What is Instant Pot Quick Release?
Confused about the Instant Pot quick release function and how and when you should be using it? Get all your answers here!
Finally got your hands on the most useful and versatile kitchen appliance there is? You might be super excited to get started with your Instant Pot and try all those new recipes you’ve saved, but wait up!
First, you need to know what the difference between quick release and Instant Pot natural pressure release is.
Before you jump right into it, it is a good idea to get a basic understanding of all those technicalities, so that you don’t end up making a big mess in the kitchen.
And here’s helping you with just that. Read on to discover all you need to know about the Instant Pot quick release function.
Table of contents
How Does Quick Release Work?
The quick release function on your Instant Pot is actually more useful than you’d think, especially if you’re trying to get your meal ready quickly. This function allows you to quickly release the pressure from your Instant Pot by using an inbuilt mechanism.
All you’ll have to do is move the valve from ‘sealing’ to ‘venting’ and the pressure will be released quickly.
When Should I Use It?
This function can be incredibly helpful for when you want to get done with cooking quickly, and is great when it comes to cooking fast-cooking foods like tender veggies. This will help stop the cooking process, and will ensure that your food is cooked in just the right amount.
Foods like shrimp, fish, poultry (like these flavor packed Thai chicken wraps), pasta and veggies are best cooked using this function. You might want to avoid this function when you’re cooking soups and stews, or foods that might foam up and clog the venting valve.
Benefits
I personally love using this function. It allows me to get done with my day’s meals super quick. Infact, it has proven to be one of the most time efficient functions I’ve ever encountered in a kitchen appliance. No wonder it is a favorite among busy individuals who still want to enjoy a home cooked meal whenever possible.
Tips & Tricks of Quick Release
After the completion of the cooking cycle, you’ll need to move the valve from the sealing position to the venting position. Do this step carefully, ideally while wearing silicone gloves to protect your hands from any splatters or steam.
It usually takes a few minutes for the Instant Pot to quickly release all the steam. To ensure that there is no residual pressure or steam trapped in, I would recommend moving the valve once again to the sealing position, followed by the venting position.
Once that’s done, you should hear a ‘click’ of the float valve dropping down. This now means that it is safe for you to open your Instant Pot.
Make sure you avoid cooking foods using quick release that are meant to be cooked using the natural release option. This is because your food might end up getting undercooked. Also avoid cooking beans and other such foods that might break due to pressure changes.
