The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by making it faster and easier to prepare delicious meals. This versatile kitchen appliance combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, and more.
It allows you to create flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. From comfort foods to international cuisine, the possibilities are nearly endless.
These 21 best Instant Pot recipes will help you maximize your cooking efficiency while still delivering the rich, slow-cooked flavors your family craves. You’ll discover options for every mealtime, including breakfast dishes, hearty dinners, side dishes, and even desserts. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned Instant Pot user looking for fresh ideas, these recipes offer something for everyone.
1. Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a quick and tasty Indian dish you can make at home. This creamy, fragrant meal is ready in just 15 minutes using your pressure cooker.
The recipe uses boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich sauce with garam masala and cumin. Some versions use chicken breast for a lighter option.
What makes this dish special is its depth of flavor and creamy texture. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
This comfort food is both healthy and delicious. Serve it with rice or naan bread for a complete meal your family will love.
2. Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout favorite you can easily make at home with your Instant Pot. This healthier version skips the deep frying but still delivers amazing flavor.
The sauce combines soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Your chicken turns out incredibly tender – it practically melts in your mouth.
To make this dish, you’ll cook the chicken under high pressure for about 10 minutes followed by a quick release. The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving Chinese food but want a healthier, homemade option.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Pho
Chicken Pho (Pho Ga) is a delicious Vietnamese soup that’s perfect for your Instant Pot. Traditional pho takes hours to prepare, but your pressure cooker cuts that time to about 30 minutes.
The key to this recipe is building a flavorful broth with simple ingredients you can find at any supermarket. Your Instant Pot extracts rich flavors from chicken, onions, ginger, and aromatic spices.
The result is a comforting bowl with tender chicken and rich broth that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve your pho with rice noodles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges for an authentic experience.
4. Instant Pot Korean Jjimdak
Korean Jjimdak (braised chicken stew) becomes easy when made in your Instant Pot. This savory and flavorful dish combines chicken with a delicious mix of sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavors.
The recipe typically includes chicken, potatoes, and sometimes glass noodles in a rich sauce. You’ll love how the pressure cooking method quickly tenderizes the meat while infusing it with all the wonderful seasonings.
Most Instant Pot versions take much less time than traditional stovetop methods. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences, making it perfect for family meals.
5. Instant Pot Korean Galbi Stew
Korean Galbi Stew (Kalbi Jjim) transforms tough short ribs into tender, flavorful meat. Traditionally, this dish takes hours to prepare on the stove.
With your Instant Pot, you can make this delicious Korean classic in under an hour. The pressure cooking method reduces cooking time while still creating meat that falls off the bone.
The ribs simmer in a savory, slightly spicy sauce that creates a sticky glaze. The result is incredibly tender beef with rich flavor.
This recipe requires minimal prep work—just 10 minutes or less before the Instant Pot does the rest. The finished dish pairs perfectly with rice for a complete meal.
6. Instant Pot Chinese Spare Ribs
Instant Pot Chinese Spare Ribs bring the flavors of Cantonese char siu to your kitchen with minimal effort. These ribs cook quickly under pressure, becoming tender and juicy in a fraction of the traditional time.
The five-spice seasoning gives these ribs their distinctive Chinese flavor profile. Many recipes include a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the meat.
You can serve these ribs over rice for a complete meal. The pressure cooking method ensures the meat stays moist while absorbing all the savory sauce flavors.
This dish makes a great weeknight option when you’re craving Chinese takeout but prefer a homemade alternative.
7. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is a quick and healthy meal you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and offers a comforting option for cold days.
You can customize this soup with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Common ingredients include carrots, celery, onions, and beans for protein.
The electric pressure cooker helps intensify the flavors while saving you time. Some recipes include a secret ingredient like barley to make the soup more hearty and filling.
For best results, use the SAUTÉ function first to soften your vegetables before pressure cooking. This simple step enhances the overall flavor of your soup.
8. Instant Pot Jambalaya
Instant Pot Jambalaya brings the flavors of New Orleans to your dinner table in a fraction of the time. This one-pot meal combines rice, vegetables, and your choice of proteins.
Most recipes include andouille sausage and chicken, with many adding shrimp for extra flavor. The key ingredients are bell peppers, onion, celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking), and garlic.
Homemade creole or cajun seasoning gives this dish its signature kick. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
The Instant Pot cooks everything together perfectly, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors while saving you time in the kitchen.
9. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers become incredibly easy when made in your Instant Pot. You can have this classic dish ready in under 30 minutes, compared to the hour-plus time needed in an oven.
The filling typically combines ground beef or turkey with rice, onions, and tomato sauce. Some recipes add mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
You can build the filling directly in the Instant Pot before stuffing the peppers. Just pressure cook for about 10 minutes, and your peppers will be perfectly tender.
This dish offers a healthy and satisfying meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.
10. Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs in the Instant Pot are a quick and delicious meal you can make in 30 minutes or less. The pressure cooker creates tender meatballs and rich, creamy gravy that’s irresistible.
You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor. Some recipes also offer a turkey option for a healthier alternative.
The process is simple – mix your meat with seasonings, form into balls, and cook in your pressure cooker. Many recipes include egg noodles, making this a complete one-pot meal.
The result is comfort food at its finest with meatballs that are juicy inside and a sauce that’s smooth and flavorful.
11. Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy
Instant Pot pork chops and gravy is a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare in your pressure cooker. The pork chops cook up tender and juicy, a perfect solution for those who’ve struggled with dry chops in the past.
You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops for this recipe. Many versions include cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and brown gravy mix to create a flavorful sauce.
The Instant Pot infuses the meat with rich flavor while creating its own thick brown gravy during the cooking process. Some recipes add a touch of white wine to round out the flavors.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
12. Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
This classic comfort meal becomes incredibly simple in your Instant Pot. You’ll get fall-apart tender beef with perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots in a flavorful gravy.
Start by searing your chuck roast in olive oil using the sauté function. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your dish.
Next, add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to create the cooking liquid. Place your roast in the pot and arrange potatoes, carrots, and onions around it.
Pressure cook the meat first, then add the vegetables and cook for a few additional minutes. The result is a complete family-friendly dinner that tastes like it took hours to make.
13. Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The pressure cooker seals in all the flavors and saves you cooking time.
You’ll need boneless chicken (thighs work best), garam masala, cumin, and other Indian spices for this rich, comforting meal. The sauce is creamy, slightly spicy, and incredibly fragrant.
Many recipes don’t even require marinating the chicken, making this perfect for busy weeknights. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Serve your butter chicken with rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is so good that it’s become a favorite among Instant Pot users.
14. Instant Pot Beef Chili
Instant Pot beef chili is a hearty meal that’s quick and easy to make. You can have this comfort food ready in under an hour with your pressure cooker.
The recipe typically includes ground beef, beans, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Many recipes add bacon for extra flavor, and a mix of classic chili spices creates that perfect taste.
What makes Instant Pot chili special is how the pressure cooking helps blend all the flavors together. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you need a filling dish everyone will enjoy.
15. Instant Pot Vegan Miso Risotto
The Instant Pot makes cooking risotto much easier than traditional methods, with almost no stirring required. Simply add 1.5 cups of arborio rice to your pot after sautéing your favorite vegetables.
Miso paste is the secret ingredient that gives this vegan risotto a deep, savory flavor without any animal products. You can use white or red miso depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Cooking only takes about 5-7 minutes under pressure, which is much faster than stovetop risotto. You can customize this dish with mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra texture and nutrients.
For the creamiest texture, stir in a bit of vegan parmesan after cooking. This quick weeknight meal is both gluten-free and satisfying.
16. Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder
Potato Ham Chowder in the Instant Pot is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This smoky chowder is full of texture and satisfying ingredients.
The recipe combines diced potatoes, ham, corn, and carrots in a savory broth. Some versions include bacon for extra flavor and cheese for creaminess.
You can prep this recipe ahead and store it in your freezer. When ready to cook, it takes less than 10 minutes in your Instant Pot.
This chowder uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry or freezer. It’s so simple that even kids can help prepare it.
17. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a quick and easy one-pot meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. You can have this creamy, cheesy pasta dish ready in under 20 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast. The pasta cooks directly in the homemade Alfredo sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Simply season your chicken, set your Instant Pot to sauté, then add your ingredients. The dump-and-start method makes cleanup a breeze.
For best results, season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. You can customize this dish with additional vegetables or different pasta shapes.
18. Instant Pot Oatmeal
Making oatmeal in your Instant Pot is incredibly simple and saves you time in the morning. You just add oats and water to the pot and press a button.
Both regular and steel cut oats work well in the Instant Pot. Steel cut oats, which typically take longer to cook on the stovetop, become perfectly tender.
You can customize your oatmeal with various toppings. Try adding peanut butter, bananas, or other fruits for extra flavor and nutrients.
The Instant Pot is also great for meal prepping oatmeal. You can make several portions at once and store them in individual containers for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
19. Instant Pot Risotto
Instant Pot risotto is a game-changer for home cooks. Traditional risotto requires constant attention and stirring, but your pressure cooker simplifies the process dramatically.
To make perfect risotto, start with Arborio rice, onions, and garlic sautéed in olive oil. Add your liquid (usually broth) and cook under pressure for about 7 minutes.
The result is creamy, restaurant-quality risotto in a fraction of the time. You can customize your risotto with mushrooms, spinach, peas, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
The best part? You’ll achieve the perfect texture every time without standing over the stove stirring. It’s an impressive dish that takes just 25 minutes from start to finish.
20. Instant Pot Savory Vegan Risotto
Making risotto in your Instant Pot saves time and effort. No more standing at the stove stirring for 30 minutes.
Start by sautéing vegetables of your choice in the pot. Mushrooms work especially well for a savory flavor. Add 1.5 cups of arborio or sushi rice and stir to coat.
Pour in a splash of red wine for depth, then add 4 cups of vegetable stock. Cook on high pressure for just 7 minutes.
For extra creaminess, stir in plant-based milk like oat milk and a bit of vegan butter after cooking. The result is a rich, comforting meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
21. Instant Pot Savory Vegan Chili
Instant Pot Vegan Chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You need just a few simple ingredients to create this hearty meal.
The recipe typically combines beans (black, kidney, and pinto), diced tomatoes, and colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Sweet potatoes add a nice texture and natural sweetness to balance the savory spices.
Seasoning your chili with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika creates a deep, rich flavor. Some recipes even add quinoa for extra protein and thickness.
Your Instant Pot makes this dish quick and simple, cooking everything to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods.
Understanding the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking with its versatility and time-saving capabilities. This multi-functional kitchen appliance combines several cooking methods in one convenient device, making meal preparation faster and more efficient.
Key Features and Benefits
The Instant Pot functions as 7 appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. This versatility saves valuable counter space and reduces the need for multiple cooking devices.
One of the biggest advantages is speed. The pressure cooking function can reduce cooking times by up to 70% compared to traditional methods.
For example, a whole chicken that normally takes 1.5 hours in the oven can be ready in just 25 minutes.
The Instant Pot also offers energy efficiency. It uses up to 70% less energy than conventional cooking methods because it’s insulated and traps heat effectively.
Many models include programmable settings for specific foods like rice, meat, beans, and even cake. These preset programs take the guesswork out of cooking and ensure consistent results every time.
Safety Tips for Beginners
Always perform a water test before your first use. This simple process helps you become familiar with the basic functions without risking food waste.
Never fill the pot more than 2/3 full with food or liquid. For foods that expand during cooking (like beans or rice), fill only to the 1/2 mark to prevent clogging the steam release valve.
Keep your face and hands away from the steam release valve when releasing pressure. The steam is extremely hot and can cause serious burns.
Check the sealing ring before each use. This silicone ring creates the pressure seal and must be properly in place and free from cracks or damage.
Always ensure the float valve moves freely before cooking. This small metal pin is a crucial safety feature that locks the lid when pressure builds up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not adding enough liquid is a frequent error. The Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid to create steam and build pressure. Without sufficient liquid, your food may burn and the pot won’t pressurize properly.
Many beginners overcrowd the pot, which prevents proper cooking. Leave enough space for steam circulation and follow the fill line guidelines.
Opening the lid too soon can be dangerous. Always make sure pressure is fully released before attempting to open the lid. The floating valve must be completely down.
Forgetting to turn the valve to the sealing position is a simple mistake that prevents pressure from building. Always double-check this before walking away.
Using the wrong pressure release method can ruin your meal. Quick release works for vegetables and seafood, while natural release is best for meats and starchy foods that might splatter.
Popular Instant Pot Cooking Techniques
The Instant Pot offers versatile cooking methods that save time while delivering delicious results. Mastering these techniques will help you get the most from your multicooker and expand your recipe options.
Pressure Cooking Versus Slow Cooking
Pressure cooking is the Instant Pot’s standout feature, cooking food up to 70% faster than traditional methods. When you use this function, the sealed environment raises the boiling point of water, allowing food to cook rapidly at higher temperatures.
To pressure cook, add at least 1 cup of liquid, secure the lid, and set the valve to “sealing.” Select your cooking time based on the recipe requirements.
Slow cooking works differently, using lower temperatures over longer periods. This method is ideal for tough cuts of meat or when you want flavors to develop throughout the day.
The key difference: pressure cooking takes minutes instead of hours, while slow cooking offers that “simmered all day” taste. Both methods are hands-off, letting you focus on other tasks while dinner cooks.
Sauté and Deglaze Methods
The sauté function makes your Instant Pot work like a stovetop pan, eliminating the need for extra cookware. Use it to brown meat, soften vegetables, or bloom spices before pressure cooking.
To sauté effectively:
- Press the “Sauté” button and adjust heat level if needed
- Add oil when the display reads “Hot”
- Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper browning
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning
Deglazing follows sautéing and is crucial for flavor development. After browning ingredients, add liquid (broth, wine, or water) and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. This step releases the flavorful browned bits and helps prevent the dreaded “burn” notice.
This technique creates a flavor foundation for your dishes and cleans the pot’s surface before pressure cooking begins.
Using the Steaming Function
The steam function preserves nutrients and texture in foods that would become mushy under pressure. It’s perfect for vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and even desserts like cheesecake.
To steam properly:
- Pour 1-2 cups of water into the pot
- Place the steamer rack or basket inside
- Arrange food in a single layer for even cooking
- Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”
- Select “Steam” and adjust the time as needed
Steaming times vary significantly. Tender vegetables need just 1-3 minutes, while denser items require longer. Always use quick release after steaming vegetables to prevent overcooking.
This method keeps foods separate from the cooking liquid, maintaining their distinct flavors and preventing them from becoming waterlogged. The result is bright, perfectly cooked ingredients with minimal effort.
