5 Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way home cooks approach meals, offering a multifunctional cooking solution that promises quick preparation with little to no effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a student with limited time, or simply someone who loves convenient yet healthy meals, the Instant Pot can be your best friend in the kitchen. Here are five must-try recipes tailored for your Instant Pot that are not only easy to make but also full of flavor.

Chicken Taco Bowls

Chicken Taco Bowls are a perfect weeknight meal that brings the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant right into your home.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups instant rice
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken, salsa, chili powder, cumin, corn, beans, and water/broth in the Instant Pot.
  2. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.
  3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot with rice. Stir until rice is cooked, about 5 minutes.

✨ Note: For an extra flavor boost, add in some jalapeños or top with sour cream and avocado slices.

Pork Carnitas

Indulge in restaurant-quality carnitas with an easy Instant Pot preparation.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• Instructions:
  1. Season the pork with spices and sear in the Instant Pot. Deglaze with orange juice.
  2. Add lime juice and broth, then pressure cook for 35 minutes on high, with a natural release for 15 minutes.
  3. Broil the pork in the oven for a crispy finish, if desired.

🌮 Note: Serve with warm tortillas or as a filling for burritos.

BBQ Pulled Chicken

Effortlessly whip up BBQ pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
• Instructions:
  1. Mix all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
  2. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks.

Coconut Curry Lentils

This plant-based dish combines the aromatic flavors of curry with the comforting texture of lentils.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion and garlic in the Instant Pot until softened.
  2. Add all ingredients, stir well, then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, with a 10-minute natural release.
  3. Stir before serving; add salt to taste.

Steak Fajitas

Create a hearty steak fajita dinner quickly and easily with your Instant Pot.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak, cut into strips
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup beef broth
• Instructions:
  1. Add all ingredients into the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a quick release.
  2. Broil vegetables and steak for 5 minutes to char, if desired.

In wrapping up, these five Instant Pot recipes offer a variety of flavors and cuisines that cater to different palates and dietary needs. From the hearty Chicken Taco Bowls to the exotic Coconut Curry Lentils, each dish demonstrates the versatility of this kitchen appliance. Remember, the key to an excellent Instant Pot meal is balancing the flavors and textures to create dishes that are not only quick but also deeply satisfying. Experiment with these recipes, adjust them to your taste, and soon you’ll find that your Instant Pot will be your go-to tool for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or just when you’re in the mood for something homemade and delightful.

Can I use frozen meat in the Instant Pot?

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Yes, you can cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%.

Is it necessary to do a quick pressure release?

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Not always. If the recipe mentions it, doing a quick release can help stop the cooking process quickly, preserving the texture of certain ingredients like vegetables. For tougher meats or dishes that benefit from slow cooking, a natural release might be better.

How do I prevent food from burning at the bottom?

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Always ensure there’s enough liquid at the bottom to avoid the burn notice. Additionally, using the saute function to deglaze the pot before pressure cooking can help prevent sticking.