Wondering about how to do PIP or pot-in-pot cooking with your instant pot? I have compiled this guide so you can get started and try this amazing technique.
I have been in love with my instant pot since the day I bought it and wanted to put it to good use. And thereafter I started to read and experiment with the pot-in-pot cooking method and there has been no looking back ever since.
I use this technique all the time for everyday cooking – prep steamed vegetables or starches – rice, quinoa, when I am short on time, if I need to prepare individual portions, or if I need a quick dessert fix…….I can’t emphasize enough on how efficient this method is.
Layer Your Ingredients – The best way to avoid the burn with an Instant Pot is to layer your ingredients properly. Add in all the liquid ingredients first and the more dense ingredients to the top. This allows steam to build without scorching things on the bottom.
What Containers can I use?
You must be wondering what are the best containers that you can use for the PIP method.
There are numerous options available for the pot-in-pot method. Instant pot-safe bowls can be made of stainless steel, glass, ceramic, silicone, aluminum, bamboo, or copper.
But one thing to keep in mind is that heat is transferred differently in different containers depending on factors such as material, size, and thickness. As a result, the optimal cooking time will depend upon the container you use.
So ensure to adjust the cooking time based on your container. Otherwise, you risk overcooking or undercooking your food.
Prevent Scorching (Burn Error)
If you use your instant pot regularly, you must have surely noticed the ”burn error” message on the display. If this happens, it simply means that the inner pot of the instant pot is too hot. Temperatures go up to 284°Fahrenheit. The “burn-protection” mechanism will then halt heating to stop food from burning.
Therefore, exercise caution when using ingredients that are more likely to cause the “Burn Error” – like milk or other dairy products, thick sauces/ curries, and tomato-based gravies.
By cooking these ingredients with the PIP technique, burn errors can be avoided. Just make sure you’re pressure cooking with enough liquid in the inner pot and that the venting knob is properly sealed.
In the Instant Pot, pot-in-pot method is ideal for reheating food. You won’t have to worry about the food scorching, burning , or drying out.
Additionally, the food can be reheated in the same container in which you initially stored the leftovers, saving you the trouble of washing another pot or pan.
But remember that frozen food in glass container should not be placed in the pressure cooker, as the glass can crack.
Cook four dishes same time in Instant Pot – Pot In Pot
FAQ
Can you cook multiple layers of chicken in Instant Pot?
How full is too full in an Instant Pot?
How full can you fill Instant Pot with meat?
Can You Pressure Cook in Instant Pot?
To pressure cook in the Instant Pot, you need to use liquid. However, using the pot-in-pot method, you can cook food using steam instead of directly cooking in the liquid. I am sure you will love this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna recipe cooked with pressure steaming.
Can you put water in Instant Pot before cooking?
First, you must add liquid to the Instant Pot before cooking. Without sufficient liquid, pressure won’t build — and you’ll likely get the dreaded “burn” error. Unless otherwise specified in the recipe, you’ll need just enough liquid (usually water or broth) to bring the cooker to pressure.
Can you cook food in an Instant Pot?
Although, you can cook foods right in the insert of the instant pot but, using the PIP method will make cleanup much simpler. This is particularly useful if you need to cook several dishes in quick succession using the Instant Pot.
Can you cook more than one dish in an Instant Pot?
One of the best reasons to use the PIP technique is you can cook more than one dish in one Instant Pot at the same time. Instead of cooking all the ingredients directly in Instant Pot‘s inner pot, you can stack separate layers of food, and cook them all at the same time. A whole new level of “One Pot Meal”.