If you’re new to the Instant Pot or simply unfamiliar with its sauteing capabilities, you might be surprised to learn that you can indeed saute with this versatile appliance. Sauteing serves as an excellent method to brown meat, cook onions, and prepare other aromatic ingredients before pressure cooking them. In this article, we’ll explore how to saute in an Instant Pot and unlock a world of flavors!
When to Utilize the Saute Button
The saute function comes in handy whenever you wish to replicate stovetop cooking in your Instant Pot.
Browning or Sauteing Ingredients
Numerous recipes call for browning meat or sauteing vegetables before pressure cooking them. Instead of using an extra pot or pan, you can conveniently perform these steps right in your Instant Pot.
Thickening Sauces or Stews
If you want to thicken a sauce or stew being prepared in your Instant Pot, the saute function is your go-to. Remember to turn off the keep-warm function first to utilize the saute button effectively.
Finishing Cooking Your Food
The saute function can also be employed to finish cooking food that is nearly done but requires a little extra time.
How to Saute in an Instant Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
For Instant Pot beginners or those eager to expand their culinary skills, sauteing is an excellent starting point. It’s a straightforward and speedy technique suitable for various ingredients, including meats and vegetables. Let’s dive into the process:
Push the Saute or Sear Button
Depending on your Instant Pot model, locate either the saute button or the sear button. Wait until the Pot indicates that it has reached the desired heat level.
Add Oil or Butter
Once the Pot is adequately heated, add your preferred cooking oil. While olive oil is our personal favorite, feel free to choose any oil or even butter. Allow it to heat for a minute or two.
Add the Food
Now, it’s time to introduce your ingredients. For meat, ensure you sear both sides to seal in the juices, achieving a beautiful golden brown color. As for vegetables, cook them until they reach your desired level of tenderness or browning. Remember to stir occasionally for even cooking.
Deglaze the Instant Pot
To conclude the sauteing process, cancel the saute function. Once your food is sauteed to perfection, deglaze the Instant Pot. This entails adding a liquid such as water, broth, or wine and gently scraping the bottom to release any food bits that may have stuck. This step is crucial in preventing burnt flavors.
Add Liquid and Pressure Cook
Now, it’s time to introduce the liquid component to your recipe. For most recipes, a minimum of 1 cup (250 ml) of liquid is recommended. This can be water, broth, wine, or any other liquid stipulated in your recipe. Once you’ve added the liquid, seal the Instant Pot with its lid and pressure cook according to your recipe’s instructions.
What Can You Saute in an Instant Pot?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to sauteing in an Instant Pot! Here are some of our favorite ingredients to saute:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Peppers
Tips for Sauteing in an Instant Pot
To achieve sauteing success, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Allow the Pot to heat fully before adding your ingredients.
- Always add cooking oil or butter before introducing meat or vegetables.
- When browning ground beef, sausage, or bacon, omit the use of oil or butter.
- Avoid moving the meat until it has formed a nicely browned crust on the bottom.
Recipes to Try
To further explore the possibilities of sauteing in an Instant Pot, here are a few delightful recipes to get you started:
- How to Cook Ground Beef in The Instant Pot
- Delicious Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Easy Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Knowing how to saute in an Instant Pot opens up a world of possibilities for creating delicious and healthy meals. Additionally, it saves time and energy. So, the next time you crave a quick and easy meal, remember that your Instant Pot can handle sauteing duties with ease!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Instant Pot or other kitchen appliances, be sure to check out our dedicated Facebook Group: Instant Pot Recipes For Beginners.
