N@N

Stop Cooking These 10 Foods in Your Instant Pot

The article titled "Stop Cooking These 10 Foods in Your Instant Pot" from CNET provides a detailed guide on which foods are not ideal for cooking in an Instant Pot, a popular multi-cooker known for its versatility and efficiency. The article is aimed at helping users avoid common mistakes that could lead to unsatisfactory results or even safety hazards. Here is an extensive summary of the content found in the article:

Pasta: The article begins by discussing pasta, a staple in many households. While it might seem convenient to cook pasta in an Instant Pot, the results can be inconsistent. The article explains that pasta can easily become overcooked and mushy because the Instant Pot's high pressure and heat can be too intense for delicate pasta shapes. The article suggests that for the best results, pasta should be cooked on the stovetop where it can be monitored and stirred to prevent sticking and overcooking.

Fried Foods: The next food on the list is fried foods. The Instant Pot is not designed for frying, as it lacks the necessary features to safely heat oil to high temperatures. The article warns that attempting to fry foods in an Instant Pot can be dangerous, leading to potential burns or even fires. Instead, the article recommends using a dedicated deep fryer or a traditional frying pan for achieving crispy, golden results.

Thick Cuts of Meat: The article then moves on to thick cuts of meat, such as roasts or whole chickens. While the Instant Pot can tenderize meat, it struggles with evenly cooking large, thick pieces. The article explains that the pressure cooker's steam can only penetrate so far, leading to uneven cooking where the outside might be overcooked while the inside remains undercooked. For better results, the article suggests using a slow cooker or oven for large cuts of meat, which can provide more even heat distribution.

Delicate Seafood: Delicate seafood, such as fish and shrimp, is another food that the article advises against cooking in an Instant Pot. The high pressure and heat can easily overcook and disintegrate these delicate proteins, resulting in a mushy texture. The article recommends cooking seafood using gentler methods, such as steaming or pan-searing, to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

Cheesy Dishes: The article also warns against cooking cheesy dishes in an Instant Pot. Cheese can easily burn and stick to the bottom of the pot, creating a mess and potentially triggering the Instant Pot's burn warning. The article suggests that for cheesy dishes, it's better to use a stovetop or oven, where the heat can be more evenly distributed and controlled.

Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are another food that the article advises against cooking in an Instant Pot. The high pressure can cause these greens to become overcooked and lose their vibrant color and nutrients. The article recommends sautéing or steaming leafy greens on the stovetop for a quick and nutritious side dish.

Dairy-Based Sauces: The article then discusses dairy-based sauces, such as cream-based soups and sauces. These can easily curdle under the high pressure and heat of an Instant Pot, resulting in an unappetizing texture. The article suggests that for creamy sauces, it's better to use a stovetop where the heat can be more gently applied and controlled.

Baked Goods: Baked goods, such as cakes and bread, are another food that the article advises against cooking in an Instant Pot. While some recipes claim to work, the results can be inconsistent and often lack the texture and rise of traditionally baked goods. The article recommends using an oven for baking, which provides the necessary dry heat and even cooking environment for perfect baked goods.

Crispy Foods: The article also warns against using an Instant Pot for crispy foods, such as roasted vegetables or crispy chicken skin. The moist environment created by the pressure cooker can prevent foods from achieving the desired crispiness. The article suggests using an oven or air fryer for crispy results, which can provide the necessary dry heat and air circulation.

Rice: Finally, the article discusses rice, a common food cooked in an Instant Pot. While some types of rice can be successfully cooked in an Instant Pot, the article warns that certain varieties, such as long-grain rice, can easily become overcooked and mushy. The article recommends using a dedicated rice cooker for the best results, which can provide more precise control over cooking time and temperature.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive list of foods that are not ideal for cooking in an Instant Pot, along with explanations and alternative cooking methods. By following these guidelines, users can avoid common pitfalls and achieve better results in their cooking endeavors. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of the Instant Pot and using the right tools for the job to ensure delicious and safe meals.

Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/stop-cooking-these-10-foods-in-your-instant-pot/ ]