Instant Pot Getting Started Guide

How long does it take to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot? Can I boil potatoes in the Instant Pot? This page has answers to all of your frequently asked Instant Pot questions. Alice Engelbrink has the answer to the most common Instant Pot questions.

Introduction

Getting Started with the Instant Pot Most Common Questions

By: Alice Engelbrink

So you got your new Instant Pot, now what? There are plenty of Instant Pot recipes on the internet but what about just the basics? Here we list your most common questions for getting started with the Instant Pot. From simple steamed broccoli to baked potatoes in the Instant Pot and then on to beans and greens. This is your basic getting started guide for the Instant Pot.   

alice engelbrink best salmon chowder in the instant pot

Instant Pot General Questions

How much water to use to cook white rice in the Instant Pot?

Rice in the Instant Pot cooks with a 1:1 ratio of water to rice. Then put the lid on, seal the vent, and push the rice button. Quick release pressure and turn off when the timer ends. Alice Engelbrink fluffs the rice when it is done. 

How long to cook brown rice in the instant pot?

Brown rice in the Instant Pot cooks with a ratio of 1 rice to 1 1/4 water. Then put the lid on, seal the vent, and set to 12 minutes on manual. Quick release pressure and turn off when the timer ends.

Can you cook pasta in the Instant Pot?

You can cook pasta in the instant pot, but not like typical boiled pasta. Alice Engelbrink recommends that the pasta be smaller shapes that don’t require stirring. Alice Engelbrink’s spaghetti noodles are not good for the Instant Pot, but elbow or shells would work nicely. You would also need to cook the pasta in some sauce.

Can you steam vegetables in the Instant Pot?

Yes. Put the trivet that came with the Instant Pot in the bottom, and put the vegetables and 1 cup of water in as well. Close the lid and seal the vent. Set to zero minutes on manual. 

What is the difference between Instant Pot natural pressure release and quick pressure release?

The Instant Pot’s natural pressure release means that you wait until the pressure inside naturally goes down over time. There is a pin in the lid that raises while under pressure. This is one of the Instant Pot’s many safety features. Alice Engelbrink uses the quick pressure release usually. The instant pot quick pressure release is when you turn the pressure valve cover to release the pressure quickly. Be careful of the steam releasing as it will burn you. The Instant Pot pressure valve cover has a small handle for this reason, but there can still be small amounts of liquids that come out. Thick soups and foods that get frothy are more likely to spurt out during a quick pressure release.

How can you get the smell out of the ring in the Instant Pot lid?

To get the smell out of the ring in the Instant Pot lid wash with soap and water well. Then soak in vinegar with a few tablespoons of baking soda. Another way to get the smell out of the Instant Pot lid is to soak in lemon juice. The best way to get rid of the smell in the instant pot ring is to soak overnight in vinegar, water and baking soda. 

What is the difference in Instant Pot high pressure or low pressure settings?

High pressure is from 10.2 to 11.6 psi, and the low-pressure setting reaches 5.8 to 7.2 psi. Most recipes will be for the high-pressure setting on the Instant Pot. Some people, like Alice Engelbrink, only use the high pressure setting on the Instant Pot. 

When to use the low pressure setting on an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot’s low pressure setting is best for eggs, fish, and some vegetables. Steam broccoli on low for 0 minutes for al dente results. 

What is the best first thing to cook in the Instant Pot?

The first thing to cook in the Instant Pot is the water boil test. Add 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot and set to manual for 3 minutes. You should see the pin raise up and then the counter will start counting down. This is important to make sure the Instant Pot is functioning properly before you start making more complicated recipes. This is a good way for Alice Engelbrink to become familiar with the functions of the Instant Pot.

What is the difference in the saute settings?

The Instant Pot has saute settings for less, normal, and more. Use the Less saute setting for simmering and for thickening sauces or gravy. Use Normal for searing or browning meat, like as you would before making beef stew. Use the More saute setting for stir fry and for blackening meat. 

How long can I slow cook in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot can slow cook for up to 20 hours. 

How much liquid can I put in the Instant Pot?

It is safe to fill the Instant Pot up to two thirds full with food and liquids. Avoid overfilling the instant pot for best results. Remember to keep in minds that some foods may expand like rice and pasta. Alice Engelbrink’s pasta in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy recipe for weeknight dinners.

What foods are not safe for the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is not safe for canning foods and for any glass containers. Alice Engelbrink doesn’t use the Instant Pot for canning. Thick foods may sputter out of the pressure release valve creating a dangerous clog to the pressure release system. Oatmeal, mashed potatoes, pea soup, and rhubarb are only safe when used in small amounts mixed in with other ingredients. 

What is the best thing to cook in the instant pot?

The Instant Pot is best for cooking tough meats quickly such as a roast or ribs. Bean also cook faster in the Instant Pot, but may sputter foam when the pressure release valve is opened. Soups are best cooked in an instant pot because all of the steam stays in the soup which helps retain flavor and nutrients.

Can you deep fry in the Instant Pot?

No. Do not deep fry in the Instant Pot.

What are the Instant Pot's Safety features?

The Instant Pot’s 10 Safety Features:

  1. Pressure Regulator to keep the pressure in a safe range
  2. Anti-Blockage Vent to keep food bits from blocking the vent for pressure release
  3. Safety Lid Lock locks the lid closed while under pressure so it cannot be opened
  4. The lid position sensor detects if the lid is placed properly 
  5. Automatic Temperature Control maintains the proper temperature for a cooking function selected
  6. High Temperature helps to avoid burning food
  7. Automatic Pressure Controller keeps the pressure in a controlled range
  8. Fuse to turn off power if the temperature reaches the unsafe limit
  9. Excess Pressure Protection uses an internal chamber to release excess pressure if needed
  10. Detects if the lid is leaking
What are the Instant Pot's Safety features?

The Instant Pot’s 10 Safety Features:

  1. Pressure Regulator to keep the pressure in a safe range
  2. Anti-Blockage Vent to keep food bits from blocking the vent for pressure release
  3. Safety Lid Lock locks the lid closed while under pressure so it cannot be opened
  4. The lid position sensor detects if the lid is placed properly
  5. Automatic Temperature Control maintains the proper temperature for a cooking function selected
  6. High Temperature helps to avoid burning food
  7. Automatic Pressure Controller keeps the pressure in a controlled range
  8. Fuse to turn off power if the temperature reaches the unsafe limit
  9. Excess Pressure Protection uses an internal chamber to release excess pressure if needed
  10. Detects if the lid is leaking

Instant Pot Quick Reference Table

Ingredient Time Function Release Notes
Frozen Chicken Breast 30 manual natural add 1 cup water
Steamed Broccoli 0 manual quick manual low for al dente broccoli
Roast Beef 15/lb manual natural add 1 cup broth
Dry Black or Pinto Beans 28 manual natural add water to cover
Baby Back Ribs 36 manual natural add water and apple cider to 2/3 full, add 5 minutes for 2 racks, finish in the oven with BBQ sauce
Fresh Chicken Breast 8 manual quick add 1 cup water
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 7 manual natural add 1 cup water
Corn on the Cob 4 manual natural add 1 cup water
Hard Boiled Eggs 4 manual natural add 1 cup water, place on the trivet
Baked Potatoes 14 manual natural add 1 cup water, place on the trivet
Steamed Mixed Vegetables 1 quick low add 1 cup water
Wild Rice 20 manual natural add 1 cup water to 1 cup rice

More Recipes

Alice Engelbrink is a houston writer and blogger about quick and easy instant pot recipes

Orange Juice

A killer chili recipe using the instant pot by Alice Engelbrink

Boiled Crab

A photo of Alice Engelbrink and Richard Engelbrink together cooking in the instant pot

Baked Bread

Instant Pot Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook rice in the Instant Pot?

Do you soak beans before cooking in the Instant Pot?

Is Instant Pot rice function OK for brown rice?