How to Use an Instant Pot: A First-Timer’s Guide Got a new Instant Pot and not sure where to begin? Think of this as your driver’s ed. You’ll be pressure cooking easy instant pot wirecutter, pantry basics, and desserts in no time. Sara is a chef, culinary educator, and author of three cookbooks, The Pocket Pawpaw Cookbook, Tasting Ohio and The Fruit Forager’s Companion.
The latter won a 2019 IACP Cookbook Award. Got a new Instant Pot and not sure where to begin? So you just got a new Instant Pot. We’ll take you from a just-opened box to the basics. It’s not as complicated as it seems. What’s the Big Deal With Instant Pots, Anyway? Instant Pots are multifunction, programmable electric pressure cookers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2018__12__Guide-to-Instant-Pot-2-008210bb946a4ffa904effe0263c957f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2017__11__2017-11-29-Pressure-Cooker-Beef-Stew-13-1bbb802090db41198c43bae582ec56c0.jpg)
Think of them as little cooking robots. If you’re 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. With pressure cooking on a stove, you have to keep a close eye on the cooker because you regulate the heat source. But with an electric Instant Pot, the cooker regulates its own heat via sensors.
Program the Instant Pot and once it’s going, you’re free to go for a walk, vacuum the living room—you 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 for making yogurt.
We’re not going to worry about doing those things here, though. Instant Pots are safer than stovetop pressure cooking. Everyone has heard stories about old-time pressure cookers exploding. Your Instant Pot won’t do that because the temperature and pressure inside the pot is carefully monitored and regulated through its programming. Remember: It’s your trusty cooking robot. What Foods Are Best for a Pressure Cooker? You gotta have liquid in the cooker—the steam creates the pressure.