You may know how to use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to make your meal, but when you’re done cooking, how do you release the pressure? You have several options that can work while preserving your food, too. For your safety, be sure to follow the cooking instructions that come with your appliance.
Quick Pressure Release
The quick-release option works best for those nights when you need to get the meal on the table quickly before your meeting or the kids’ sports practice. When your food finishes cooking, hit the “cancel” button, then move the valve to “venting.” The quick-release method has many benefits, including saving you time and avoiding the mushiness that can occur when the instant pot overcooks the ingredients. If you often overcook your food, the quick release may be your best option.
It takes about two or three minutes to finish this type of release. Don’t use cold water to stop the pressure cooker or you may damage your instant pot.
Natural Pressure Release
The natural-release method takes more time than quick-release, from 10 to 60 minutes based on the meal you make. Instead of finishing up fast, you slowly let the pressure on the pot decrease until you’re ready to serve. You may choose to wait until the pressure naturally lowers and the lid-lock disengages, or you can wait 10 minutes until the recipe finishes cooking and open the valve for a slightly faster method. Either way will offer several benefits, including:
- Keeping food warm.
- Allowing meat to tenderize.
- Encouraging grains to cook thoroughly.
Intermittent Pressure Release
Intermittent pressure release combines the best aspects of natural and quick releases. This method allows you to get to your food quickly while ensuring it’s properly cooked. We recommend this approach to avoid spitting, which can occur with a quick release, or overcooking with a natural release.
Toggle the pressure release valve between open and closed several times, allowing pressure to decrease naturally while also stopping foam from escaping through the valve. While it may only take one or two toggles before the food is ready, you should check if it’s still foaming before you dig in.
Buy Ingredients for Your Next Pressure Cooker Meal
Now that you know how to release pressure from a pressure cooker, you may already be looking forward to your next meal! Find the ingredients you need from San-J to make a delicious recipe. Our Slow & Pressure Cooker Sauces are great for slow cooking, pressure cooking and simmering. Whether you’re making Korean beef, Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs or Thai green curry chicken, San-J Slow & Pressure Cooker Sauces make it easy to bring bold Asian flavors to your favorite dishes.
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