Using an Instant Pot to cook raw meat is not only possible, but a great way to make delicious homemade meals with ease. The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam and more. With the ability to cook food up to 70% faster, the Instant Pot is ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat until tender and juicy. However, there are some important things to know when using an Instant Pot for raw meat to ensure safety and great results.
Can You Cook Raw Meat in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can absolutely cook raw meat in an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot reaches temperatures above 240°F when pressure cooking which is hot enough to safely cook raw meat and poultry. It can even handle less tender cuts of meat like pork shoulder, beef chuck roasts and chicken thighs with ease. The pressurized environment helps break down connective tissues in the meat resulting in fork-tender results in a fraction of the normal cooking time.
Most raw meat cuts can be cooked in an Instant Pot including:
- Chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, etc.
- Pork chops, pork shoulder, pork ribs
- Beef roasts, steaks, stew meat
- Lamb chops, lamb leg
- Sausage and ground meats
- Turkey breast, drumsticks, wings
The key is properly preparing the meat and using tested Instant Pot recipes specifically designed for the cut of meat you are cooking. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and comes out moist and tender.
Tips for Cooking Raw Meat in the Instant Pot
Follow these tips when cooking raw meats in your Instant Pot:
- Pre-sear or brown the meat first – Browning meat before pressure cooking seals in flavor and juices. Use the Instant Pot sauté function or brown in a skillet.
- Cut meat into even sized pieces – Uniform sized pieces cook more evenly. Cut roasts and larger pieces into 2-3 inch chunks.
- Layer veggies on bottom – Place chopped aromatics and vegetables in pot first then place meat on top. This prevents meat from burning.
- Use a trivet or steamer basket – Keep meat above cooking liquid with a trivet for best results. Liquid should not cover meat.
- Use natural pressure release – Allow pressure to release naturally to prevent meat from overcooking.
- Check internal temperature – Use a meat thermometer to verify meat has reached a safe temperature.
- Let rest before serving – Allow meat to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Following basic Instant Pot guidelines for preparing and cooking meats will ensure everything comes out cooked safely with amazing flavor.
Typical Instant Pot Cooking Times for Meat
Cooking time can vary slightly based on the cut, size and thickness of the meat as well as personal preference. Use this general guide for average cook times:
Meat | Cooking Time |
---|---|
Chicken breasts (boneless) | 5-8 minutes |
Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 15-20 minutes |
Pork chops (1-inch thick) | 3-5 minutes |
Pork shoulder roast | 40-60 minutes |
Beef roast | 50-70 minutes |
Stew meat | 15-20 minutes |
Lamb shoulder | 40-60 minutes |
Sausages | 4-8 minutes |
Ground meat | 5-10 minutes |
Use a natural pressure release after cooking and check meat is cooked through before serving. Adjust cook times as needed based on size of cuts and personal preference.
Helpful Tips for Great Results
Here are some additional tips for safely cooking meat in the Instant Pot with tender, juicy results:
- Trim excess fat from meats which can inhibit browning and cause spattering.
- Pat meat dry before searing to promote browning.
- Use broth, water or sauce in pot to prevent burning. Use at least 1 cup liquid.
- Turn meat over halfway during cooking when able.
- When cooking larger cuts or bone-in meats, cook meat on top of vegetables.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before quick release.
- Check temperature after cooking. Meat should reach 145°F for beef and pork, 160°F for chicken.
Choosing Instant Pot Recipes for Meat
When looking for Instant Pot meat recipes, consider these factors for best results:
- Source – Choose recipes from reputable sites and bloggers who specialize in Instant Pot cooking.
- Prep steps – Look for browning or searing meat first and cooking in batches for better browning.
- Cooking liquid – Recipes should use at least 1 cup broth, sauce or water.
- Vegetables – Ingredients should include aromatics like onion, carrots, celery.
- Cook times – Use recommended cook times based on meat cut and weight.
- Pressure release – Recipes should use natural release pressure for meat.
Choosing recipes from Instant Pot cookbooks or sites dedicated to electric pressure cooking will provide reliable cook times and steps tailored for the Instant Pot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with undercooked, overcooked or dry meat in the Instant Pot if some key mistakes are made. Avoid these common errors when cooking meat:
- Not browning or searing meat first
- Overcrowding pot
- Having liquid completely cover meat
- Cooking without any liquid in pot
- Quick pressure releasing
- Not letting meat rest after cooking
- Using old or untested recipes
- Cooking frozen meat
Be mindful of these missteps and follow Instant Pot best practices for preparing and pressure cooking meat to ensure perfect results every time.
Tips for Specific Cuts of Meat
Certain types of meat benefit from additional tips and techniques:
Chicken Breasts
- Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness
- Cook in batches for more even browning
- Use a quick release after cooking
- Brine chicken first for extra moisture
Chicken Drumsticks
- Trim excess skin and fat
- Cook drums on a trivet over sauce or broth
- Toss with sauce after cooking for extra flavor
- Use natural release to prevent overcooking
Pork Tenderloin
- Do not exceed 3 pounds in pot
- Cook smaller roasts whole, cut larger ones in half
- Cook over sauce then coat with sauce after
- Cook with aromatics for extra flavor
Beef Stew Meat
- Choose uniform 1-2 inch chunks
- Sear meat in batches for browning
- Cook meat on bottom with veggies on top
- Use a natural release to allow meat to rest
Pork Ribs
- Choose meaty ribs 3 pounds or less
- Remove membrane from back of ribs first
- Cook ribs in sauce or broth with spices
- Allow natural release, meat will pull back from bones when done
Conclusion
The Instant Pot can cook nearly any type of raw meat to juicy, flavorful perfection with the right techniques. Browning meat first, using aromatics and cooking in liquid creates a tasty environment for meat to cook up tender and moist. Following recipe guidelines and cook times tailored specifically for the Instant Pot results in perfection every time. With a little care and know-how, you can use your Instant Pot to easily whip up succulent meat dishes from chicken, beef, pork and more.