Overview of the Instant Pot Lux Mini
The Instant Pot Lux Mini is a popular 6-in-1 multicooker that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and warmer. It has a 3 quart capacity and is a great size for individuals, couples, and small families.
Setting the Instant Pot Lux Mini to high pressure is easy but there are some important steps to follow. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using the high pressure setting on the Instant Pot Lux Mini, including:
- How high pressure cooking works
- Benefits of high pressure cooking
- Step-by-step instructions for setting the Lux Mini to high pressure
- Pressure release methods
- Tips for high pressure cooking success
- Frequently asked questions about high pressure
Follow these steps carefully and you’ll be pressure cooking like a pro with your Instant Pot Lux Mini in no time!
How High Pressure Cooking Works
The Instant Pot Lux Mini, like other electric pressure cookers, cooks food faster than traditional cooking methods by trapping steam inside a sealed pot to build up high pressure. Here’s an explanation of the science behind pressure cooking:
- The pot is sealed shut with a locking lid once ingredients are added.
- The heat source at the base brings the liquid inside to a boil and produces steam.
- The steam becomes trapped and pressurizes the chamber.
- When pressure reaches the target level (such as “high pressure”), the Instant Pot maintains it by regulating heat.
- High pressure raises the boiling point of water above 100°C/212°F.
- The higher temperature cooks food much faster.
- Cooking times can be 70% less compared to oven or stovetop cooking.
- Foods turn out moist, tender and full of flavor.
Now that you know how pressure cooking works, let’s go over why you may want to use the high pressure setting versus low pressure.
Benefits of High Pressure Cooking
Here are some benefits of using the high pressure setting on your Instant Pot Lux Mini:
- Quicker cooking times – Foods cook up to 70% faster than other cooking methods.
- Tender and juicy results – The high heat breaks down fibers in meat and produce tender, succulent food.
- Enhanced flavors – Pressure forces liquid and flavor into the food.
- Nutrient retention – Cooking quickly without exposing food to air retains more vitamins and minerals.
- Energy efficiency – Pressure cookers require less time and energy than oven cooking.
- Versatility – You can pressure cook anything from ribs to risotto!
- Convenience – Dump ingredients in and let the Instant Pot do the work.
High pressure is the optimal setting for tough, dense foods that require a long cooking time to become tender. This includes tough cuts of meat, legumes, whole grains, hearty vegetables, and cheesecake!
How to Set the Instant Pot Lux Mini to High Pressure
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to start using the high pressure setting on your Instant Pot Lux Mini:
1. Add ingredients to pot
Add food and liquid ingredients to the Instant Pot inner pot. Make sure not to fill past the max fill line (2/3 full).
2. Secure the lid
Place the lid on top of the pot and turn to lock it into place. The lid must be securely sealed for pressure cooking.
3. Select a cooking program
Press the “Manual” button or any of the Instant Pot’s built-in programs such as “Meat/Stew”, “Bean/Chili” or “Rice”.
4. Adjust cook time
Use the + and – buttons to set the cook time. Refer to recipe guidelines for timing.
5. Select High Pressure
Press the “Pressure” button repeatedly until the display reads “High”.
6. Let pressure build
The Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to build up to high pressure. The float valve will pop up when pressure is reached.
7. Cook time begins
Once pressurized, the cook time you set will begin counting down on the display. It will cook for the allotted time at high pressure.
8. Release pressure
After cooking completes, you can quick release or natural release the pressure. See next section for details.
And that’s it! With these easy steps, you can now use the high pressure setting to prepare meals in a fraction of the normal time.
Releasing Pressure after High Pressure Cooking
Releasing pressure is an important final step once the Instant Pot cooking program finishes. There are two methods for releasing pressure:
Quick Release Method
The quick release method quickly brings the pot’s internal pressure back to normal by venting steam through the valve:
- When cook time ends, turn the steam release handle to the venting position to let out steam.
- Steam will billow out rapidly from the valve so keep hands clear.
- When the stream weakens, floating valve drops, turn the handle back to sealing position.
- Quick release takes 1-2 minutes.
- Best for foods like vegetables, fish and some grains that don’t overcook easily.
Natural Release Method
With the natural release method, you allow the pressure to come down naturally over 10-15 minutes:
- Do not touch the steam release valve.
- Over time, the float valve will drop as internal pressure normalizes.
- Natural release takes 10-15 minutes or longer if cooking at high pressure for a long time.
- Best for larger cuts of meat and delicate foods prone to overcooking.
Use quick release for busy weeknight meals and natural release for large roasts and bone-in meats. Check your recipe for the recommended release method.
Tips for High Pressure Cooking Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure fantastic results every time you use the high pressure setting:
- Always start with at least 1 cup liquid – Thin sauces and steam release but thicker liquids remain.
- Layer foods don’t overcook – Put quick cooking vegetables on top.
- Allow for coming to pressure time – This takes 10-15 minutes before cook time starts.
- Cut food to even sizes – So that all pieces cook through evenly.
- Avoid opening the lid before depressurizing – This will disrupt cooking and cause a mess.
- Adjust cook times as needed – Cook time varies based on volume and ingredients.
- Let pressure fully release after cooking – To prevent boiling over or splattering.
With some trial and error, you’ll get to know the perfect cook times for your favorite recipes when using the high pressure setting.
Common Questions about High Pressure
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using the high pressure setting:
Is high pressure dangerous to use?
Modern electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot have stringent safety mechanisms making them very safe. The lid cannot be opened until all internal pressure is normalized.
How is high pressure different from low pressure?
High pressure heats water to around 240°F while low pressure only reaches about 230°F. High pressure provides more intense heat to shorten cook times.
What types of food should you cook at high pressure?
Use high pressure for tough, dense foods that require prolonged cooking like meat, poultry, legumes, whole grains, hearty vegetables, and cheesecake.
Can all recipes be converted to pressure cooking?
Most recipes can be adapted for pressure cooking by adjusting the liquid amount and cook times. Avoid recipes with little liquid or those requiring unattended simmering.
What happens if you don’t put enough liquid in the Instant Pot?
The pot may burn the food without sufficient liquid to release steam. Always add at least 1 cup of water or broth. Add more as needed for very thick dishes.
Can you pressure cook frozen foods?
Yes, you can cook frozen foods in the Instant Pot! Add extra cooking time for frozen items and ensure pot does not go above max fill line.
Conclusion
The high pressure setting is the fastest, most convenient way to cook a variety of foods using your Instant Pot Lux Mini. By following the instructions in this guide, you’ll be able to set your model to high pressure and take advantage of quicker cooking times and delicious results. Pressure cooking makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Refer back to these tips and info if you have any other questions about getting started with high pressure cooking. Soon you’ll be creating perfectly cooked roasts, stews, chili and more!