How To Naturally Release Pressure on Your Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is a great kitchen tool for making a variety of delicious dishes. From soups to stews to rice dishes, the Instant Pot makes cooking these dishes a breeze. That said, to get the best results out of a dish cooked in an Instant Pot, it is important to know how to properly release the pressure. The good news is that releasing pressure on an Instant Pot is quite easy.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is the process of simply leaving the instant pot setting after the timer has gone off and allowing it to release pressure and cool down slowly on its own. To do this simply leave the Instant Pot alone for the amount of time indicated in the recipe you are following. During this time, the pot will gradually depressurize and it’s contents will continue to cook as they cool down. Here are some tips for doing a natural pressure release:
- Be patient: It may take 10 to 30 minutes for the pot to completely depressurize and for you to be able to open it.
- Resist the temptation to fiddle: Never manually adjust the pressure release valve. Letting the pressure release naturally ensures that the Instant Pot reaches a safe internal temperature. It also prevents food from being overcooked or exploding out of the pot.
- Check the pressure: When the time is up, always check that all of the pressure is released before attempting to open the Instant Pot. You will know all the pressure has been released if the float valve (the round pin in the center of the lid) has dropped down and the metal pressure valve has gone down as well.
Quick Pressure Release (QPR)
For certain dishes (such as vegetables), a quick pressure release may be indicated in the recipe. To do this, use a heat-resistant oven mitt or kitchen cloth to carefully turn the pressure adjusting knob to the “Venting” position, which releases the pressure. A quick pressure release is great for when you want the food to remain a bit crunchier than with natural release. Do be aware that a quick release can create a great deal of steam and should always be done with caution.
Overall, releasing pressure from an Instant Pot is relatively straightforward and easy to do. All that is required is patience and care. With natural and quick pressure release you can whip up delicious dishes with ease and get great results every time!
