fit it later.)

  • Use caution with dairy as it may coagulate under high temperatures.

  • Use caution with liquor, as it may become very tart.

  • Allow extra time when using a pressure cooker recipe. The Instant Pot has slightly lower pressure than traditional pressure cookers.

  • Consider purchasing a stainless steel insert for easier cleanup and prolonged use.

    • Dietitian, Jillian McMullen says, “Don’t be afraid to use it. The biggest obstacle I see people encounter when they get an Instant Pot is fear and overthinking it. I have converted all of my slow cooker recipes into dishes made in the Instant Pot just by adding in the original ingredients and pushing the corresponding button. For example, if it’s a chicken dish, I push poultry, for chili, I push beans/chili, and so on. I have yet to ruin a meal after eight months of keeping it simple and letting the pot just do its thing.”