How do you keep Instant Pot noodles from sticking?

Use the right noodles

Instant Pot noodles can easily turn into a sticky mess if you don’t use the right type of noodles. The high pressure environment of the Instant Pot requires noodles that can withstand boiling without breaking down too much. Good options include:

• Fresh Chinese egg noodles
• Dried ramen noodles
• Rice noodles
• Angel hair pasta

Avoid using noodles that are too delicate like lasagna sheets or super thin noodles. Those tend to overcook and turn gummy in the Instant Pot.

Check the noodle packaging

Always read the instructions on the noodle packaging before cooking in the Instant Pot. Some fresh noodles only require a quick 1-2 minutes under pressure. Dried noodles may need 4-6 minutes. Cooking them for too long can lead to sticking and mushiness.

Use enough liquid

Having enough liquid in the pot is key for avoiding sticking. The liquid creates steam that keeps the noodles from drying out. For 1 pound of noodles, use at least 4 cups of broth or water. Stir in any sauce after releasing the pressure.

Don’t overfill the pot

Too many noodles packed into the pot can also lead to sticking. Make sure you don’t go over the max fill line when adding uncooked noodles. Stick to 1 pound of noodles or less per 6-8 quart Instant Pot.

Cook noodles properly

The cooking method makes a big difference in avoiding sticky noodles. Here are some tips:

Natural release

Let the pressure release naturally after cooking noodles. A quick release can cause the noodles to stick together as the liquid gets sucked out. Letting the pressure come down naturally keeps things moist.

Add a liner

Using a liner in the Instant Pot is an easy way to prevent sticking. The liner prevents direct contact between the noodles and inner pot. You can use reuseable silicone liners or disposable parchment paper.

Don’t stir too much

Stirring noodles too vigorously can cause them to become gummy. Gentle stirs are best, especially right after releasing the pressure. Let them sit for 5 minutes before stirring again.

Cook in batches for larger amounts

If cooking more than 1 pound of noodles, cook them in smaller batches. Trying to cook a huge pot of noodles at once increases the risk of sticking. Separate them into multiple pots.

Use ingredients to reduce sticking

Adding other ingredients can help reduce sticking noodles:

Fat

Adding some fat like olive oil, sesame oil, or butter helps coat the noodles and the pot lining. Use about 1 teaspoon per 1 pound of noodles.

Sauce

Use sauce to add moisture rather than just water or broth. Tomato sauce, coconut milk, and creamy sauces work well. Stir them in after pressure cooking.

Vegetables

Ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and cabbage release some moisture as they cook. This extra bit of steam helps keep things from drying out.

Meat

Browning ground meat before pressure cooking can help add flavor. The rendered fat also helps prevent sticking. Drain excess grease before adding noodles.

Use pot-in-pot method

The pot-in-pot method steaming the noodles over the liquid rather than down in it. Here’s how:

1. Add liquid to the Instant Pot and insert a steamer basket or oven-safe bowl.
2. Add noodles and any aromatics like garlic or ginger to basket/bowl.
3. Pressure cook 4-6 minutes until al dente.
4. Release pressure naturally 10 minutes.
5. Carefully remove container of noodles.
6. Toss noodles with sauce.

Benefits

• Noodles steam instead of sitting in liquid.
• Less chance of scorching on the pot bottom.
• Easy to remove noodles without stirring.

Just be sure not to overload the basket or bowl with too many noodles at once.

Finish cooking outside Instant Pot

For super delicate noodles like glass noodles or rice vermicelli, you may want to parboil them in the Instant Pot. Then finish cooking them on the stove or by soaking in hot liquid.

Parboil method

1. Add noodles to Instant Pot with 2 cups broth or water.
2. Pressure cook for only 1 minute, just to partially soften noodles.
3. Drain noodles into colander and rinse.
4. Finish cooking in simmering broth, hot oil, or sauce for 1-2 minutes.

This helps avoid overcooking the noodles to mushiness. The outer pot of the Instant Pot retains heat well for finishing off cooking.

Other Tips for Keeping Noodles from Sticking

Here are some other handy tips for preventing gummy, sticky noodles in the Instant Pot:

• Give a quick stir halfway through pressure cooking to redistribute noodles.
• Brush interior of pot with oil or cooking spray before adding liquids.
• Add a teaspoon of oil after cooking when tossing noodles with sauce.
• Don’t leave noodles to sit too long after cooking.
• If noodles stick, deglaze pot by simmering some broth and scraping up any bits.

With the right cooking techniques, getting perfect tender yet springy Instant Pot noodles is easy. Follow these tips and you’ll avoid the dreaded problem of gummy, glued together noodles every time.

Here is a helpful table summarizing the key tips:

Tip	Why It Helps
Use fresh Chinese or dried ramen noodles	These noodles hold up well to pressure cooking.
Don’t overfill pot	Allows room for noodles to move around.
Natural pressure release	Lets noodles finish cooking gently in steam.
Add sauce after cooking	Prevents sauce from sticking to noodles.
Use a liner	Prevents noodles from touching pot surface.
Pot-in-pot method	Suspends noodles above liquid.
Finish cooking outside pot	Avoids overcooking delicate noodles.

Conclusion

Cooking noodles in the Instant Pot can seem tricky but doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tricks like using the right noodles, liquids, pressure release method and liners, you can easily make healthy flavorful noodle dishes. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be able to perfectly execute everything from chicken noodle soup to pad thai in your Instant Pot every time.