Instant Pot recipes are all the rage, so it's only natural that we take a step back from our belovedCrock Pots to revisit a truly classic cooking method: pressure cooking. You're probably picturing the terrifying pot of years past that was known for leaving remnants of green beans on the ceiling. Well, times have definitely changed.
Electric pressure cookers of today are more like a fast version of a slow cooker and have little-to-no risk of taking your eyebrows off.
Whether you're looking to invest, or you were gifted one and have no idea what to do with it, keep reading to discover easy pressure cooker recipes that are perfect for a beginner!
Why is it good to cook in a pressure cooker?
Flo Dahm / PEXELS
Pressure cooker recipes are very helpful because of how much time you'll save. And even though it cooks so quickly, it doesn't leave your food dry the way that other fast cooking methods can.
What cannot be cooked in a pressure cooker?
Engin Akyurt / PEXELS
You'll want to avoid cooking crispy foods like French fries in a pressure cooker. We'd recommend using an air fryer instead — you'll still save time, but you won't have to worry about them getting mushy. (Same thing with noodles. Stick to your go-to stovetop method!)
What are the best things to cook in a pressure cooker?
Cats Coming / PEXELS
You can turn all kinds of dishes into pressure cooker recipes! From Pad Thai to soups to perfecting the black beans you serve in your taco bar, keep reading for the best foods to cook in a pressure cooker.
Insanely Easy Pressure Cooker Pho
Brit + Co
The only thing better than a homemade pho recipe is an easy homemade pho recipe. Nothing matches the taste of this homemade broth, and the basil, jalapeños, lime, and chili sauce topping are the perfect finishing touch! (via Brit + Co)
Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs
Brit + Co
Eggs en cocotte sounds fancy, but these soft-cooked eggs, cooked in ramekins, can be whipped together and pressure-cooked in a matter of minutes. (via Brit + Co)
Fluffy Instant Pot Quinoa
Brit + Co
Fun fact — your pressure cooker’s rice setting does a lot more than just cook one type of grain. Try quinoa, then dress it up with your fave salad toppings. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Paleo Orange Chicken
Brit + Co
Yes you can make a healthier version of the classic American-Chinese staple, and it can be made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Salmon Dinner
Brit + Co
Salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be steamed up all together in three minutes via the ~wonders~ of the Instant Pot. This healthy pick has got to be one of our favorite pressure cooker recipes. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Carnitas
Brit + Co
These flavorful carnitas start with pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but add your go-to herbs and seasonings to make it yours in this simple pressure cooker recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Brit + Co
Eight different vegetables, sweet Italian sausage, cannellini beans, San Marzano tomatoes, lemon, and fresh parsley make this one hearty soup to remember. (via Brit + Co)
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Culinary Hill
Believe it or not, the types of mushrooms you choose for this dish will have a huge impact on its flavor. Try porcini, oyster, or enoki! (via Culinary Hill)
Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham
The Blond Cook
Simple and nutritious lima beans and ham is one dish anyone can master with their pressure cooker. The ham infuses each bite with smokey flavor, while the beans become tender and creamy without having to be soaked the night before. (via The Blond Cook)
Instant Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal
The Real Food Dietitians
In under 15 minutes, you could have a warm, steamy bowl of cozy oats sitting in front of you. Serve this pressure cooker recipe with some strong coffee, and you'll start your day off right. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai
The Girl On Bloor
We will literally never say no to Pad Thai. It's the perfect dish for any time of year because even though it's served hot, the flavors are still bright enough to make it totally crave-able in the spring. This recipe will take you less than 10 minutes and will become a total crowd favorite. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Pressure Cooker Mongolian Beef
The Blond Cook
Soy sauce and hoisin do a bang-up job of transforming flank stank in your pressure cooker. This pressure cooker recipe is a sticky-sweet yet savory dish that you should definitely serve with fluffy white rice. (via The Blond Cook)
Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Hello Little Home
This pressure cooker recipe translates for both the Instant Pot and your stovetop, but no matter which method you go with, it'll still be overly creamy and cheesy. Yum! (via Hello Little Home)
Chicken Coconut Korma
Completely Delicious
Curry-based dishes need to be in your winter meal rotation when you're craving something different. They have just the right amount of spice to open up the sinuses, too. This one is packed with plenty of protein and veg. (via Completely Delicious)
3-Ingredient Pressure Cooker Mexican Chicken
Gimme Some Oven
Spicy, saucy, tender chicken for tacos, burritos, and more is super easy to whip up in your pressure cooker. Best of all, this recipe requires just three ingredients, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time rummaging through your cabinets before you get to cooking. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Pressure Cooker Zucchini Basil Soup
My Food Story
When you think of pressure cooker recipes, you probably picture a giant roast or a heavy meat-laden stew. This veggie soup is just the opposite, and is perfect as a light starter for any weeknight meal. (via My Food Story)
Instant Pot Risotto
Two Spoons
Making risotto can sometimes be a feat, but with the pressure cooker, it doesn't have to be. This easy recipe delivers a delicious bowl of risotto in a matter of minutes. (via Two Spoons)
Pressure Cooker Ribs
Leite's Culinaria
The way you cook ribs will forever be changed after you use a pressure cooker. This simple recipe contains ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. (via Leite’s Culinaria)
Pressure Cooker Pinto Bean and Chard Burritos
Kitschen Cat
The pressure cooker isn’t just for heavy comfort food-style dishes. Whip up these healthy pinto bean, chard, and brown rice burritos in a flash so you can eat something nutritious at the end of a long, stressful day. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooker Blueberry Cornmeal Breakfast Cake
Kitschen Cat
We tend to whip out our pressure cooker at dinner time, but it’s just as effective at churning out hands-off breakfasts, too. Cornmeal cake studded with blueberries stays ultra-moist in your cooker, making for an indulgent morning meal. (via Kitschen Kat)
Instant Pot Lentil Stew
Salt & Lavender
When you just need a cozy meal, this lentil stew is the perfect solution. It's even more enticing, now that the cooking process is slashed when you use a pressure cooker. (via Salt & Lavender)
Pressure Cooker Coca-Cola Baked Beans
Kitschen Cat
Cooking homemade baked beans from dried legumes takes literal hours to yield a tender result. With the pressure cooker, all that flavorful sauce is imparted into the beans in a fraction of the time for one tasty side dish. (via Kitschen Cat)
Cheesy Chili Mac
Chattavore
There’s no need to make a questionable dinner from a box when you can make the same thing from scratch and feel good about it. (via Chattavore)
Pressure Cooker Faux Chicken Pho
The Sophisticated Caveman
The beauty of cooking is that you can take one of your favorite dishes and make it your own. This soup is inspired by traditional pho, but uses spiralized daikon radish instead of rice noodles for a healthy twist. (via The Sophisticated Caveman)
Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oats
Kitschen Cat
Steel-cut oats usually take more time than you have for breakfast in the morning, but with a pressure cooker, you can have them ready before you perfect your mascara. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding
Pressure Cooking Today
This rice pudding is a versatile dish that you can have for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Serve it warm straight from the pressure cooker, or chill for a couple of hours if you like it cold. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Pressure Cooker Recipe for Cacio e Pepe
Instant Pot
This is a delicious recipe you can make with pretty much what you almost always have in your fridge and pantry: spaghetti, pepper, some grated cheese, butter, and broth. Mix up your pasta rotation with something a little creamy and peppery this week! (via Instant Pot)
Pressure Cooker Artichokes
Kalyn's Kitchen
Homemade whole artichokes are a delicious and impressive appetizer for a fancy dinner party. Make a huge batch of these for your next girls’ night in, and the ladies will thank you almost as quickly as they’ll dip these in melted garlic butter or lemon aioli. (via Kalyn’s Kitchen)
Pressure Cooker Summer Italian Chicken
Nom Nom Paleo
One trick to producing a fantastic meal when using a pressure cooker is to finish your dish with fresh ingredients to balance the taste of the cooked food. This Italian chicken stew is full of marinated flavor and topped with lots of fresh herbs. (via Nom Nom Paleo)
Follow us on Pinterestfor more pressure cooker and Instant Pot recipe inspiration, and check out our online cooking classes for special dishes!
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This article has been updated from a previous post.