Cooking frozen steaks in an Instant Pot is absolutely possible, but there are some important factors to consider to ensure the steaks turn out juicy, tender and delicious. The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that can be used as a pressure cooker or slow cooker, making it a convenient option for cooking from frozen. However, certain adjustments need to be made to get the best results.
Thawing Considerations
For the optimal texture, it is best to thaw steaks before cooking them. The high heat and rapid cooking of the Instant Pot can lead to uneven cooking if starting completely frozen. Here are some thawing options to consider:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator: For a 1-inch thick steak, allow 12-24 hours of thawing time.
- Cold water thaw: Submerge sealed steaks in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. A 1-inch steak may thaw in 2-3 hours.
- Microwave defrost: Use the defrost setting and flip steaks periodically. Defrost for only the minimum time needed.
Even just 30 minutes of thawing time helps ensure more even cooking. The exterior will defrost just enough to allow heat to better penetrate the center while cooking.
Adjust Instant Pot Settings
Cooking frozen meat in the Instant Pot requires adjusting the time, pressure and liquid amount from standard Instant Pot recipes. Here are some guidelines for getting perfect results:
- Increase cook time: Add 50% more cook time to account for frozen meat. For example, increase a 15 minute cook time to 23 minutes.
- Use high pressure: Ensure the pressure release valve is in the ‘Sealing’ position to allow the pot to pressurize.
- Add extra liquid: Use at least 1 cup extra liquid such as broth or water.
- Natural release: Allow the pressure to come down naturally for 10-15 minutes before quick releasing.
These adjustments prevent the steaks from being undercooked in the center and becoming tough and dry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect Instant Pot frozen steaks:
- Thaw steaks for 30 minutes up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Trim any excess fat and lightly season steaks with salt and pepper.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon oil.
- Add steaks and brown for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add at least 1 cup broth, wine or water to Instant Pot.
- Secure lid and set to High Pressure mode for 1.5 times the normal cook time.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- Quick release any remaining pressure and remove steaks.
- Rest steaks 5-10 minutes before serving.
Browning the steaks first adds flavor and ensures the meat closest to the edges and bottom cooks through. The natural release followed by quick release prevents overcooking.
Choosing the Right Cut
The tenderness of the steak cut matters when cooking from frozen. Cuts like filet mignon and ribeye cook up tender, while rounds steaks become tough. Here are good options for frozen Instant Pot steaks:
- Ribeye – Well-marbled for tenderness and flavor.
- Strip steak – Leaner but still tender with good beefy flavor.
- Filet mignon – The most tender cut, though less fat means less flavor.
- Flank steak – Budget-friendly cut that works sliced thin against the grain.
Thicker steaks around 1 1⁄2 inches are ideal. Lean cuts like sirloin are not recommended from frozen. Always look for high quality beef with good marbling for the most tender results.
Marinade and Seasoning
A flavorful marinade can make up for any loss of flavor from cooking frozen steak. Try marinating for 2-12 hours before cooking. Some tasty marinade options include:
- Soy sauce – Use 1⁄4 cup soy sauce and 2 tablespoons oil.
- Wine – Red or white wine with garlic, herbs and olive oil.
- Teriyaki – Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger.
- Southwestern – Chili powder, cumin, garlic and lime juice.
If not marinating, be sure to generously season the steaks before browning with salt and pepper or steak seasoning blends. Crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano also make flavorful additions.
Doneness Guide
It can be tricky gauging doneness with an Instant Pot, but these times provide a general guide for 1-inch thick steaks:
| Doneness | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Rare | 9-11 minutes |
| Medium Rare | 12-14 minutes |
| Medium | 15-18 minutes |
| Medium Well | 19-22 minutes |
| Well Done | 23-25 minutes |
Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time. Remove steaks when they are 5°F below the desired doneness since the temperature will continue rising.
Try Different Cooking Liquids
The liquid in the Instant Pot greatly impacts flavor. Water is fine for basic cooking, but try these flavor-packed options:
- Beef broth – Use homemade or store-bought broth for rich, meaty flavor.
- Red wine – For juicy wine-infused steaks, use a bold Cabernet or Merlot.
- Beer – Dark beers like porter or stout add great flavor.
- Soy sauce – Use 1⁄2 cup soy sauce diluted with 1⁄2 cup water.
- Worcestershire – Add lots of umami flavor with bold Worcestershire sauce.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter after cooking. Drizzle steaks with sauce from the pot before serving.
Vegetable Additions
Cooking frozen steaks alone leaves the Instant Pot one-dimensional. Add vegetables for a complete meal. Good options include:
- Potatoes – Quartered red potatoes cook to tender perfection.
- Carrots – Chunky sliced carrots add sweetness.
- Onions – Quartered onions or sliced mushrooms provide hearty flavor.
- Corn – For a pop of color, add fresh or frozen corn kernels.
- Green beans – Quick-cooking green beans round it out.
Make sure to place vegetables on the bottom with steaks on top so they cook through. Aim for 6-8 minutes cook time for most vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot frozen steaks can be served in many delicious ways. Consider these serving ideas:
- Steak salad – Slice steak and serve over mixed greens with veggies and vinaigrette.
- Steak tacos – Warm tortillas, sliced steak, pico de gallo and avocado.
- Steak sandwiches – Pile steak with caramelized onions and chimichurri sauce on rolls.
- Steak and potatoes – Pair tender steaks with garlicky mashed or baked potatoes.
- Steak fajitas – Saute sliced bell peppers and onions and wrap in tortillas.
Serve steaks with a pan sauce made by reducing the cooking liquid. Steak pairs perfectly with chimichurri, béarnaise or peppercorn sauce too.
Food Safety Tips
Proper food safety is crucial when cooking frozen steaks in the Instant Pot. Follow these guidelines:
- Always thaw using safe methods – do not thaw at room temperature.
- Marinate thawed steaks in the refrigerator.
- Discard marinade after use – do not reuse.
- Use thawed steaks within 2 days.
- Insert steam release handle pointing away while releasing.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour.
- Reheat leftovers only once to 165°F.
Be diligent about keeping steaks cooled properly before the Instant Pot and after cooking. This prevents bacteria growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Steaks are tough and chewy | Use more cook time, thaw steaks more beforehand and use tender cuts |
| Steaks turn out undercooked | Increase cook time, ensure pot reaches pressure and check doneness with thermometer |
| Steaks are dry or overcooked | Reduce cook time, use natural release method and brush with oil before cooking |
| Steaks lack flavor | Use a marinade, season generously before cooking and use a flavorful liquid |
| Pot doesn’t pressurize | Make sure valve is in Sealing position, add more liquid and check lid is properly sealed |
Conclusion
Cooking frozen steaks in the Instant Pot may require a few adjustments, but the results are impressively quick and flavorful steaks. Allowing some thawing time, increasing cook time, and using plenty of liquid and seasoning ensures tender and juicy steaks. Follow the step-by-step instructions for perfect steaks every time right from the freezer. With a little planning and prep, the Instant Pot makes enjoying steak dinners fast and easy.