Emilie Meyer
Cooking steak in an Instant Pot is a convenient way to prepare a juicy and tender steak with a rich, homemade gravy. While some steak enthusiasts prefer the traditional cast iron pan or grill, the Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can produce delicious results. It is possible to cook a variety of steak cuts in the Instant Pot, from ribeye to flank steak, and even frozen meat. The pressure cooker function helps to break down muscle fibres, resulting in tender meat. However, it is important to note that the Instant Pot's sauté mode may not provide a strong enough sear, so some cooks prefer to use a separate pan for this step.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Round Steak, Flank Steak, Chuck Steak, Blade Steak, Sirloin Steak, Ribeye Steak, Skirt Steak |
| Steak Thickness | 1-2 inches |
| Seasoning | Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Olive Oil, Butter, Avocado Oil, Ghee, Vegan Butter, Regular Butter |
| Sides | Onions, Mushrooms, Garlic, Wine, Beef Broth, Beef Stock, Arrowroot Powder, Cornstarch Slurry, Thyme, Rosemary |
| Cooking Time | 3-17 minutes |
| Temperature | 125-165°F |
| Calories | 296-599 kcal |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days |
| Reheating | Reheat on stovetop or oven until warm |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended steak cuts for instant pot cooking
While any cut of steak can be cooked in an Instant Pot, certain cuts are better suited to this method of cooking. Tougher cuts of steak, such as chuck steak, benefit from the moist cooking environment of the Instant Pot, which helps to tenderize the meat. Other cuts that can be used include round steak, flank steak, and blade steak. However, it is important to note that flank steak is best suited for quick, high-heat cooking and should be thinly sliced when cooked in an Instant Pot to prevent overcooking.
For those who prefer their steak rare or medium-rare, it is recommended to save more expensive and tender cuts such as ribeye, tenderloin, and T-bone for pan-searing or grilling. These cuts can be more difficult to cook to the desired level of doneness in an Instant Pot as it is not possible to check on the steak while it is cooking.
That being said, some of the most popular cuts for Instant Pot cooking include ribeye and sirloin. These cuts are naturally tender and flavorful, making them a good choice for those who want a juicy and tasty steak. When cooking in an Instant Pot, it is recommended to use steaks that are about 1 inch thick and boneless, as bone-in steaks may require a longer cooking time.
Additionally, the Instant Pot can be used to cook steak bites or chunks, which are typically made with more economical cuts of meat. By pressure cooking the meat and then tossing it with garlic, herbs, and butter, it is possible to create a flavorful and tender dish that is both simple and delicious.
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Seasoning and spices
For example, garlic powder and onion powder can add a savoury flavour and a pleasant aroma to your steak. You can also use fresh garlic cloves and onions, sautéing them in the Instant Pot before adding the steak. This will infuse your steak with a mellow sweetness and a punch of flavour.
If you're looking for a more herby flavour, you can add dried thyme or rosemary, or a combination of both. Fresh herbs can also be used as a garnish after cooking to add a pop of colour and a boost of fresh flavour.
When it comes to oil, olive oil is a popular choice for searing steak, but you can also use avocado oil or even butter. If you're using butter, it's best to opt for unsalted butter to avoid making your steak too salty.
Creating a sauce to accompany your steak can also be a great way to enhance its flavour. You can make a simple pan sauce by deglazing the pot with beef broth and adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water and adding it to the sauce.
So, while you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, experimenting with different seasonings and spices can take your Instant Pot steak to the next level.
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Searing the steak
To sear your steak in an Instant Pot, start by pressing the ''Saute' button and adding olive oil or butter to the pot. It is important to let the oil get hot before adding the steak. Once the oil is sizzling or hot, place the steaks in the pot and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned. You can also add butter to the pot to sear the steak and add flavour.
After searing, remove the steaks from the pot and set them aside on a plate. At this point, you can add other ingredients to the pot, such as onions, garlic, and spices, and saute them to build flavour. You can also deglaze the pot by adding a liquid such as wine, beef broth, or water, and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
It is worth noting that the saute mode on some Instant Pots may not get hot enough to properly sear the steak. In this case, you may need to use a skillet or pan to achieve a good sear before continuing with the recipe in your Instant Pot.
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Cooking methods
To cook steak in an Instant Pot, you can use the pressure cooker function or the sauté function.
Pressure Cooker
First, season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also rub seasonings like garlic and onion powder, or a mix of your choice, all over the steak. Next, add water to the Instant Pot, place a trivet inside, and place the steaks on the trivet. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 3 minutes for medium-rare steak, up to 12 minutes for well-done steak. When the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure, and remove the steaks from the pot. Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into them to lock in the juices.
Sauté
To use the Instant Pot's sauté function, first heat olive oil and butter in the pot. Once the oil is sizzling, sear the steak on all sides for around one minute until browned. Remove the steak from the pot and pour in water. Place a trivet inside and place the steaks on it. Seal the pot and cook on high for 3 minutes for medium-rare steak, 4 minutes for medium, 5 minutes for medium-well, and 6 minutes for well-done steak. Release the pressure and remove the steaks. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
You can also use the sauté function to cook onions and garlic. After searing the steaks, add sliced onions and garlic and sauté until caramelized, then add the steaks and cook as directed.
Note that the cooking time for meat in an Instant Pot varies by cut and thickness. Tougher cuts like chuck steak typically require 25 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release of pressure.
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Storing and reheating
Steak cooked in an instant pot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if placed in an airtight container. To freeze the steak, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your steak again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until it's warmed through. It is important to note that the steak should not be reheated more than once as this can affect the taste and texture.
If you plan to freeze your steak, it is best to slice it beforehand so you can easily thaw and reheat individual portions as needed. This way, you don't have to worry about reheating the entire steak at once.
Additionally, it is recommended to store the sauce separately to make reheating more manageable. This way, you can ensure that your steak tastes just as delicious as when it was first cooked.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook steak in an Instant Pot.
First, season the steak with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Then, heat olive oil or butter in the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting and sear the steak for 1-3 minutes on each side. Next, add water, place a trivet inside, and place the steaks on the trivet. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 3-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Finally, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
It is recommended to use steaks that are at least 1-2 inches thick, such as ribeye, sirloin, strip, flank, T-bone, flat iron, or tenderloin. Tougher cuts like chuck steak or blade steak are also good options for the Instant Pot as the pressure cooking method helps to tenderize the meat.
