Download Article
Make quick, tasty recipes using a pressure cooker
Download Article
Pressure cookers are a great way to cook food quickly, but they can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never used one before. Luckily, modern pressure cookers are safe and easy to use. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps on how to use a pressure cooker, as well as the benefits of using them, what you can cook in them, and how they work. Plus, learn how to choose the best pressure cooker for you and get answers to other common questions about using pressure cookers.
Steps to Use a Pressure Cooker
- Ensure your pressure cooker is clean and has no cracks or dents.
- Add your food and liquid according to your recipe.
- Close and lock the lid, then turn on the cooker to build pressure.
- Release the pressure when your food is done.
- Unlock and open the lid only after all the pressure has been released.
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
How to Use a Pressure Cooker
Download Article
-
Check that your pressure cooker is in good condition. Examine your pressure cooker thoroughly to ensure there are no cracks or dents. Make sure all components (including the seal, valve, gauge, and condensation cup) are clean and functional with no signs of leftover food. [1] X Research source
- Pressure cookers that are cracked can be dangerous as they could release hot steam and burn you.
-
Add your food and liquid. Prepare your food and add it to the pot, along with a liquid like water or broth according to your recipe. The amount of liquid needed varies depending on your pressure cooker and your recipe, but the cooker should never be more than 2/3 full, as there needs to be room for the steam to accumulate. [2] X Research source
- There must always be some sort of liquid in your pressure cooker before you cook anything in it, as the steam from the liquid creates the pressure that cooks your food.
- If you have an old-style jiggle top cooker, always use at least one cup of water. For a newer-style valve cooker, the minimum amount of liquid is ½ cup.
- If you’re using the trivet, place it in the bottom of the pressure cooker before adding your food. The trivet is the stand for the steamer basket, which is frequently used to cook vegetables, fruit, and seafood.
Advertisement -
Close and lock the lid. Place the lid on top of the pressure cooker and slide it into place so that it locks and the valve is in the correct position. In most cases, you’ll hear a click when the lid is properly closed. The lid must be locked so that the steam is sealed in and the pot can successfully produce pressure. [3] X Research source
-
Turn the cooker on to build pressure. If you’re using an electric pressure cooker (or instant pot) , plug it in and set the cooking time and pressure according to your recipe. If you’re using a stove-top cooker , turn on a burner and allow the cooker to rise to pressure. [4] X Research source
- The pressure indicator pin will begin to rise as the pressure inside the cooker increases. On some newer models, marks on the valve stem will appear as the pressure rises.
- In old jiggle top valves, this will be when steam comes out of the vent and the weighted pressure regulator will begin to jiggle. Place the safety valve on the nozzle when you see steam coming out of the nozzle.
- If using a stove-top cooker, maintain the pressure throughout cooking time by reducing the heat so that the cooker continues to simmer and does not whistle. If the heat supply isn’t reduced, the pressure may continue to rise and release steam, which will prevent the food from cooking properly.
-
Release the pressure when your food is done. Turn off the heat when your food has cooked for the appropriate amount of time. Do not attempt to lift the lid right away, as the pressure must be released before it is safe to do so. Your recipe should specify which of the 3 ways to release the pressure : [5] X Research source
- Natural release: Remove the cooker from heat and let it sit until the pressure releases on its own, typically within 10-30 minutes depending on the cooker. This method is often used for long cooking foods like roasts so they continue to cook while the pressure reduces.
- Quick release: Most old pressure cookers, and all new pressure cookers, have a quick release button on the lid. When this button is released, the pressure is slowly released from within the cooker.
- Cold water release: If using a stove-top cooker, place it under the sink faucet and run cold water on the lid until the pressure stops, being careful not to run the water directly on the pressure regulator or vent. This is the fastest way to release pressure, but do not use it if you have an electric cooker.
-
Remove the lid and your food. Make sure all of the pressure has been released before removing the lid. On jiggle tops, move the pressure regulator, and on newer models, move the valve stem. If there’s no sound of escaping steam, go ahead and unlock and remove the lid. Tilt it away from you to avoid getting hit with hot steam, then remove your food. [6] X Research source
Advertisement
Sample Recipes
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionCan I use a pressure cooker without a lid?Community AnswerIf you do not use the lid, the pressure cooker will function like regular pot.
-
QuestionI did not put the lid on my pressure cooker until the contents started boiling, and now I can't get it locked and can't remove it. What do I do?Community AnswerTurn off the heat and leave the kitchen. Your cooker is in a dangerous state. Wait for the cooker to cool and the pressure to completely dissipate.
-
QuestionWhy do my casseroles burn on the bottom?Community AnswerMake sure you have enough liquid in the bottom of the pressure cooker and try cooking on a lower heat for a longer time.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Don’t cook your food longer than the time called for by your recipe. Doing so could give your food the mushy consistency of baby food.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Even when it is safe to open the lid, lift the lid away from your face, as the contents will be steaming hot.Thanks
- Older models could be opened at full-pressure and practically explode with their contents. Modern pressure cookers have additional safeguards to prevent the user from opening a pressurized pot. Understand the pressure indicators of your cooker and never try to force open the lid of the pressure cooker when there is steam inside. You can get burnt.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-tips-using-pressure-cooker
- ↑ https://teea.tamu.edu/files/2019/09/cooking-with-pressure-lesson.pdf
- ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290430/how-to-use-your-pressure-cooker/
- ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290430/how-to-use-your-pressure-cooker/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/pressure-cooker-basics-for-beginners/
- ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290430/how-to-use-your-pressure-cooker/
- ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/food/pressure-cooking
- ↑ https://teea.tamu.edu/files/2019/09/cooking-with-pressure-lesson.pdf
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/a-primer-on-pressure-cooking-193715
- ↑ https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/articles/pressure-cooking-the-complete-how-to-guide/tzryc3xl
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/preparing-meals-with-pressure-cookers
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/preparing-meals-with-pressure-cookers
- ↑ https://fastcooking.ca/pressure_cookers/cooking_times_pressure_cooker.php#pulses
- ↑ http://fastcooking.ca/pressure_cookers/cooking_times_pressure_cooker.php#fresh_and_frozen_vegetables
- ↑ https://fastcooking.ca/pressure_cookers/cooking_times_pressure_cooker.php#fresh_and_dried_fruit
- ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/food/pressure-cooking
- ↑ https://teea.tamu.edu/files/2019/09/cooking-with-pressure-lesson.pdf
- ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/food/pressure-cooking
- ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/food/pressure-cooking
- ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/guides/46-how-to-use-an-instant-pot
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/a-primer-on-pressure-cooking-193715
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To use a pressure cooker, start by putting the food you want to cook inside the pot, including meat, vegetables, and enough liquid to cook it properly. Next, remove the safety valve and close the lid securely. Then, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Once steam starts coming out of the nozzle, replace the safety valve and lower the heat to a simmer. When the food is done, remove the cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to release over the next 20 minutes before opening it. For a quicker way to release the pressure when you're done cooking, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,112,995 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was nervous about how to safely release the pressure after cooking. The instructions on doing a cold water release for older models versus using the quick-release button on newer cookers really helped. Now I know how to lower the pressure correctly based on the type of cooker." ..." more
Advertisement
89%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I was nervous about how to safely release the pressure after cooking. The instructions on doing a cold water release for older models versus using the quick-release button on newer cookers really helped. Now I know how to lower the pressure correctly based on the type of cooker."
..."
more
"I'm new to pressure cooking. Initially, I just cooked things longer when unsure. But this article stressed checking the recipe's time precisely. Overcooking makes food mushy! Now, I stop the heat immediately at the recipe's specified time. My results are perfect."
..."
more
"My mom handed down her old jiggle-top cooker, but I wanted to make sure it was safe since it was so old. I inspected it carefully for any cracks per the tips here before using it. Now, I feel confident cooking with this heirloom safely."
..."
more
"I'd soak beans overnight, only to have them never fully soften. This article explained pressure cooking hydrates beans in minutes without presoaking! Now, I cook tender beans in a fraction of the time. My chili has never been better."
..."
more
"I know nothing about pressure cookers but a friend gave me a practically new one. Your article helped me immensely!"
