[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Stew Meat In Instant Pot?

Cooking stew meat in an Instant Pot can be a convenient and efficient way to create a delicious and tender dish. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function can significantly reduce the cooking time for stew meat, making it a popular choice for many home cooks. In this detailed guide, we will explore the process of selecting, preparing, cooking, and troubleshooting stew meat in an Instant Pot. We will also discuss the optimal cooking times for various types of stew meat to help you achieve the best results every time.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Stew Meat In Instant Pot

The cooking time for stew meat in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the specific type of meat and the recipe you are following. However, as a general guideline, cubed stew meat typically requires around 20-25 minutes of pressure cooking on high pressure in the Instant Pot to become tender and juicy.

Selection

Before delving into the cooking process, it’s essential to select the right type of meat for your stew. When choosing stew meat for your Instant Pot recipe, consider meats that are suitable for slow cooking and braising, such as beef chuck, round, or shoulder. These cuts contain a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which makes them ideal for tenderizing during the pressure cooking process.

Opt for well-marbled cuts, as the higher fat content ensures a richer and more flavorful end result. Leaner cuts may become dry and tough when cooked under pressure, so it’s best to choose cuts with a moderate fat content.

If you prefer using alternative meats, such as lamb or pork, select similar cuts that are known for their tenderness and suitability for slow cooking methods. For instance, pork shoulder or lamb shoulder can yield excellent results when prepared as stew meat in the Instant Pot.

Preparation

Properly preparing the stew meat is crucial to achieving a well-balanced and flavorful dish. Follow these steps to prepare your stew meat for cooking in the Instant Pot:

1. Trimming and Cubing: Before cooking the stew meat, trim excess fat from the cuts to avoid an overly greasy end result. Then, cut the meat into evenly sized cubes, generally around 1 to 2 inches, to promote uniform cooking. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and reaches the desired tenderness.

2. Seasoning: Season the cubed meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. The seasoning can add depth of flavor to the meat and enhance the overall taste of the stew. Consider using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme for a well-rounded and aromatic flavor profile.

3. Searing (Optional): While not mandatory, searing the cubed meat in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking can enhance the flavors and create a rich, caramelized exterior on the meat. To do this, select the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot, add a small amount of oil, and brown the meat in batches. This step can add an extra layer of flavor to the stew but can be skipped if you prefer a more streamlined cooking process.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Stew Meat

The cooking times for stew meat in the Instant Pot can vary based on the specific type of meat and the size of the cubed pieces. Here are approximate pressure cooking times for various types of stew meat:

• Beef Chuck or Round: Cubed beef chuck or round typically require around 20-25 minutes of pressure cooking on high pressure.
• Pork Shoulder: Cubed pork shoulder generally need approximately 20 minutes of pressure cooking on high pressure.
• Lamb Shoulder: Cubed lamb shoulder may require around 25-30 minutes of pressure cooking on high pressure.

These times are general estimates and can be adjusted based on personal preferences for meat tenderness. It’s crucial to keep in mind that larger pieces of meat may require additional cooking time, while smaller pieces may cook more quickly.

How To Cook Stew Meat In Instant Pot

Now that you’ve selected your meat and prepared it for cooking, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking stew meat in the Instant Pot:

Step 1: Preheating

Ensure that the stainless steel insert is placed inside the Instant Pot. Preheat the Instant Pot by selecting the "Sauté" function and allowing it to heat up.

Step 2: Searing (Optional)

If you want to enhance the flavor of the stew meat, consider searing the cubed meat in batches. Add a small amount of oil to the preheated Instant Pot, then brown the meat on all sides. Once all the batches have been seared, remove the meat from the Instant Pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Deglazing (Optional)

If you’ve seared the meat, deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of liquid, such as broth or wine, while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This step can infuse the stew with extra flavor from the caramelized meat remnants.

Step 4: Adding Ingredients

Return the seared meat to the Instant Pot and add any additional ingredients, such as aromatics, vegetables, and liquids, according to your preferred stew recipe. This can include ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, broth, and herbs.

Step 5: Pressure Cooking

Once all the ingredients are added to the pot, secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting on high pressure and set the cooking time based on the type of meat and the size of the cubed pieces.

Step 6: Natural Release Or Quick Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for a specified period, as indicated in your recipe. Alternatively, you can perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the venting position, using a spatula or tongs to avoid any steam burns.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

After releasing the pressure, carefully open the lid, and check the tenderness of the meat. If the meat is not as tender as desired, consider returning it to pressure cook for an additional few minutes.

Following these steps will result in perfectly cooked and flavorful stew meat ready to be enjoyed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tough Meat

If the stew meat turns out tougher than desired, it might not have cooked for a sufficient amount of time under pressure. To remedy this, return the meat to the Instant Pot, cover it with a bit of liquid, and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This should help tenderize the meat further.

Excess Liquid

If your stew has too much liquid after cooking, you can thicken it by creating a slurry using equal parts of cornstarch and cold water. Stir the slurry into the hot stew and select the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot, allowing the stew to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Lack Of Flavor

In the event that your stew lacks depth of flavor, consider adjusting the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or additional herbs and spices. Alternatively, you can enhance the flavor profile by incorporating a splash of vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of soy sauce to add complexity to the stew.

Using an Instant Pot to cook stew meat provides a convenient and efficient method for achieving tender, flavorful results. By carefully selecting, preparing, and cooking the stew meat, you can create a hearty and delicious dish with minimal effort. Understanding the optimal cooking times for different types of meat, as well as troubleshooting common issues, ensures that your stew meat will turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re using beef, pork, or lamb, the Instant Pot can help elevate your stew game to new heights. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of stew that is sure to impress.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Stew Meat

Stew meat is a popular choice for hearty and delicious meals. The tender and flavorful chunks of meat lend themselves well to stews, soups, and various other dishes. Traditionally, cooking stew meat involved low and slow methods, such as simmering on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. However, with the rise in popularity of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy perfectly cooked stew meat in a fraction of the time.

One of the advantages of using an Instant Pot is its ability to cook frozen meat. This means that you don’t have to worry about thawing your stew meat in advance, making it a convenient option for when you’re short on time. However, it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly when cooking frozen meat.

For frozen stew meat, you can follow these guidelines:

1. Cut the stew meat into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Add a small amount of broth or liquid to the Instant Pot to create steam.
3. Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chunks. As a general rule, cook frozen stew meat for approximately 50 to 60 minutes on high pressure.

The cooking time may vary depending on the specific cut of meat and the desired tenderness. It’s always a good idea to check the meat’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended safe level.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Tender and succulent meat is the key to a delicious stew. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature helps to break down the tough fibers in stew meat and create a melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, achieving the perfect texture requires some attention to detail.

Here are some tips to ensure your stew meat turns out tender:

1. Sear the stew meat before pressure cooking. This step helps to develop a rich flavor and caramelization on the meat’s surface. Heat some oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, brown the meat on all sides, and then remove it from the pot. This extra step adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
2. Add a liquid to the Instant Pot. Whether it’s broth, stock, wine, or a combination of flavors, the liquid not only provides moisture but also helps to create steam, allowing the meat to cook under pressure. It also helps to infuse the meat with flavor during the cooking process.
3. Use the natural release method. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the meat to relax and retain its juices, resulting in a tender texture.

It’s important to note that different cuts of stew meat may require different cooking times and methods to achieve the desired tenderness. Experiment and adjust the cooking time accordingly until you find the perfect balance for your preferred texture.

Flavor Infusion

Stews are all about flavor, and the Instant Pot can help enhance the taste of your stew meat. Here are some ways to infuse your stew meat with delicious flavors:

1. Use aromatic vegetables and spices. Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves can bring depth and complexity to your stew. Sauté these ingredients before adding the stew meat to enhance their flavors. This step also adds layers of flavor to the overall dish.
2. Marinate the stew meat. Before cooking, marinating the stew meat for a few hours or overnight can intensify the flavors. You can create a marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, herbs, and spices. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
3. Deglaze the pot. After sautéing the meat, deglaze the Instant Pot by adding a liquid, such as broth or wine, and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These caramelized bits add a depth of flavor to the stew.

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method helps to lock in the flavors, resulting in a rich and well-seasoned stew. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and spices to create your own signature flavor profile.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Stew Meat

While pressure cooking is the go-to method for cooking stew meat in an Instant Pot, there are other cooking methods you can explore to add variety to your meals. Here are a few alternative methods to consider:

1. Slow Cook: If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can use the "Slow Cook" function on your Instant Pot. This method allows you to simmer the stew meat for a longer period, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful dish. Simply adjust the cooking time and let the Instant Pot do the rest.
2. Sauté and Simmer: After searing the stew meat using the sauté function, you can switch to the "Simmer" function and continue cooking the stew on low heat. This method allows the flavors to meld together more gradually, resulting in a rich and comforting stew.
3. Multi-step cooking: The Instant Pot’s versatility allows you to incorporate other cooking techniques. For example, you can brown the stew meat using the sauté function, pressure cook it to achieve tenderness, and then finish the dish by using the broil function to crisp up the top layer or using the slow cook function to simmer and thicken the stew.

Exploring different cooking methods adds diversity to your meals and allows you to customize the flavors and textures according to your preferences.

Instant Pot Tips For Stew Meat

To maximize your Instant Pot’s potential and ensure successful results when cooking stew meat, consider the following tips:

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Opt for cuts of meat that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast, beef stew meat, or lamb shoulder. These cuts have enough marbling and connective tissues that break down during cooking, resulting in tender meat.
2. Cut the stew meat into even pieces: Cutting the meat into evenly sized chunks ensures that they cook at the same rate. This avoids some pieces being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
3. Use the correct amount of liquid: The Instant Pot requires enough liquid to generate steam and create pressure. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the minimum amount of liquid required. Generally, 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid is sufficient for most stew recipes.
4. Avoid overfilling the Instant Pot: To allow space for the pressure to build, it’s important not to overfill the pot. Leave enough headspace according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential safety issues.
5. Utilize the sauté function: Browning the stew meat before pressure cooking helps to add depth and richness to the flavors. The sauté function on the Instant Pot allows you to achieve this step conveniently in the same pot.
6. Use a natural pressure release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the meat to relax and retain its juices, resulting in a tender texture.
7. Take advantage of the keep warm function: If your stew is done cooking but you’re not ready to eat, the Instant Pot’s keep warm function can maintain the stew’s temperature until you’re ready to serve. This feature is useful for busy households or when entertaining guests.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Instant Pot stew meat turns out perfectly cooked every time.

Creative Instant Pot Stew Meat Recipes And Variations

Now that you are familiar with the techniques and tips, let’s explore some creative recipes and variations to make the most of your Instant Pot stew meat.

1. Classic Beef Stew
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil. Sear the beef stew meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Deglaze the pot by adding the red wine and scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
6. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 to 15 minutes before using the quick release to release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve the beef stew hot and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

2. Moroccan Lamb Stew
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil. Sear the lamb stew meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Return the browned lamb stew meat to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, chickpeas, dried apricots, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 to 15 minutes before using the quick release to release any remaining pressure.
6. Serve the Moroccan lamb stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Feel free to experiment with different variations, such as adding mushrooms, green beans, or swapping out the vegetables and spices to create your own unique stew meat recipes.

Conclusion

Cooking stew meat in an Instant Pot allows you to enjoy tender and flavorful meals in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. With the tips and techniques covered in this article, you can achieve the perfect texture, infuse flavors, and explore alternative cooking methods. The Instant Pot offers convenience without compromising on taste, making it a versatile tool for all your stew meat recipes. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking delicious Instant Pot stew meat dishes that will leave your family and guests wanting more.

FAQS

What Type Of Meat Works Best For Cooking In The Instant Pot?

Tough and inexpensive cuts of meat, such as beef chuck or pork shoulder, are ideal for cooking in the Instant Pot as the high pressure and moist cooking method helps to tenderize the meat.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Stew Meat In The Instant Pot?

The cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of the meat, but on average, stew meat can be cooked in the Instant Pot in about 30-40 minutes.

Can I Sear The Stew Meat Before Cooking In The Instant Pot?

Yes, searing the meat before cooking can help to enhance the flavor and texture of the stew. Simply use the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot to sear the meat before pressure cooking.

Do I Need To Add Liquid When Cooking Stew Meat In The Instant Pot?

Yes, it is recommended to add at least 1 cup of liquid, such as broth or water, to provide enough steam for the pressure cooking process.

How Do I Release The Pressure After Cooking Stew Meat In The Instant Pot?

There are two ways to release the pressure from the Instant Pot: quick release method, where you turn the release valve to "venting" and let the steam escape, or natural release method, where you let the steam release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.