The Ultimate Guide To Mastering The Hot Pot Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté pan, and meal warmer. It's a great appliance to have in your kitchen as it can cook food much faster than conventional methods, and it's also very safe and easy to use.

To use your Instant Pot as a hot pot, simply place the appliance in the middle of your table and add your hot pot broth. Press the Sauté button and then press the Adjust button until the display reads More. Once the broth comes to a boil, adjust the heat down to Less to keep it at a simmer, and then you can start cooking your meat, vegetables, noodles, tofu, and fish cakes.

You can also make your own broth and dipping sauces, with many different cuisines and recipes to choose from. For thinly-sliced meats ideal for hot pot, you can buy pre-sliced meats from your local Asian grocery store, or you can cut your own after popping the meat in the freezer for an hour to make it easier to slice.

How to set up your hot pot pressure cooker

Setting up your hot pot pressure cooker is simple. First, remove the inner pot and look inside the base unit. You will see the heating element, which should be free of debris and dry before use. Next, check that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly onto the lid and is clean and free of tears. Then, remove the steam release valve by gently pulling it straight up, ensuring it is also clean and free of debris. Some foods, such as oatmeal and pasta, may foam and clog the steam release valve, so it is important to check this component before each use. Finally, check the float valve to ensure it is clean. You can place the lid under running water to wash it if needed.

Now that your hot pot pressure cooker is set up, you are ready to cook! Place the inner pot back into the base unit and add your desired amount of water. Check again that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly into the lid, and then place the lid on the pot, turning it clockwise until it is in the closed position. You will hear a chime when the lid is closed if your pressure cooker is plugged in.

Turn the steam release valve to the "sealing" position. Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button, and use the +/- buttons to set the time. Your pressure cooker will take some time to reach cooking pressure—usually about 10 minutes, depending on the size of your pot, the temperature and amount of food, and other factors. Once the float valve pops up, the cooker beeps, and the cook time begins to count down, your hot pot pressure cooker has reached pressure and is ready for use!

How to use the 'saute' function

The "sauté" function on a hot pot pressure cooker is a useful feature that allows you to cook food without pressure building up inside the pot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the "sauté" function:

• Check your model's instructions to see if you can adjust the heat settings. Some models have "Less, Normal, and More" modes, while others only have one setting. Adjust the heat setting according to your needs.
• Press the "Sauté" button on your hot pot pressure cooker. The pot will display a default sauté time of 30 minutes and then show "On."
• Add cooking oil as needed or directed in your recipe. If you are browning ground beef or another meat that releases its own fat, you may not need to add oil.
• Wait for the display to show that the pot is "Hot."
• Add vegetables, meat, or other ingredients to the pot and sauté or brown them as instructed in your recipe.
• Press the "Cancel" button to turn off the sauté mode when you are finished.
• Deglaze the pot by pouring in some cooking liquid and scraping up any bits from the bottom. This step is important to prevent a "Burn" error during pressure cooking.

The "sauté" function is perfect for browning meat, sautéing vegetables, and thickening sauces. It can also be used to finish cooking food that is almost done or to reheat leftovers.

How to adjust the temperature

The temperature of a pressure cooker is determined by the PSI (pounds per square inch). The PSI can be adjusted on the Instant Pot by using the Pressure Level button to switch between High and Low. On the Instant Pot, the High-Pressure setting is usually between 10 and 12 PSI, which can get as hot as 239 to 245 Fahrenheit. The Low-Pressure setting is usually around 5.5 to 7 PSI, which means the temperature ranges from 229 to 233 Fahrenheit.

The Instant Pot also has a Saute function with three temperature settings: Less, Normal, and More. Less is for simmering, thickening, and reducing liquids; Normal is for general pan searing or sauteing; and More is for stir-frying or browning meat.

The Slow Cook function also has three temperature settings: Less, Normal, and More, which correspond to the Low, Medium, and High settings on a traditional slow cooker.

Additionally, the Keep Warm function has three temperature settings: Normal (145 F), Less (135 F), and More (167 F).

How to release pressure

Releasing the pressure from your hot pot pressure cooker is a crucial step in the cooking process, and there are several methods to do this, depending on the type of food being cooked and the specific cooker being used. Here is a detailed guide on how to release pressure safely and effectively:

Natural Release Method:

This is the safest and most preferred method for releasing pressure. It is ideal for foods like legumes, rice, pasta, and dishes that create froth and foam while cooking. It is also suitable for meats as it helps improve their tenderness and texture.

To use this method, simply turn off the heat source and let the cooker sit until the temperature and pressure drop naturally. This can take around 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the cooker type and how full it is. It is important to wait until the pressure has dropped to a safe level before opening the lid. Many modern cookers have a visual indicator to show when this safe level is reached.

Quick Release or Normal Release Method:

This method is suitable for quick-cooking foods and vegetables. It involves using the valve or pressure-releasing mechanism (such as a button or dial) to release the pressure quickly. This can be a bit messy as steam escapes, and one must be careful to avoid burns. This method should not be used for foods that create a lot of froth and foam, as they can spray out.

Slow Normal Release Method:

This is a relatively faster method, taking around 5 to 6 minutes. It is similar to the Normal Release method but involves releasing the pressure very slowly and in short bursts. If anything other than steam comes out (like foam), the valve should be closed for a short time before the next release. This method is used when one needs to release pressure quickly but wants to avoid the potential mess and safety concerns of the Normal Release method.

Cold Water Quick Release Method:

This method is the fastest way to release pressure, especially for foods with short cooking times. It involves carrying the stove-top cooker to the sink and running cold tap water over it, being careful to avoid the valves or vents. This should not be done with electric pressure cookers.

Manual/Regular/Normal/Automatic Release Method:

This method is ideal for interrupted cooking, where you need to add ingredients that cook faster than those already in the cooker (like adding vegetables to a stew after the meat). It involves quickly releasing vapour by removing or lifting the valve, turning a dial, or pushing a button.

Safety Precautions:

It is important to remember that pressure cookers operate at high pressure and temperature, so safety must always come first. Here are some key safety tips:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cooker.
• Never put your face near the steam release valve during cooking or when releasing pressure.
• Never open the lid until the pressure has been fully released and the float valve has dropped.
• Always wait for the cooker to depressurize before opening. Forcing the lid open can be dangerous.
• Regularly clean and maintain your cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to clean your hot pot pressure cooker

Keeping your hot pot pressure cooker clean is essential to ensuring it works correctly and that your food tastes good. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your hot pot pressure cooker:

Step 1: Unplug the appliance

Always unplug any appliance before cleaning it. It's also a good opportunity to check the cord for any damage or needed repairs.

Step 2: Separate the lid and interior pot from the housing

Take these pieces apart so that you can access and clean every area that needs it.

Step 3: Clean the outside

Wipe down the exterior of the housing unit with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and tough stains. Remember that the housing unit contains electronic components and should never be immersed in water.

Step 4: Clean the cracks

Use a small brush or a butter knife with a wet rag wrapped around it to remove any dried food residue in the recessed area of the housing unit.

Step 5: Clean the lid

Hand wash the lid with warm, soapy water or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Be sure to remove the sealing ring and wash the two separately. If you allow your pressure cooker to cool naturally, the lid will usually be rather clean, with only condensation water remaining. Most of the time, you won't need to unscrew anything to wash it — just wipe it dry with a dry cloth. However, the lid should also get a periodic deep clean by removing a few key parts for proper maintenance.

Remove the steam-release handle by gently pulling it off and check for food particles.

Remove the anti-block shield from the underside of the lid to wipe the steam valve clean. Note: The steam valve should never be removed. Reattach the anti-block shield and tighten it by hand. If you regularly use the quick-release function or cook sticky foods, it's recommended to unscrew the anti-block shield for cleaning.

Remove the float valve by taking out the silicone ring anchoring it and clean both portions; reattach when dry. Always inspect the float valve to make sure it can move up and down easily without obstruction.

Step 6: Clean the inner pot and steam rack

The inner pot and steam rack can be hand-washed or washed in the dishwasher. You can also add the sealing ring to the top rack if you want.

To remove common rainbowing or discolouring effects on the stainless steel inner pot, wipe or soak it with vinegar. Avoid using steel wool, as this will scratch the surface.

Step 7: Reassemble

Make sure all parts are securely reattached to ensure a proper seal. Double-check that the silicone sealing ring, anti-block shield, and float valve are all in place!

Step 8: Clean the sealing ring

The silicone sealing ring should be removed periodically to remove lingering smells and to inspect for damage. If you notice cracking, leaking, or deformation of the sealing ring, you should replace it. The sealing ring can be washed in the dishwasher or soaked in vinegar first to remove odours. It should always be clean and well-seated before use to ensure a proper seal during pressure cooking.

Step 9: Clean the condensation collector and accessories

If your pressure cooker has a condensation collector accessory, empty and rinse it after every use. It is dishwasher-safe (on the top rack) or can be washed by hand in warm, soapy water. Rinse it well and air dry.

Wash any other accessories, such as the steam rack, in the dishwasher or by hand in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well.

Step 10: Clean the base and heating element

Wipe out the inside of the cooker base with a soft, damp cloth. Don't let the base get wet — it is not dishwasher-safe! Use a soft toothbrush to clean any residue from the rim and the groove the lid sits in, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Allow it to air dry. Clean the exterior and control panel with a soft, barely-damp cloth. Wipe down the power cord, too.

Frequently asked questions