The Instant Pot has become a kitchen favorite for its speed, versatility, and ease of use. For beginners, however, this multifunctional appliance can be a little intimidating. What’s the best way to get started and build confidence in using your Instant Pot? Whether you’ve just unboxed it or have had it sitting in the corner for months, choosing a simple, foolproof recipe is the key to success. In this article, we’ll explore the best first things to cook in your Instant Pot, highlighting easy dishes that allow you to master basic functions while preparing delicious meals.
Why Start with Simple Recipes?
The Instant Pot is capable of so many things—pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more—that it can feel overwhelming to new users. That’s why it’s important to begin with simple recipes. Starting with basic dishes allows you to understand the functions of the appliance, from adjusting pressure levels to using natural and quick-release methods.
One of the most recommended first recipes is hard-boiled eggs, a staple that can be made perfectly using the Instant Pot. It’s a great way to get acquainted with your Instant Pot without the risk of overcooking or undercooking a complicated dish. Instant Pot Beginner’s Guide is a useful resource for those just getting started with easy recipes like eggs, rice, and pasta(
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So, let’s dive into the best things to cook first in your Instant Pot.
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs: The Perfect Start
The Instant Pot is known for cooking the perfect hard-boiled eggs using the 5-5-5 method. This method involves cooking the eggs at high pressure for five minutes, allowing five minutes for natural pressure release, and then placing the eggs in a cold water bath for five minutes. The result? Easy-to-peel eggs with perfectly cooked yolks.
Why Hard-Boiled Eggs are Ideal for Beginners
- Simple: Only two ingredients—eggs and water—are needed.
- Consistent: The Instant Pot delivers uniform results, making this method more reliable than traditional stovetop boiling.
- Versatile: Hard-boiled eggs can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.
Here’s how to make them:
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Place the eggs on the trivet.
- Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, let it naturally release for 5 minutes, and then quickly release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling(
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Not only will this build your confidence in managing cooking time and pressure release, but it will also provide you with a nutritious snack or ingredient for multiple dishes.
2. Rice: A Pantry Staple Done Perfectly
Cooking rice in the Instant Pot is a no-fail process, making it one of the best things to cook first. Rice is notorious for being tricky to get just right on the stovetop—too much water and it’s mushy, too little and it’s undercooked. With the Instant Pot, you can say goodbye to the guesswork.
Why Rice is a Great Starter Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: You don’t need to watch over it like you would on the stove.
- Perfect Texture: Whether you’re making white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice, the Instant Pot ensures it’s fluffy and well-cooked.
- Basic Pressure Cooking Practice: You’ll gain experience with setting the right pressure level and timing.
To make perfect rice:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water.
- Add 1 cup of water and the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot.
- Set to high pressure for 4 minutes (for white rice), then let it naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure(
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This simple recipe will teach you the water-to-grain ratio needed for future grains like quinoa or farro.
3. Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food Made Easy
For a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone, mac and cheese is the way to go. The Instant Pot makes this classic comfort food in record time, and the best part? It’s all done in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
Why Mac and Cheese is Perfect for Beginners
- Dump-and-Go: You simply throw everything into the pot, and the Instant Pot handles the rest.
- Fast: No need to boil water or make a separate cheese sauce.
- Creamy and Delicious: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking locks in all the cheesy goodness.
Here’s how to make Instant Pot mac and cheese:
- Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Stir in 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of shredded cheese, and mix until creamy(
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This dish will not only help you understand how to handle pasta in the Instant Pot, but it also introduces the concept of quick pressure release, a method often used in pasta and other fast-cooking dishes.
4. Chicken Breasts: A Versatile Protein
Chicken breasts are one of the most versatile proteins to cook in an Instant Pot. Whether you want to shred it for tacos, slice it for salads, or serve it whole, chicken breast is easy to cook and turns out juicy every time.
Why Chicken Breast is a Great Protein to Start With
- Fast Cooking: Chicken breasts cook quickly in the Instant Pot, making them ideal for meal prep.
- Moist and Tender: Pressure cooking keeps the chicken moist, unlike other cooking methods that can dry it out.
- Versatile: Once cooked, you can use the chicken in a variety of dishes—from sandwiches to salads, soups, and more.
To cook chicken breasts:
- Place 2-3 chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Shred or slice the chicken for your recipe(
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This recipe will give you experience cooking proteins and understanding how different pressure levels impact cooking time.
5. Steamed Vegetables: Healthy and Fast
The Instant Pot’s steaming function is perfect for cooking vegetables. Steaming veggies is a quick and healthy way to preserve their nutrients while achieving the perfect tender texture. For first-time users, steaming vegetables will help you practice using the steam and pressure release settings.
Why Steamed Vegetables Are Ideal for Beginners
- Quick: Vegetables like broccoli or carrots cook in just 1-2 minutes under pressure.
- Healthy: Steaming preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: You can cook a large batch to use throughout the week.
To steam vegetables:
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a steamer basket inside.
- Place your vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, or potatoes) in the basket.
- Set to high pressure for 1-2 minutes, depending on the vegetable.
- Perform a quick release for perfectly cooked vegetables(
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This beginner recipe will familiarize you with the steaming function while providing you with healthy sides to complement any meal.
Intermediate Recipes to Try After Mastering the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to intermediate recipes that combine several functions of the Instant Pot. These recipes will help you build confidence and start experimenting with more complex meals.
Pot Roast
A juicy, tender pot roast is an excellent dish for beginners ready to try cooking tougher cuts of meat. Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the roast before pressure cooking will give the dish extra depth of flavor. After browning, add vegetables, broth, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes(
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Risotto
Risotto is typically labor-intensive due to the constant stirring required. The Instant Pot simplifies this process. Begin by sautéing onions and rice, then add broth and set to pressure cook for 6-8 minutes. The result? Creamy, delicious risotto without the effort(
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FAQs for First-Time Instant Pot Users
What’s the best first thing to cook in an Instant Pot?
Start with simple, foolproof recipes like hard-boiled eggs, rice, or mac and cheese. These dishes help you get comfortable with basic pressure cooking functions without being too complicated(
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Can I cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot?
Yes, the Instant Pot can cook frozen meat without defrosting. Just add extra cooking time—usually 5-10 minutes longer than cooking fresh meat(
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What are common mistakes when using an Instant Pot for the first time?
Common beginner mistakes include overfilling the pot, forgetting to properly seal the vent, and misjudging cooking times. Starting with easy recipes like rice or hard-boiled eggs can help you avoid these pitfalls(
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Conclusion: Building Confidence with Simple Instant Pot Recipes
Starting with easy recipes such as hard-boiled eggs, rice, mac and cheese, or chicken breast in your Instant Pot will help you master the appliance’s core functions, including pressure settings, cooking time adjustments, and pressure release methods. These dishes are not only beginner-friendly but also versatile, allowing you to incorporate them into various meals.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced dishes like pot roast or risotto, both of which utilize additional functions like sautéing and longer pressure cooking times. These intermediate recipes will build your confidence as you explore the full capabilities of the Instant Pot.
By starting simple and gradually increasing the complexity of your recipes, you’ll soon discover that the Instant Pot is an indispensable tool in your kitchen, capable of making everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes.
So don’t wait—try one of these recipes today and see why the Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks of all skill levels!
Final Takeaways:
- The best first thing to cook in an Instant Pot is something simple, like hard-boiled eggs or rice, to familiarize yourself with pressure cooking basics.
- Once you’re comfortable, try recipes that combine functions, like mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, or chicken breast.
- After mastering the basics, you can move on to more complex dishes, such as pot roast or risotto, to fully utilize your Instant Pot’s capabilities.
With these recipes in your repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Instant Pot expert, ready to tackle more intricate meals with ease.
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External Links and Recommended Anchor Texts:
- Instant Pot Beginner’s Guide from Simply Recipes: This guide is perfect for understanding the basics of Instant Pot functions and offers several beginner-friendly recipes.
- Instant Pot FAQ from The Kitchn: Learn about common mistakes and answers to frequently asked questions by first-time Instant Pot users.
- Easy Instant Pot Recipes from AllRecipes: A collection of simple, foolproof recipes for those just starting out with the Instant Pot.
By using these links as resources and practicing with beginner recipes, you’ll soon become confident and skilled in using your Instant Pot for a wide range of meals. Happy cooking!