How To Sauté Meat In The Instant Pot

Mastering the Art of Sauteing Meat in Your Instant Pot

If you’re a fan of quick and easy meals, then the Instant Pot is likely a staple in your kitchen. This versatile appliance can do it all, from pressure cooking to slow cooking, and even sautéing. Today, we’re going to focus on the latter, and specifically, how to sauté meat in the Instant Pot to perfection.

Why Sauteing Meat in the Instant Pot is a Game Changer

Before we dive into the steps for sautéing meat in the Instant Pot, let’s talk about why this cooking method is a game changer. When you sauté meat in the Instant Pot, you’re not only browning the meat to develop rich flavors, but you’re also doing it all in one pot. This means less mess and less cleanup, which is always a win in our books!

Steps for Sauteing Meat in the Instant Pot

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of sautéing meat in your Instant Pot. Follow these simple steps for delicious, perfectly sautéed meat:

1. Prep the Meat: Start by cutting the meat into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and browns beautifully.
2. Preheat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and allow it to preheat. This will ensure that the meat gets a good sear once it’s added to the pot.
3. Add Oil: Once the Instant Pot is preheated, add a small amount of oil to the pot. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
4. Season the Meat: Season the meat with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings, before adding it to the Instant Pot.
5. Sear the Meat: Carefully add the seasoned meat to the Instant Pot, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the meat in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece gets a good, even sear.
6. Monitor the Searing Process: Keep a close eye on the meat as it sears, using tongs to flip the pieces as needed. You’re looking for a deep, golden brown color on all sides of the meat.
7. Remove the Meat: Once the meat is nicely browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside. It’s now ready to be added back to the pot for pressure cooking, if desired.

Tips for Perfectly Sautéed Meat

Now that you know the basic steps for sautéing meat in the Instant Pot, here are a few additional tips to ensure that your meat turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: It’s important to give the meat enough space to sear properly, so avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot.
• Use the right oil: As mentioned earlier, using an oil with a high smoke point is key to achieving a good sear on the meat.
• Pat the meat dry: Before seasoning the meat, pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the surface of the meat can prevent it from browning properly.
• Let it sizzle: Once the meat is added to the Instant Pot, resist the urge to move it around too much. Allowing the meat to sear undisturbed will help it develop a nice crust.

Experiment with Flavors

Now that you’ve mastered the art of sautéing meat in your Instant Pot, it’s time to get creative with flavors. Whether you’re making a classic beef stew or a flavorful chicken curry, the sauté function on your Instant Pot is the perfect starting point for building layers of delicious flavor.

So, the next time you’re craving a hearty, saucy dish, reach for your Instant Pot and put your newfound sautéing skills to the test. You’ll be amazed at how much depth of flavor a good sear can add to your favorite meat-based dishes!

With these tips and tricks in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to becoming a sautéing pro with your Instant Pot. Happy cooking!