Pressure Cooking
Cooking food in a sealed vessel that traps steam, raising pressure and water's boiling point to 250°F / 121°C — dramatically speeding up cooking time.
When to Use This Technique
- Dried beans and legumes (no soaking needed)
- Tough cuts of meat in a fraction of braising time
- Brown rice, whole grains
- Bone broth in 3 hours instead of 12
Temperature Guide
Temperature Range
250°F / 121°C internal (at 15 psi pressure)
Visual Cue
Stovetop: steady hissing steam from valve. Instant Pot: sealed float valve popped up
Readiness Test
Follow recipe time — internal pressure does the work
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add minimum required liquid (usually 1 cup for Instant Pot)
Tip
Without enough liquid, the pot won't reach pressure and may burn
Common Mistake
Under-filling causes burn warning; over-filling causes foaming issues
Add food — never fill pot more than 2/3 full (1/2 for beans/grains)
Tip
Beans and grains expand significantly under pressure
Seal lid, set valve to sealing position (Instant Pot) or lock lid (stovetop)
Tip
Double-check gasket/sealing ring is properly positioned
Set pressure and cook time per recipe
Tip
High pressure for most things. Low pressure for eggs, fish, cheesecake.
Once done, choose natural release (wait 10-20 min) or quick release (open valve)
Tip
Natural release for meat (prevents toughening). Quick release for vegetables.
Common Mistake
Quick-releasing large cuts of meat makes them rubbery
Wait until pressure pin drops completely before opening lid
Tip
Never force open a pressurized pot
Visual Cues to Look For
- Float valve rises — pot is pressurized and cooking
- Stovetop hissing steadily at constant pressure
- After cook time: beans are completely tender, meat falling apart
- Broth is deeply colored and rich
Regional Variations
Indian Kitchen
Pressure cooker a daily staple — dal in 15 min, biryani under pressure, whistles used as timer
American Instant Pot
Electric, programmable, sauté function before pressurizing, yogurt mode
Equipment Needed
- Pressure cooker (stovetop) or Instant Pot (electric)
- Trivet/rack
- Adequate liquid
Related Techniques
Quick Reference
Difficulty
Medium
Time Required
5-40 minutes (active), plus pressure build/release
Category
Moist Heat Cooking