Electric Pressure Cooker What Can I Cook

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

The electric pressure cooker has revolutionized the way we cook, making it easier, faster, and more convenient to prepare delicious meals. If you’ve recently purchased an electric pressure cooker, you may be wondering what exactly you can cook with it. The good news is that the possibilities are practically endless!

In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of using an electric pressure cooker and provide you with a range of ingredients and recipes to try out. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll discover how versatile and efficient this kitchen appliance can be.

So, get ready to unleash your culinary creativity and let’s dive into the world of electric pressure cooker cooking!

Benefits of Using an Electric Pressure Cooker

Using an electric pressure cooker offers numerous advantages that make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Saves time: One of the biggest advantages of using an electric pressure cooker is its ability to significantly reduce cooking time. The high-pressure environment created inside the cooker allows food to cook faster than traditional methods. For example, a dish that may take hours to cook on the stove or in the oven can be ready in a fraction of the time using an electric pressure cooker.
2. Retains nutrients: The sealed environment of an electric pressure cooker helps to retain the nutrients in your ingredients. The shorter cooking time means that vitamins and minerals are preserved, resulting in healthier meals compared to other cooking methods.
3. Tenderizes meat: Electric pressure cookers are renowned for their ability to transform tough cuts of meat into tender, succulent dishes. The pressurized cooking process helps to break down the connective tissues, resulting in meat that practically melts in your mouth.
4. Energy-efficient: Cooking with an electric pressure cooker requires less energy compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The shorter cooking time and more controlled heat distribution contribute to energy conservation, ultimately saving you money on your utility bills.
5. One-pot cooking: With an electric pressure cooker, you can cook entire meals in a single pot. This saves you from having to use multiple pots and pans, reducing both cooking and cleaning time. Plus, the flavors of the different ingredients meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dishes.
6. Convenient and user-friendly: Electric pressure cookers are designed to be user-friendly, with clear buttons and preset cooking options that make cooking a breeze. Many models also offer delay-start and keep-warm functions, allowing you to set a meal to start cooking at a specific time and keep it warm until you’re ready to eat.

By taking advantage of these benefits, you’ll find that using an electric pressure cooker not only saves you time and effort in the kitchen but also elevates your cooking to a whole new level.

Common Ingredients for Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes

When it comes to cooking with an electric pressure cooker, there is a wide range of ingredients that work exceptionally well. Here are some commonly used ingredients that can be found in many electric pressure cooker recipes:

1. Meat: Whether it’s beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, meat is a staple ingredient in electric pressure cooker recipes. From succulent pulled pork and tender pot roasts to flavorful chicken curry and braised short ribs, the pressure cooker helps to infuse the meat with delicious flavors while tenderizing it to perfection.
2. Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers are often included in electric pressure cooker recipes. They not only add texture and flavor to the dishes but also complement the meat or other main ingredients. Pressure cooking vegetables retains their nutrients and enhances their natural sweetness.
3. Legumes and Grains: Beans, lentils, rice, and quinoa are ideal for cooking in an electric pressure cooker. The high-pressure environment helps to soften the legumes and grains quickly and evenly, resulting in fluffy rice and perfectly cooked beans without the need for lengthy soaking or boiling.
4. Broths and Stocks: Broths and stocks are commonly used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. Making your own broth or stock in the electric pressure cooker is a time-saving and flavorful option. With a few simple ingredients and the pressure cooker’s efficiency, you can have homemade broth in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
5. Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices play a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of electric pressure cooker recipes. From aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme to spices like cumin, paprika, and curry powder, adding a variety of seasonings can elevate your dishes and create a depth of flavors.
6. Sauces and Condiments: Sauces and condiments such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and coconut milk are commonly used in electric pressure cooker recipes to add richness and depth. They can be used to create savory sauces, marinades, or to thicken the cooking liquid in a dish.

These are just a few examples of the common ingredients used in electric pressure cooking. The versatility of the electric pressure cooker allows you to experiment with various ingredients and flavors, creating endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals.

Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are classic comfort foods, and the electric pressure cooker makes it incredibly easy to whip up a hearty and flavorful bowl of warmth. Here are some delicious soups and stews that you can prepare using your electric pressure cooker:

1. Chicken Noodle Soup: The electric pressure cooker allows you to make a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup in a fraction of the time. Simply add chicken, broth, vegetables, and noodles to the cooker, and let it cook under high pressure. In no time, you’ll have a comforting and nourishing meal for any chilly day.
2. Beef Stew: With the electric pressure cooker, you can quickly tenderize tough cuts of beef and develop rich flavors in your stew. Brown the meat, add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, along with beef broth and your choice of herbs and spices. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a flavorful and tender beef stew that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
3. Vegetable Soup: The electric pressure cooker is perfect for making vegetable-based soups. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables, such as celery, carrots, and onions, then add vegetable broth, herbs, and spices. Cook under high pressure for a short time, and you’ll have a nutritious and flavorful vegetable soup ready to enjoy.
4. Lentil Soup: Lentils cook quickly in the electric pressure cooker, making it an ideal ingredient for soup. Combine lentils, broth, onions, carrots, and spices in the cooker, and let it cook under high pressure. In a short time, you’ll have a hearty and filling lentil soup packed with protein and fiber.
5. Tomato Basil Soup: A classic tomato soup can be easily made in the electric pressure cooker. Sauté onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes, broth, and fresh basil. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a velvety and flavorful tomato soup that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.

These are just a few examples of the soups and stews you can create using an electric pressure cooker. The high-pressure environment of the cooker helps to infuse flavors, shorten cooking time, and tenderize ingredients, resulting in incredibly delicious and satisfying soups and stews.

Rice and Grain Dishes

The electric pressure cooker is a game-changer when it comes to cooking rice and grains. It takes the guesswork out of achieving perfectly cooked and fluffy grains every time. Here are some rice and grain dishes you can easily prepare using your electric pressure cooker:

1. White Rice: Cooking white rice in an electric pressure cooker is quick and effortless. Simply rinse the rice, add the appropriate amount of water, and cook under high pressure. In just a few minutes, you’ll have fluffy and separate grains of white rice, ready to accompany your favorite dishes.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa is known for its nutritional benefits and versatility. To make a delicious quinoa pilaf, sauté onions and garlic in the electric pressure cooker, then add quinoa, broth, and your choice of vegetables or herbs. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a flavorful and nutritious side dish or a light main course.
3. Wild Rice Blend: A mixture of wild rice and other grains, such as brown rice or barley, can be cooked to perfection in the electric pressure cooker. The high-pressure environment helps to fully cook the grains and infuse them with flavor. Enjoy this hearty and nutritious blend as a side dish or as a base for a grain bowl.
4. Risotto: Making risotto can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but the electric pressure cooker simplifies it significantly. Sauté onions and garlic, add Arborio rice, broth, and your choice of ingredients like mushrooms or peas. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a creamy and comforting risotto without the need for constant stirring.
5. Black Bean and Rice Burrito Bowl: Create a delicious burrito bowl by combining black beans, rice, onions, bell peppers, and spices in the electric pressure cooker. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal that you can customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa.

These are just a few examples of the rice and grain dishes you can prepare using an electric pressure cooker. Whether you’re cooking plain rice or experimenting with different grains and flavors, the electric pressure cooker ensures perfectly cooked grains with minimal effort.

You can cook a variety of dishes in an electric pressure cooker, including soups, stews, rice, beans, and even desserts like cheesecake. Just make sure to follow the recommended cooking times and release the pressure safely.

Meat and Poultry Meals

The electric pressure cooker is a fantastic tool for cooking meat and poultry. It allows you to achieve tender and flavorful results in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. Here are some delicious meat and poultry meals you can prepare using your electric pressure cooker:

1. Pulled Pork: Make mouthwatering pulled pork by seasoning a pork shoulder or butt with your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Place it in the electric pressure cooker with some broth or barbecue sauce, and let it cook under high pressure. In a short time, you’ll have tender and flavorful pulled pork that you can enjoy in sandwiches or tacos.
2. Beef Pot Roast: Tenderize a tough cut of beef, like chuck roast or brisket, by cooking it in the electric pressure cooker. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and herbs, then sear it on all sides using the sauté function. Add beef broth, onions, carrots, and potatoes, and pressure cook it all together. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast with rich flavors.
3. Chicken Curry: Create a flavorful chicken curry by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in the electric pressure cooker. Add chicken thighs or breast pieces, along with coconut milk and vegetables like bell peppers and snow peas. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a fragrant and delicious chicken curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread.
4. Lamb Stew: For a hearty and comforting meal, make a lamb stew in the electric pressure cooker. Brown the lamb pieces, then add onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, herbs, and broth. Pressure cook it all together until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.
5. Turkey Chili: Cook up a satisfying turkey chili by browning ground turkey in the electric pressure cooker with onions, garlic, and spices. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and vegetables like bell peppers and corn. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a hearty and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

These are just a few examples of the meat and poultry meals you can prepare using an electric pressure cooker. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the meat and infuses the flavors, resulting in delicious and satisfying dishes that will impress your family and guests.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

The electric pressure cooker is not just for meat lovers – it’s also a fantastic tool for preparing delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or simply want to incorporate more meatless options into your meals, here are some mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan dishes you can create using your electric pressure cooker:

1. Vegetable Curry: Create a flavorful vegetable curry by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in the electric pressure cooker. Add a variety of vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, along with coconut milk and vegetable broth. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a delightful and satisfying curry to serve with rice or naan bread.
2. Chickpea Stew: Cook up a hearty and protein-packed chickpea stew in the electric pressure cooker. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices, then add cooked chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a delicious stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, black beans, corn, onion, and spices, then place them in the electric pressure cooker with some tomato sauce or broth. Pressure cook them until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded together. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
4. Lentil Curry: Lentils cook quickly in the electric pressure cooker, making them a perfect ingredient for a satisfying curry. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices, then add lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Pressure cook it all together until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve the lentil curry with rice or flatbread for a complete and delicious vegan meal.
5. Vegan Chili: Cook up a flavorful and protein-packed vegan chili in the electric pressure cooker. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices, then add beans (such as kidney beans or black beans), diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and vegetables like bell peppers and corn. Pressure cook it all together, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying chili that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

These are just a few examples of the vegetarian and vegan options you can prepare using an electric pressure cooker. The versatility of the appliance allows you to create flavorful and nutritious meatless dishes that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Seafood Delights

The electric pressure cooker is not just for meat and vegetables—it’s also a wonderful tool for cooking seafood. Whether you’re a fan of fish, shrimp, or mussels, the electric pressure cooker can help you create flavorful and tender seafood dishes. Here are some mouthwatering seafood delights you can prepare using your electric pressure cooker:

1. Steamed Fish: Achieve perfectly steamed fish by placing seasoned fish fillets in a steam basket inside the electric pressure cooker. Add water or broth to the bottom of the cooker and pressure cook for a short time. The result is tender and flaky fish that’s infused with the flavors of herbs and spices.
2. Shrimp Scampi: Make a classic shrimp scampi by sautéing garlic, butter, and lemon juice in the electric pressure cooker using the sauté function. Add shrimp and pressure cook for a few minutes until they’re cooked through. Serve the succulent shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlicky sauce.
3. Seafood Paella: Create a delightful seafood paella by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the electric pressure cooker. Add rice, saffron, vegetable broth, and a variety of seafood like shrimp, mussels, and clams. Pressure cook it all together until the rice is cooked and the seafood is tender. You’ll have a vibrant and flavorful paella that’s perfect for entertaining.
4. Mussels in Tomato Sauce: Prepare a delicious pot of mussels in tomato sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes in the electric pressure cooker. Add cleaned mussels and pressure cook for a short time until the mussels open up. Serve the tender mussels in the rich tomato sauce with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
5. Fish Stew: Create a comforting fish stew by sautéing onions, garlic, and vegetables like carrots and celery in the electric pressure cooker. Add fish fillets, seafood broth, and herbs, and pressure cook until the flavors have melded together and the fish is fully cooked. Serve the flavorful stew with a side of crusty bread for a delicious and hearty meal.

These are just a few examples of the seafood delights you can cook using an electric pressure cooker. The high pressure and controlled cooking environment help to lock in the flavors and produce tender and succulent seafood dishes that are sure to impress.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

The electric pressure cooker is not just for savory dishes—it can also help you create mouthwatering desserts and sweet treats. From cakes and puddings to fruity delights, the electric pressure cooker opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some delectable desserts and sweet treats you can prepare using your electric pressure cooker:

1. Chocolate Lava Cake: Create a decadent and gooey chocolate lava cake by preparing a rich chocolate batter and pouring it into greased ramekins. Place the ramekins on the trivet inside the electric pressure cooker with some water at the bottom. Pressure cook for a short time, and you’ll have warm and indulgent individual chocolate lava cakes ready to be enjoyed.
2. Rice Pudding: Make a creamy and comforting rice pudding in the electric pressure cooker by combining rice, milk, sugar, and spices. Pressure cook it until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened. Serve it warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, for a delightful dessert.
3. Apple Crisp: Create a comforting and delicious apple crisp dessert by tossing sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Place the apple mixture in a baking dish, top it with a crumbly mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Pressure cook until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
4. Summer Fruit Compote: Prepare a refreshing fruit compote by combining your favorite summer fruits like berries, peaches, and mangoes in the electric pressure cooker with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Pressure cook until the fruits are tender and release their juices. Serve the fruit compote over yogurt or ice cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
5. Bread Pudding: Make a comforting and indulgent bread pudding in the electric pressure cooker by combining torn bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and your choice of flavors like vanilla or cinnamon. Pressure cook until the pudding is set and the top is golden. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce, for a satisfying dessert.

These are just a few examples of the desserts and sweet treats you can prepare using an electric pressure cooker. The controlled cooking environment and high pressure enable you to create delectable and comforting desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

The electric pressure cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From quick weeknight dinners to elaborate dishes, this convenient tool allows you to prepare a wide variety of meals with ease. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or have a sweet tooth, there’s something for everyone when it comes to electric pressure cooker cooking.

We explored the numerous benefits of using an electric pressure cooker, including its time-saving properties, nutrient retention, and energy-efficient operation. Additionally, we discussed some common ingredients that work exceptionally well in electric pressure cooker recipes, such as meat, vegetables, legumes, sauces, and spices.

We then delved into specific categories of dishes that can be created with an electric pressure cooker. From comforting soups and stews to flavorful rice and grain dishes, as well as mouthwatering meat and poultry meals, vegetarian and vegan options, seafood delights, and desserts and sweet treats, the options are endless.

With the electric pressure cooker, you can create delicious meals in a fraction of the time, while still retaining flavors, nutrients, and tenderizing tough cuts of meat. You also have the freedom to explore new flavors, experiment with different ingredients, and create a wide array of dishes to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

So, whether you’re a cooking novice or an experienced home chef, don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild with your electric pressure cooker. Explore new recipes, adapt old favorites, and enjoy the convenience and flavors that this amazing appliance brings to your kitchen. Happy cooking!