What Can You Cook In A Pressure Cooker?

If you've ever wondered what can you cook in a pressure cooker, you're in for a treat. A pressure cooker opens up a world of culinary possibilities. You can cook a variety of dishes, from tough cuts of meat to legumes and pulses, soups and stews, grains, vegetables, and much more.

The list is endless, and the results are simply delicious. The pressure cooker allows for fast and efficient cooking, making it a versatile tool for any home cook or aspiring chef. So, in this culinary adventure, let’s explore a wide range of dishes that can be effortlessly prepared using this amazing kitchen tool. 

What foods are pressure cookers good for?

Pressure cookers excel at cooking a wide range of foods, thanks to their ability to rapidly cook ingredients under high pressure. Here are some foods that are particularly well-suited for pressure cooking:

Tough Cuts of Meat

Pressure cooking tenderizes tough cuts of meat in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods, resulting in juicy and flavorful dishes. Check out these recipes:

Beef Stew

Beef Stew is made with tender chunks of chuck roast, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, it's the perfect recipe for a cozy meal. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, this recipe is a convenient and delicious option for any home cook. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort! 

Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is your ticket to tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. With the magic of a pressure cooker, you'll have succulent pulled pork in no time. Say goodbye to long hours of cooking and hello to deliciousness at your fingertips! 

Legumes and Pulses

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas cook quickly and evenly in a pressure cooker, eliminating the need for soaking and reducing cooking time significantly. Check out these recipes:

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup is a nutritious and delicious soup that's both easy to make and packed with flavor! Made with only 10 plant-based ingredients, it's a healthy option for any meal. With the convenience of a pressure cooker, this soup is ready in no time. Customize it with toppings like avocado and lime for an extra burst of freshness. 

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Made in a pressure cooker, this Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone recipe combines tender split peas, flavorful ham bone, vegetables, and seasonings to create a hearty and satisfying dish. You'll have a bowl of this tasty soup ready in no time!

Soups and Stews

The high pressure ensures that flavors meld together quickly, making pressure cookers ideal for preparing hearty soups and stews. Check out these recipes:

Chicken Noodle Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a game-changer. In just 30 minutes, using a pressure cooker, you'll have tender chicken, comforting egg noodles, and flavorful herbs in a delicious broth. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe will warm your soul. 

Pork Stew

Pork Stew is made with tender pork tenderloin, savory chicken broth, and a medley of carrots, potatoes, garlic, and onions, making it bursting with flavor. Cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker, this hearty dish is ready in just 40 minutes. 

Grains

Rice, quinoa, and other grains cook swiftly and evenly, making pressure cookers a convenient tool for busy kitchens. Check out these recipes:

Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish for your next fiesta. With just a few simple ingredients and a pressure cooker, you'll have fluffy, flavorful rice in no time. Say goodbye to soggy or bland rice and hello to a burst of Mexican flavors. 

Lemon Herb Quinoa

This Lemon Herb Quinoa recipe is bursting with flavors of fresh herbs and zesty lemon juice. This dish can be easily prepared in a pressure cooker for maximum convenience. Paired perfectly with chicken or fish, it's a sophisticated and healthy addition to your menu. 

Vegetables

Pressure cooking retains more nutrients in vegetables compared to other methods. It's particularly effective for steaming or quickly cooking a variety of veggies. Check out these recipes:

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is made with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines. This vegan delight is cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker. With just 4 minutes of cooking time, you'll have a vibrant and nutritious meal on the table in no time. 

Stuffed Peppers

These Stuffed Peppers are just what you need! Packed with flavorful ingredients like ground turkey, brown rice, and spices, these peppers are cooked to perfection. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a satisfying dish that's quick and easy to make. 

Poultry

Chicken and turkey can be cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker, resulting in moist and tender meat. Check out these recipes:

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta, is a game-changer in pressure cooker cuisine! This recipe seamlessly blends succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all achieved effortlessly in the pressure cooker. 

Chicken Lazone

Experience a burst of flavor with Chicken Lazone, a low-carb sensation made effortlessly in the pressure cooker. Succulent chicken, earthy baby portobello mushrooms, and a luscious sauce unite for a mouthwatering dish. 

One-Pot Meals

Pressure cookers are excellent for creating complete one-pot meals, allowing you to combine different ingredients for a well-rounded dish. Check out these recipes:

White Chicken Chili

Delight your taste buds with this White Chicken Chili, a symphony of flavors prepared with ease in your pressure cooker. Tender chicken, white beans, and savory spices unite in a bowl of comforting warmth. 

Chicken and Rice

This Rice and Chicken recipe is a culinary masterpiece prepared swiftly in the pressure cooker. Succulent chicken, aromatic rice, and a medley of spices create a one-pot wonder that's both quick and delicious. 

Curries and Braises

The intense pressure helps infuse flavors quickly, making pressure cookers great for curries, braised dishes, and other flavor-packed meals. Check out these recipes:

Green Curry

Transform dinner into a culinary adventure with Pressure Cooker Green Curry – a vibrant symphony of flavors harmoniously created in your pressure cooker. This exotic dish features succulent proteins, vibrant vegetables, and a rich green curry sauce. 

Curry Beef Stew

Curry Beef Stew is a tantalizing fusion of tender beef, aromatic spices, and rich curry flavors, all achieved effortlessly in your pressure cooker. Elevate your dining experience with this quick and hearty stew, showcasing the magic of a pressure cooker in every delicious bite.

Desserts

Certain desserts, like rice pudding and cheesecake, can be surprisingly well-executed in a pressure cooker. Check out these recipes:

Chocolate Lava Cake

Satisfy your sweet cravings with Chocolate Lava Cake. Indulge in the rich, gooey center surrounded by moist chocolate cake, all effortlessly prepared. Elevate your dessert game with this quick and delightful recipe, perfect for sweet-tooth moments.

Cheesecake

This Cheesecake recipe is a luscious symphony of creaminess and decadence. Cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla blend into a velvety filling atop a Graham cracker crust, all crafted effortlessly in the Instant Pot. 

Stocks and Broths

Pressure cooking extracts rich flavors from bones and vegetables in a fraction of the time needed for traditional simmering. Check out these recipes:

Chicken Stock

This Chicken Stock is a rich, homemade elixir crafted effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Simmering with wholesome ingredients, this golden liquid transforms meals with depth and flavor. 

Beef Bone Broth

Revitalize your kitchen with this Beef Bone Broth. Harness the power of your electric pressure cooker to extract rich flavors and nutrients from bones, creating a versatile broth that enhances every dish. 

What cannot be cooked in a pressure cooker?

While pressure cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, there are a few items that are not suitable for cooking in a pressure cooker. These include:

Foods with high fat content

Items such as deep-fried foods or dishes with excessive amounts of oil are not recommended for pressure cooking. The pressurized environment can cause excessive splattering and may pose a safety risk.

Delicate seafood and fish

Delicate seafood like shrimp or flaky fish can easily become overcooked and lose their texture in a pressure cooker. It's best to cook these types of ingredients using more gentle methods.

Dairy products

Since dairy products can curdle or separate under high pressure and temperature, it's generally advised to avoid cooking them directly in a pressure cooker. However, dairy-based ingredients like milk or cream can be added after pressure cooking for finishing touches.

Thickening agents

Ingredients like flour, cornstarch, or other thickeners should not be added directly to the pressure cooker as they can interfere with the pressure release mechanism. It's better to add these agents after pressure cooking for desired consistency.

Fragile vegetables

Vegetables that are highly delicate and quick-cooking, such as leafy greens, sprouts, or herbs, are not typically suited for pressure cooking due to their tendency to become mushy. These are better added fresh or near the end of the cooking process.

Is it worth it to get a pressure cooker?

Investing in a pressure cooker is undoubtedly worth it. These versatile kitchen appliances significantly reduce cooking times, making them a time-saving solution for busy individuals. Beyond efficiency, pressure cookers help retain more nutrients in food, enhancing the overall nutritional value of meals. Their ability to tenderize tough cuts of meat quickly and infuse flavors deeply makes them indispensable in the kitchen. 

Additionally, pressure cookers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to rice and desserts. With the added benefit of energy efficiency, as they require less time and heat, a pressure cooker proves to be a valuable and convenient tool for any home cook, transforming the cooking experience and expanding culinary possibilities.