How to Use a Pressure Cooker: 20 Tips You Need to Know

1. Read the manual:

Before using your electric pressure cooker, it’s important to read the manual thoroughly to understand how it works and how to operate it safely.

The manual will provide instructions on how to adjust cooking times and pressure levels for different foods. It will also provide safety precautions such as not leaving the pressure cooker unattended during cooking.

Make sure to understand the manual completely to ensure safe and efficient use of your pressure cooker.

2. Use enough liquid:

It’s essential to use enough liquid to create steam and build pressure. Generally, a minimum of 1 cup of liquid is required for most recipes.

However, some recipes may require more liquid, depending on the size of the cooker and the ingredients used.

Insufficient liquid can cause the cooker to overheat and damage the food, so it’s crucial to follow the recipe’s instructions carefully.

Remember that a good rule of thumb is to use more liquid than less.

3. Don’t overfill:

Never fill the cooker more than two-thirds full to avoid clogging the steam vent and prevent food from sticking to the bottom.

Overfilling can also cause the cooker to overflow and make a mess.

This can be particularly dangerous as the steam and hot liquid can cause burns or damage to surrounding objects.

Always follow the recommended maximum fill line for your specific cooker.

4. Use the correct cooking time:

Follow the recipe’s cooking time and pressure level to ensure the food is cooked properly.

Different ingredients and cooking methods require different times and levels of pressure.

For example, tougher meats require longer cooking times at higher pressure, while delicate vegetables may need shorter cooking times at lower pressure.

Be sure to adjust the cooking time and pressure based on the recipe and the type of food you’re cooking.

5. Use the proper pressure release method:

It’s important to release pressure from your electric pressure cooker properly to avoid potential safety hazards.

The natural release method lets the pressure subside on its own, while quick release allows you to manually release the pressure using a valve.

Always follow the recipe’s instructions to determine which method to use and be cautious when handling the cooker.

6. Clean the cooker regularly:

Clean the pressure cooker after each use to ensure longevity and prevent any odors or flavors from transferring to your next dish.

Use a gentle soap and a soft sponge to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.

If food is stuck, fill the pot with warm water and a drop of soap and let it soak for 15-30 minutes before wiping clean.

7. Use a trivet:

A trivet is a useful accessory that elevates your food off the bottom of the cooker and allows steam to circulate evenly.

This helps prevent scorching and sticking, especially for delicate items like fish or custards.

Choose a trivet that fits your cooker size and is made of heat-resistant material.

8. Don’t use too much oil:

Avoid using too much oil, as it can cause the cooker to smoke and potentially trigger the smoke alarm.

Additionally, excessive oil can lead to health problems such as high cholesterol.

Opt for healthier alternatives such as broth or cooking spray when possible.

9. Don’t use too much salt:

Avoid using too much salt, as it can negatively impact the texture and flavor of your food.

Salt can also affect the cooking time, causing it to take longer.

Stick to the recipe’s specified amount or adjust to your taste preferences by gradually adding smaller amounts.

10. Don’t use too much sugar:

Avoid using too much sugar, as it can cause the cooker to caramelize and make the food too sweet. This can also lead to the sugar sticking to the bottom of the cooker, making it difficult to clean.

Additionally, using too much sugar can cause the food to burn quickly and lose its flavor.

Stick to the recommended amount of sugar in the recipe to achieve the desired taste without compromising the quality of the dish.

11. Don’t use too much flour:

Avoid using too much flour, as it can thicken the sauce too much and make the dish starchy. Too much flour can also result in a grainy texture.

If a recipe calls for a roux, it’s important to follow the instructions precisely to achieve the right consistency. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent.

Use only the amount of flour specified in the recipe to avoid any mishaps.

12. Don’t use too much dairy:

Avoid using too much dairy, as it can cause the cooker to curdle and affect the texture of your dish.

If you’re using milk or cream, add it towards the end of the cooking process or after the pressure has been released to prevent curdling.

13. Don’t use too much alcohol:

Avoid using too much alcohol in your electric pressure cooker recipes, as it can affect the taste of your dish and even pose a safety risk.

The high pressure in the cooker can amplify the flavor of the alcohol, making the dish too boozy. In addition, the high alcohol content can ignite and cause a fire.

Use only the amount of alcohol specified in the recipe and follow safety guidelines when cooking with alcohol.

14. Don’t use too much vinegar:

Avoid using too much vinegar, as it can cause the cooker to release an unpleasant smell and affect the taste of your food.

Vinegar is acidic, and using too much of it can also disrupt the delicate pH balance of your recipe.

If a recipe calls for vinegar, measure it carefully and use only the specified amount.

15. Don’t use too much baking soda:

Avoid using too much baking soda, as it can cause the cooker to foam and alter the flavor of the food.

Excess baking soda can also affect the texture of the food, making it too dense or crumbly.

Use only the amount of baking soda specified in the recipe to ensure the best results.

16. Don’t use too much tomato:

Avoid using too much tomato in your electric pressure cooker, as it can cause the food to become too acidic and discolor the cooker.

Tomato products can also cause foaming, clogging, and scorching in the pressure cooker, especially if they are high in acidity.

To prevent these issues, use the specified amount of tomato in the recipe, or consider adding it towards the end of the cooking process.

17. Don’t use too much garlic:

Avoid using too much garlic, as it can overpower the flavor of other ingredients and make the dish too pungent.

The recommended amount of garlic varies depending on the recipe and personal preference.

For example, a pasta dish may require only a small amount of minced garlic, while a garlic soup may call for several cloves.

It’s best to start with a small amount and adjust as necessary to achieve the desired flavor.

18. Don’t use too much onion:

Avoid using too much onion, as it can overpower the other flavors in the dish and cause the food to become too sweet.

Use only the amount of onion specified in the recipe, or try using shallots or green onions as a milder alternative.

19. Don’t use too much ginger:

Avoid using too much ginger, as it can overpower the dish and make it too spicy.

To achieve the right balance of flavors, start with a small amount of ginger and add more gradually if needed.

Consider using other spices and herbs to complement the ginger.

20. Experiment:

Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings to find new and exciting recipes.

With an electric pressure cooker, you can make stews, soups, roasts, and even desserts in a fraction of the time it takes to make them conventionally.

Consider trying new dishes like curries, risottos, or pulled pork to mix things up.

Enjoy the convenience and versatility that pressure cooking offers!

Helpful tips curtesy of BurntBirdie.com