Cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, tender steaks right at home. The Ninja Foodi is an electric multi-cooker that can pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more all in one appliance. With its pressure cooking function, the Ninja Foodi cooks food up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods by building up and maintaining steady pressure inside the cooking pot. This allows the high temperature steam to quickly penetrate deep into the meat, accelerating the cooking process. Cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi results in steaks that are cooked evenly throughout while retaining moisture and flavor.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Steak in the Ninja Foodi
There are several benefits to cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker:
- Speed – The pressurized environment allows steaks to cook rapidly from frozen solid to tender and juicy in 20-40 minutes depending on thickness.
- Convenience – You can go straight from the freezer to dinner table with no thawing required.
- Tenderization – Pressure forces steam deep into the meat fibers, breaking down connective tissues for fork-tender steaks.
- Moisture Retention – Quick cooking under pressure seals in juices so steaks turn out incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Even Cooking – Steaks cook evenly from edge to edge with no over or underdone spots.
- Simple Cleanup – With only one pot to clean, cleanup is quick and minimal after pressure cooking.
With the Ninja Foodi, frozen steak dinners can be on the table in under 30 minutes with true restaurant-quality results. No need to plan ahead or remember to thaw!
Types of Steaks to Cook From Frozen
Nearly any cut of steak can be cooked straight from the freezer using the Ninja Foodi, but certain steaks perform best. Ideal steaks to pressure cook from frozen include:
- Ribeye
- Strip Steak (New York, Kansas City)
- Tenderloin
- Sirloin
- Tri-tip
- Flank Steak
- Flat Iron
- Top Sirloin
Leaner cuts like these hold up well to the intense heat and moisture of pressure cooking. They emerge juicy, fork-tender, and full of flavor. Fattier cuts like T-bone can also be cooked from frozen, but may render excess fat in the pressure cooking process.
For best results, choose steaks that are 1-2 inches thick. Thinner steaks run the risk of overcooking while thicker steaks may undercook in the quick pressure cooking time. Frozen steaks should be solidly frozen before cooking – no partial thawing.
Ninja Foodi Instructions for Frozen Steaks
Cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker is simple. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Place the frozen steak directly into the cooking pot. Do not thaw before cooking.
- Add 1 cup of liquid to the pot. The liquid can be water, broth, wine, or other cooking liquids. This helps create steam.
- Secure the pressure cooker lid, making sure the pressure release valve is sealed.
- Select the Pressure Cook or Steam function and set the time based on steak thickness:
- 1 inch steaks: 8-10 minutes
- 1.5 inch steaks: 14-16 minutes
- 2 inch steaks: 18-22 minutes
- Allow the pot to build pressure and cook for the set time. Do not open the lid or release pressure manually during cooking.
- When cooking is complete, use the quick pressure release method by turning the pressure release valve to venting to release steam until the float valve drops.
- Carefully open the lid, tilting it away from you to avoid the hot steam.
- Use tongs to transfer steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The steak will cook perfectly from edge to center with this simple frozen-to-table method. Allowing the cooked steak to rest before cutting allows juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum tenderness.
Ninja Foodi Frozen Steak Cooking Times
Frozen steak thickness will determine the cooking time needed in the Ninja Foodi. Follow these pressure cook times for frozen steak:
| Steak Thickness | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 14-16 minutes |
| 2 inches | 18-22 minutes |
For steaks over 2 inches thick, it is best to partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight before pressure cooking. Cooking times may need to be increased slightly for bone-in steaks. Check for doneness and cook longer if needed.
Frozen Steak Pressure Cooking Tips
Here are some tips and tricks for successfully pressure cooking steaks from frozen:
- Cut steaks to size before freezing – this allows more even cooking.
- Freeze steaks individually rather than in a block for easier handling.
- Use the trivet and liquid – this prevents scorching on the pot bottom.
- Let the pot fully pressurize before starting cook time.
- Allow a 5 minute natural pressure release after cooking.
- Check for doneness and return to cook if needed.
- Always thaw in refrigerator if time allows for best texture.
With these simple tips, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality steaks on busy weeknights. The Ninja Foodi makes it almost as quick and easy as grilling!
Marinades and Sauces for Frozen Steaks
Marinating frozen steaks in advance of cooking adds big flavor. Try soaking steaks overnight in the refrigerator in marinades and sauces like:
- Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, and Ginger
- Red Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil, Garlic, and Oregano
- Worcestershire Sauce and Montreal Steak Seasoning
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Chimichurri
The pressure cooking process really drives the marinade flavors deep into the meat.
You can also quickly toss steaks with sauces after cooking for easy serving. Great sauce options include:
- Compound Butter
- Chimichurri
- Peppercorn Sauce
- Mushroom Gravy
- Steakhouse Blue Cheese Sauce
Get creative with flavors to enjoy a different spin on frozen steak every night of the week!
Side Dishes for Pressure Cooked Frozen Steaks
Here are some tasty side dish ideas to complete your frozen steak dinner:
- Vegetables – Cook green beans, carrots, potatoes or asparagus right in the pressure cooker along with the steaks. They’ll be ready at the same time.
- Rice – While the steaks cook, prepare instant rice, risotto or rice pilaf on the stovetop.
- Salad – Toss together a fresh green salad topped with tomatoes, cheese and vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread – Quickly broil or grill frozen garlic bread in the oven.
- Potatoes – Microwave a baked potato; serve mashed, roasted, or fried potatoes.
With the Ninja Foodi, you can have a complete frozen steak dinner with sides on the table in 30 minutes or less!
Frozen Steak Recipe Ideas
Here are some delicious recipe ideas for cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi:
Balsamic Steak with Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- Frozen strip steaks
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Add 1 cup water and frozen steaks to pot. Pressure cook 8-22 minutes depending on thickness.
- While steaks cook, sauté mushrooms and shallots. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Remove steaks to plate to rest. Add balsamic and butter to mushrooms and cook until thickened.
- Serve steaks with mushroom sauce and garnish with parsley.
BBQ Bacon Frozen Steaks
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen top sirloin steaks
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 4 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Wrap each steak with 2 half slices of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Mix bbq sauce, brown sugar and chili powder. Reserve half for serving.
- Pour remaining bbq sauce over steaks. Add 1 cup water to pot. Pressure cook 12-16 minutes.
- Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp bacon if desired. Serve with reserved bbq sauce.
Southwest Steak and Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen sirloin steaks
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Place potatoes, onion and seasonings in pot. Add steaks on top and pour in broth.
- Pressure cook 13-15 minutes until steaks are done.
- Mash potatoes with fork if needed. Enjoy steaks with onion-potato mixture.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen steaks in the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker yields incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful results in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. With no defrosting required, dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes any night of the week. Experiment with different cuts of steak, seasons, marinades, and side dishes for endless variety. The Ninja Foodi helps you conquer dinner on your busiest nights!