Recipe This

Smart Parents Use Gadgets

You are here: Home / Blog / 101 Instant Pot Recipes For The Complete Beginner

101 Instant Pot Recipes For The Complete Beginner

By 66 Comments


383.2K Shares
Pin373.4K
Share9.6K
+132
Yum9

Marketplace | 101 Instant Pot Recipes For The Complete Beginner from RecipeThis.com

Welcome to my Instant Pot Recipes and more specifically 101 Instant Pot Recipes For The Complete Beginner.

I wanted to put something together that would help those of you that are just starting out with their Instant Pot and want easy to follow Instant Pot recipes that can get you started.

When you first get an Instant Pot it is like you are that teenager that is learning to cook for the first time. It is something new and you are often having issues with it and its quite a scary experience.

But I notice that far too many people don’t start at the beginning, instead they jump straight in with a complicated recipe. Yet if you were a child your parents wouldn’t let you loose with filleting fish, they would really make you peel loads of potatoes with an old potato peeler.

So that is exactly what you should do with your Instant Pot. Start right at the beginning. Learn how to use the Instant Pot from scratch and learn the bare bones of cooking before you advance to complicated desserts or things that most of us don’t cook until we have been cooking for a decade.

Is Your Instant Pot STILL Sat In The Box?

If this is YOU don’t worry it is a lot more common than you think. Because electric pressure cooking can be so different to what you are used to it can feel very daunting and it might be sat in the box for months.

I find that when I read story after story about ruined Instant Pots because they have burnt their food or they have not added the right amount of liquid, it can put off all future Instant Pot users.

Or from my point of view I always remember the mushy peas on the ceiling whenever I went round to my Grandmas for dinner. But those were the old style pressure cookers that sat on the stove and things have improved a lot since the 1980’s.

Instant Pot Recipes | Get a huge ebook full of newbie and beginner friendly Instant Pot advice here at RecipeThis.com

With the Instant Pot recipes below I have covered all the basics to get you started in the kitchen and build up your confidence with your Instant Pot. Do things step by step with something different every day or so and you will soon be a pro and wonder why you left your Instant Pot sat in its box for so long.

Instant Pot Basic Beginner Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant pot best ever recipes for the beginner from RecipeThis.com

To get started with your Instant Pot how about some really basic recipes that we all can cook away from the Instant Pot and then converted to the Instant Pot you will think “this is easy” and then progress to other recipes after these ones!

The Water Test – It should always start with doing the initial water test to make sure your Instant Pot is working properly. Though in my mind it is also a great way to get used to all of its functions and build up your confidence!

Instant Pot Broccoli – This is actually the first thing we cooked in our Instant Pot as we wanted something safe that we could test out first and we were amazed by how good the broccoli tasted and how quick it was.

After broccoli why not progress to some new potatoes with this easy to follow Instant Pot recipe?

Instant Pot Recipes | Get a huge ebook full of newbie and beginner friendly Instant Pot advice here at RecipeThis.com

Or how about serving up your meal with some rice? Follow the how to guide here on how to make the perfect pressure cooker rice.

We also recommend this how to post showing you exactly how to convert a slow cooker recipe into an electric pressure cooker one. Or use this guide to get a better understanding of using your pressure cooker.

Boiled Eggs – One of the first things you should learn to make in your Instant Pot is eggs. They make it so easy and make egg timers a thing of the past. Follow our eggs post to learn how to make traditional boiled eggs that can be turned into egg mayonnaise or our soft boiled eggs for boiled eggs and soldiers.

Or another favourite of mine is to get into the yoghurt making craze with this super simple yoghurt and fruit.

One of my favourite side dishes to make in the Instant Pot is asparagus wrapped in bacon. It is delicious, ready in a few short minutes and perfect for while you are waiting for your dinner in the oven.

Here are some other great side dishes while you practice how to use the Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Super Easy Healthy Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Super Easy Healthy Recipes from RecipeThis.com

I love eating healthy and that is a big part of it when it comes to buying an electric pressure cooker. You can now eat healthy without it taking a long time and being a drain on you.

Instant Pot | Instant Pot 4 minute salmon, broccoli and potatoes recipe from RecipeThis.com

Kick starting it is my salmon, broccoli and potatoes. A simple delicious lunch that is perfect for when you want something quick that is also nutritious. Oh and did I say the whole dish is cooked in just 4 minutes?

Or how about a tray bake made with summer cherry tomatoes, green olives and chicken?

Here are a few other of our favourite healthy Instant Pot recipes:

Instant Pot Vegan Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Vegan Recipes From RecipeThis.com

I love my meat but I also love vegan recipes too. I know the two really shouldn’t go together, but I love to be different! I was once a vegetarian and even though my husband introduced me to meat I do love to have a few healthy vegan days. This section is dedicated to them 🙂

Lets start with a delicious vegan chilli made with lentils instead of minced beef.

Lets start with a delicious vegan chilli made with lentils instead of minced beef. It is made quickly in the Instant Pot and tastes delicious.

Or how about Kalyns Mexican Beans with Avocado for a great easy mid week dinner treat?

Here are some vegan recipes for you to get excited about cooking in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Soup Recipes From RecipeThis.com

I love soup but sometimes soup can be really boring. It will be like something that is only meant for the cabbage soup diet and can be a complete turn off. But what about some delicious hearty soups that don’t say baby food that you can cook in your Instant Pot?

Starting with a butternut and cauliflower soup that shouts out “EAT ME NOW” from Peas & Crayons.

Starting with a butternut and cauliflower soup that shouts out “EAT ME NOW” from Peas & Crayons. Or over at Kalyns Kitchen a delicious courgette and butternut squash soup.

Instant Pot Recipes | Get a huge ebook full of newbie and beginner friendly Instant Pot advice here at RecipeThis.com

Here are some more delicious soup recipes for you to test drive in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Super Easy Potato Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Potato Recipes From RecipeThis.com

After the basics nothing beats a potato does it? We all love potatoes and the humble spud can be very versatile. We go through 2 large bags of spuds a week and it makes cooking very frugal. You just add potatoes to a small dish of food and all of a sudden you have a great feast.

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup recipe from RecipeThis.com

Here are a few of our potato favourites:

Plus we had to give a special mention to these delicious sweet potatoes from Add A Pinch. They remind you why you need an Instant Pot and how much easier they will make your home cooking.

Or from Hip2Save with their pressure cooker potato salad.

Instant Pot Super Easy Chicken Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Chicken Recipes From RecipeThis.com

OMG I just love cooking chicken in the Instant Pot and so simple you will be angry that you hadn’t been cooking in an Instant Pot years ago!

Instant Pot | Instant Pot No Washing Up Mediterranean Chicken Wings recipe from RecipeThis.com

Starting the chicken recipe countdown lets have some Mediterranean chicken wings. These are cooked in silver foil meaning that the washing up in minimal so if you are scared of cooking in your Instant Pot (and possibly burning it) then this can get you started!

101 #InstantPot #Recipes For The Complete #Beginner via recipe_thisClick To Tweet

For more silver foil cooking try our chicken tikka bites. They’re easy to make and give a touch of India to your Instant Pot. Or for some more Asian food why not try my peanut free Thai chicken satays.

Instant Pot Recipes | Get a huge ebook full of newbie and beginner friendly Instant Pot advice here at RecipeThis.com

I am also addicted to coconut butter in my cooking at the moment and love the idea of making a delicious chicken and potato combo like in this recipe.

Go frugal with this delicious liver and onions recipe. I always find liver to be like rubber but thanks to the Instant Pot this chicken liver recipe no longer tastes cheap.

Or there is our delicious orange chicken that we featured on our podcast at the start of the year.

Here are some other great chicken recipes to try out in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Super Easy Beef Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Beef Recipes From RecipeThis.com

Now let’s start the beef Instant Pot recipes with some delicious beef shredded tacos. They shout out to your guests that you have spent hours in the kitchen, yet you secretly know that it was done in an instant!

Another great beef recipe is this melt in your mouth Mongolian Beef in the Instant Pot from Living Sweet Moments and a great way to use up your leftover beef.

Another great beef recipe is this melt in your mouth Mongolian Beef in the Instant Pot from Living Sweet Moments and a great way to use up your leftover beef.

Or a third favourite of mine is this Homemade Beef Pho – we all love Asian food so why not have some of this? Plus it would make a great meal for a date night for you and your partner.

Here are some other great beef recipes to try out in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Super Easy Family Recipes

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Family Recipes From RecipeThis.com

We are a family of five. We have a teenager, a toddler and a baby to feed on a daily basis. This means we love easy family recipes that is perfect for cooking if you are in a rush and don’t have much spare cooking time.

These family recipes for the Instant Pot are ones that we have created that have easy home cooking in mind.

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Cheese Burger Soup recipe from RecipeThis.com

Nothing says home family cooking more than a delicious hearty soup and this cheese burger soup in the Instant Pot is absolutely delicious. Full of flavour and even the grown ups will argue over who gets the last dishful.

Another family favourite of ours is pork roast and we now love to enjoy this in our Instant Pot. Or alternatively use pork in the Instant Pot to make delicious pulled pork sandwiches. It makes it even more tender than usual and is one of the main reasons we fell in love with the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Recipes | Get a huge ebook full of newbie and beginner friendly Instant Pot advice here at RecipeThis.com

Some other great family recipes that make meat super tender in the Instant Pot include:

Or for some other great family recipes for the Instant Pot try these:

Instant Pot Easy Desserts

Instant Pot | Instant Pot Best Ever Dessert Recipes From RecipeThis.com

The Instant Pot wouldn’t be the same without the love of everything sweet. Whenever I check out Instant Pot recipes online there is always plenty of delicious cheesecakes, popcorn, steamed puddings and cakes to get your sweet tooth involved in!

First on the list is this delicious key lime pie. It is perfect for pudding after your Sunday dinner and the author makes it look so easy.

First on the list is this delicious key lime pie. It is perfect for pudding after your Sunday dinner and the author makes it look so easy.

Now here is a thought – sugar free and crustless cheesecake in the Instant Pot. Now I have read this I am full of loads of ideas of how we can make healthy desserts!

Some other great dessert recipes for you to try out in your Instant Pot include:

 

The Instant Pot 7 in 1 Duo

Thanks for reading all about our favourite beginner Instant Pot recipes and we hope that we have inspired you to get your Instant Pot out of the box, complete the water test and get cooking in your Instant Pot.

We are all new once and once you get into it you will love the freedom of cooking in the electric pressure cooker. The Instant Pot that we own is this one and it has been amazing for loads of family friendly meals. Or you can read our review here.

Instant Pot Recipes | Get 101 Instant Pot recipes here at RecipeThis.com

If you would like to get all the recipes from RecipeThis.com that was featured in this round up, plus other useful information and help for getting started then click on the image above. Or you can order it by clicking here.

We wanted to offer something that was altogether in one ebook and would be easy for you to transfer to your mobile or to your tablet and then use in the kitchen. THIS IS IT!

It includes our water test, our steamed broccoli, how we make desserts in the Instant Pot and so many more. Whether you want an Instant Pot to be healthy or be unhealthy, then we have them all for all of you!

Also don’t forget to let us know how you get along with the recipes and how you are finding using the Instant Pot.

 



Like this recipe? Then you’ll love these:

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Hi Susan

      I have added your email tour list.

      Thank you for subscribing.

      Kind Regards

      Sam & Dom

      Reply

  12. I just bought the 3-quart Mini. Do you have any recipes for that size IP? Also, everything is in grams and milliliters. Can you add the conversions to pounds and ounces to your recipes? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Susan,

      With that size IP if you half the ingredients because ours is the 6 quart IP and it should work out ok. Also changing the timings slightly would be a good idea.

      With regards to the recipes been in grams and milliliters this is because this is how we have been using since we were small. We are changing over our recipe plugin in the next week and the new one has a gadget where if you click a button it will change all ingredients into the US measurements and vice versa.

      So please stay tuned for when the new recipe plugin gets rolled out.

      Many Thanks.

      Sam

      Reply

  14. Two things:
    1) this is a dumb question but when you say Instant Pot are you speaking of all pressure cookers or a certain type or brand?
    2) can you add me to your email list?
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi Gina,

      Not dumb at all.

      Instant Pot is just a brand of electric pressure cookers, just like crockpot is a brand of slow cookers.

      Plus we have added you to our mailing list.

      Kind regards

      Sam
      X

      Reply

  16. I have a 2 qt pressure cooker and it is very hard to find recipes for that size. I am new to pressure cooking. Do you have tips on converting larger recipes to fit a 2 qt pressure cooker?

    Reply

    • Hi Stephanie,

      From what i have read online the 2qt pressure cooker needs less water and gets to max pressure quicker. Also the amount of food would be smaller. So i would try a few recipes and try and bring the quantity down to 2 people from 4. On our site you can do this by clicking on the serving number and you will see a slider and then you can choose how many servings you want by dragging it from the left to the right and the recipe changes depending on the servings. Reduce the cooking time by a quarter i would say and see how that goes. Try our broccoli recipe as it was one of the first things we cooked in our instant pot and you can find it here:

      https://www.recipethis.com/instant-pot-2-minute-steamed-broccoli/

      We cooked ours for 2 minutes so try it for 1 minute and see how it turns out then i would try the baked potatoes and it should give you a good start on how quicker it actually cooks compared to our 6qt. Sorry for the long winded answer 🙂

      Kind Regards

      Sam
      X

      Reply

  20. I received an Instant Pot for Christmas and can’t wait to get started. Would add me to your email list Please. I appreciate it, Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Debbie,

      Wow along time. We have had ours for just over a year and would not be without it now 🙂

      Kind regards

      Sam

      Reply

  24. I received my insta pot for Christmas and any recipes and help would be very appreciated. It is just you husband and me.

    Reply

  27. Hi! I have the Power Pressure Cooker XL and I can’t wait to get started. Please add me to your email list & recipes. I appreciate it, Thank you!

    Reply

  29. You’re British, aren’t you? It’s the “sat” vs. “sitting” that gives it away. “Is your Instant Pot still sitting in its box?” is the way we’d say it in the U.S. And mine isn’t! Love your recipes.

    Reply

    • Hi Jenny,

      Yes we are. We were both raised in Yorkshire and are now British Expats living in Portugal.

      There are others that would give it away too 😊

      Zucchini vs courgette
      Rising flour vs raising flour
      Proving vs proofing
      Egg plant vs aubergiene
      Cups vs grams

      Though we try to show the alternative when we can 😊

      Kind regards

      Sam
      X

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *