Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes for Beginners

What’s the best way to learn how to use an electric pressure cooker? Why, cook something in it, of course! With this handy appliance, you will never run out of dinner ideas, be it easy one-pot pasta or pot roast. So, here are some pressure cooker recipes that even kitchen novices can whip up. All these quick and easy recipes were from the electric pressure cooker models included in my product review. Also, make sure to check my cooking tips to help ease your pressure-cooking journey!

Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker: Creamy Chicken and Noodle Recipe

If you are looking for an alternative to your spaghetti with homemade meatballs, the Instant Pot creamy chicken and noodle dish is perfect. This easy dinner idea uses traditional ingredients and is ready in 45 minutes. It also makes 6 to 8 servings. Don’t forget the bread for dipping! For more easy Instant Pot recipes to try, make sure to check the official site.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (946ml) low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
• 454g boneless chicken thighs
• 4 tbsp butter
• 620ml cream of chicken soup
• 680g frozen egg noodles
• Freshly cracked pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped (optional)

Procedure

1. Add the warmed broth, chicken thighs, butter and chicken soup to the Instant Pot, in that order. Do not stir.
2. Secure the lid and make sure to close the vent properly.
3. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function. Use the +/- keys and set the Instant Pot for 10 minutes.
4. When the time is up, let the pressure go on natural release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
5. Carefully remove the tender chicken from the pot to a cutting board and shred.
6. Meanwhile, rinse the inside of the lid with cold water. Add the noodles to the pot and stir to mix. Secure the pressure cooker lid and make sure to close the vent.
7. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function. Use the +/- keys and set the Instant Pot for 5 minutes.
8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then perform a controlled release for the remaining pressure. Watch out for any starchy spray.
9. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Serve hot, topped with chopped Italian parsley and freshly cracked pepper (optional).

Breville The Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker: Classic Tender Pot Roast Recipe

Even pressure-cooking beginners can recreate comfort food and popular dishes like pot roast. This dish usually takes a few hours of cook time. But with an electric pressure cooker, you’re ready to eat in minutes! You can use the slow cooker function for this easy dish, too. Either way, serving this cooked meal with a side dish of wild rice or scalloped potatoes will be 100% delectable! Do check other electric pressure cooker recipes from the Breville eBook. It has everything from soups to grains and even desserts!

Ingredients

• 5kg chuck roast, halved and trimmed
• 3 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 30g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 60ml (¼ cup) red wine
• 2 carrots, in 1cm-thick slices
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 240ml (1 cup) beef or chicken broth

Procedure

1. Season the roast halves with salt and pepper. Put the flour in a bowl and toss the roast in it to coat evenly.
2. Select SEAR and preheat the cooking bowl. Heat the olive oil until simmering then brown the roast, in two batches, about 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the roast to a platter. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes or until softened. Add the red wine and cook for another minute or until it has mostly reduced.
4. Return the roast to the electric pressure cooker along with the carrots, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary. Pour the broth over the top.
5. Select PRESSURE COOK MEAT (or SLOW COOK if you prefer).
6. When cooking has completed, remove the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Skim any fat off the top of the sauce and discard the herbs.
7. Select REDUCE and the desired heat level. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Slice the roast across the grain. Place the slices on a warmed platter then top with sauce and vegetables. Serve immediately.

CrockPot Express Crock Multi-Cooker: Smoky BBQ Brisket Recipe

We Aussies love our barbecues, and this CrockPot recipe for BBQ brisket will undoubtedly be a hit. With just a few ingredients and an efficient electric pressure cooker, you can enjoy tender barbecues week after week! This favourite dish requires 75 minutes of cook time and serves ten people — perfect for sharing! For more pressure cooker recipes, visit the CrockPot Express Multi-Cooker site.

Ingredients

• 5kg beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup BBQ seasoning
• 400ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• ¼ cup of water

Procedure

1. Combine the barbecue sauce and seasoning then rub the mixture all over the brisket. Tip: For an extra smoky flavour, spray the brisket with smoke oils before cooking.
2. Place the metal rack into the base of the cooking pot. Pour in the beef stock and place the brisket on the metal rack.
3. Secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is in the closed position. Press MEAT/STEW, adjust the time to 1 hour and 25 minutes then press START/STOP.
4. After cooking the brisket, take it out of the cooking pot with the rack and set aside.
5. Press BROWN/SAUTE then START/STOP and reduce the remaining liquid by half. Combine the cornflour and water, add it to the cooking pot and simmer for 1 minute. Press the STOP button.
6. Using two forks, shred the brisket and add it to the cooking pot. Fold the shredded meat into the sauce then serve on burger buns with slaw.

Pressure Cooking Tips

For best results, make sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you try cooking one of these electric pressure cooker recipes:

• Brown and deglaze. Searing the meat or poultry in oil then deglazing the pot with liquid (water, broth or wine) helps build up the flavour.
• Keep cuts uniform. Prep your ingredients in equal sizes, so they cook evenly at the same time.
• Avoid overfilling. Follow the right liquid-to-food ratio recommended in your electric pressure cooker manual.
• Cook in phases. Cook meats on high pressure first before adding your quick-cooking ingredients.
• Add thickeners last. Avoid adding your roux or slurry before pressure cooking as the locked-in steam can affect the consistency of your dish or sauce.
• Choose tougher meat cuts. Aside from being less expensive, these meat types have tough fibres that you can quickly tenderise through pressure cooking.
• Let roasts rest. Always allow roasted meats to sit for up to 15 minutes before carving. Also, make sure to slice against the grain.
• Practice and experiment. Beans, chilli and soups are fairly forgiving starter recipes. Also, when you’re trying something new, always take note of the cooking times.