The 10 Best Accessories For Instant Pot, According to Experts

everal accessories can enhance your Instant Pot cooking experience, including:

1. Steamer Basket: Perfect for steaming vegetables, seafood, or dumplings.
2. Extra Sealing Rings: Having spare sealing rings ensures a tight seal and prevents flavors from mingling.
3. Glass Lid: Useful for slow cooking or keeping food warm after pressure cooking.
4. Silicone Egg Bites Mold: Great for making egg bites, mini cheesecakes, or muffins.
5. Stackable Insert Pans: Allows for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, saving time and effort.

What is the rule of thumb for Instant Pot?

A general rule of thumb for cooking with an Instant Pot is to follow the recommended cooking times and liquid ratios for your recipe. Additionally, when releasing pressure manually, use caution and always ensure the steam release valve is turned away from you to prevent burns. It's also essential to allow for natural pressure release when cooking foods with high starch content, such as rice or beans, to prevent foaming and clogging the valve.

What not to use in Instant Pot?

Avoid using the following in an Instant Pot:

1. Frying: The Instant Pot's design is not suitable for deep-frying due to its sealed environment and limited space.
2. Thickening Agents: Avoid adding flour or cornstarch directly to the pot before pressure cooking, as they can cause the food to burn or thicken excessively.
3. Dairy: Dairy products like milk or cream can curdle under high pressure, so it's best to add them after pressure cooking.
4. Large Cuts of Meat: While the Instant Pot can cook meat quickly, very large cuts may not cook evenly due to the pressure cooking method.

What to put under an Instant Pot?

Placing a trivet or silicone mat under your Instant Pot serves multiple purposes:

1. Protects Countertops: Prevents heat damage or scratches on your countertop surface.
2. Improves Air Circulation: Allows air to circulate underneath the Instant Pot, preventing overheating.
3. Collects Condensation: A silicone mat can catch drips and condensation, keeping your countertop clean.

What should never be cooked in a pressure cooker?

Certain foods are not suitable for cooking in a pressure cooker due to their properties or potential safety risks:

1. Deep-Fried Foods: Pressure cookers are not designed for deep-frying and can pose a safety hazard.
2. Canned Foods: Pressure can cause canned foods to explode, so it's best to avoid pressure cooking them.
3. Delicate Seafood: Delicate seafood like shrimp or fish can easily overcook and become rubbery under high pressure.
4. Thickening Agents: Adding thickening agents like flour or cornstarch directly to the pot before pressure cooking can cause food to burn or thicken excessively.
5. Foods with High Alcohol Content: Alcohol doesn't evaporate as it does in traditional cooking methods, potentially leading to a bitter taste or safety concerns.

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