Instant Pot Steak: The Game-Changer You’re Missing Out On.

Gone are the days when searing a perfect steak required hours of practice and a cast-iron skillet. Thanks to the Instant Pot, making a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth steak is now within everyone’s reach. This revolutionary kitchen appliance uses pressure cooking to infuse flavors and retain moisture, ensuring your steak turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into why you should consider adding Instant Pot steak to your dinner repertoire.

Why Choose Instant Pot for Steak?

Using an Instant Pot for cooking steak has several advantages:

Speed: The pressure cooking feature significantly reduces cooking time—what would normally take hours can be accomplished in under 30 minutes.

Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment of an Instant Pot locks in flavors better than conventional methods. Ingredients marinate in their own juices, creating a rich, savory taste.

Consistency: Say goodbye to guesswork. The pressure cooking process ensures even cooking throughout the steak, avoiding that dreaded overcooking or uneven textures.

Moisture Retention: The high-pressure cooking environment helps to tenderize tougher cuts of meat while keeping them juicy.

Versatility: Beyond steak, the Instant Pot can also be used for various other meats, grains, and even desserts, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen.

Perfecting Your Steak: Tips and Techniques

To achieve the best results, consider the following tips:

Choose the Right Cut: Not all steaks are created equal. For Instant Pot cooking, tougher cuts like chuck or flank steak work beautifully as they become more tender under pressure.

Seasoning: Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other preferred herbs or spices. Marinades can also be a great way to enhance flavor.

Sealing in the Flavor: Consider searing your steak in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This adds a beautiful crust and brings out the flavors, giving your steak a lovely caramelized finish.

Instant Pot Steak Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe that showcases how easy and delicious Instant Pot steak can be.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of flank or sirloin steak

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prep the Steak: Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Sear the Steak: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, add olive oil, and sear the steak on both sides until browned, about 3-5 minutes each side.

Pressure Cook: Remove the steak and deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping any bits off the bottom. Return the steak to the pot and close the lid. Set the pressure cooking time to 15 minutes for medium-rare.

Release and Serve: Once finished, use a quick release to let out the steam. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Garnish with fresh herbs if you desire.

Cooking Times for Different Doneness Levels

Depending on your preference, you can adjust the cooking time. Here’s a chart for reference:

Doneness Level	Cooking Time (minutes)	Internal Temp (°F)
Rare	8	125°F
Medium Rare	10	135°F
Medium	12	145°F
Medium Well	14	150°F
Well Done	16	160°F

Experiencing the wonders of pressure cooking doesn’t stop at steak. More recipes and ideas await as you explore all the capabilities of your Instant Pot. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

---

After you’ve finished cooking in your Instant Pot, you have a couple of options for releasing the pressure. With natural release, the pot gradually diminishes pressure on its own as it cools down. This method is ideal for dishes that benefit from continued cooking, as it allows the food to relax and absorb more flavors while maintaining moisture. You might notice that it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for this process, depending on the quantity of food and liquid inside.

On the other hand, if you’re in a hurry to dig into your meal, the quick release option is your friend. This involves carefully turning the steam release handle to vent any remaining steam immediately. It’s essential to exercise caution here since the steam can be extremely hot and forceful. Keep your hands and face at a safe distance while doing this to avoid burns. Quick release works well for dishes like vegetables or seafood, where you don’t want to overcook them and lose that perfect texture. Just remember, whichever method you choose, patience and caution will lead to a much more enjoyable cooking experience.

---

FAQ

What types of steak are best for cooking in an Instant Pot?

For pressure cooking, tougher cuts such as flank, sirloin, chuck, and round steaks work best. These cuts become more tender when cooked under pressure, making them ideal for an Instant Pot.

How long should I cook steak in the Instant Pot?

Cooking time depends on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 10 minutes; for medium, about 12 minutes; and for well done, around 16 minutes. Always allow time for pressure to build and release.

Can I marinate the steak before cooking?

Yes, marinating the steak before cooking can enhance its flavor. You can marinate it for at least 15 minutes, but for more intense flavors, let it sit for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Is it necessary to sear the steak before pressure cooking?

Searing is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Searing the steak enhances the flavor and adds a nice crust that improves the overall texture and appearance of the dish.

How do I release pressure after cooking?

After cooking, you can use either a natural release or a quick release. Natural release allows the Instant Pot to gradually cool and release pressure on its own, while quick release involves turning the steam release handle to let out steam immediately. Be cautious of the escaping steam during a quick release.