What does “natural release” mean with Instant Pot?
Natural release is a method of releasing pressure after cooking foods in the Instant Pot. After cooking is complete, the Instant Pot is left alone and allows the internal pressure to come down naturally over time. This gradual decrease in pressure helps food continue cooking gently as the pressure reduces. It allows food to finish cooking without shocking it by quickly releasing steam. Natural release typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on factors like amount of liquid.
Why use natural release with Instant Pot?
There are a few key reasons to use natural release with Instant Pot:
- Allows food to finish cooking gently – Releasing pressure too quickly can make some foods tough or rubbery.
- Prevents splattering – Quick steam release can cause boiling liquids to sputter and splatter.
- Better flavor – Natural release allows flavors to develop as food rests before serving.
- Safer – Reduces risk of burns from spurting steam.
Foods like large cuts of meat, stews, chili, and porridge benefit from natural release. Delicate foods like fish can also be damaged by quick depressurization.
When should you avoid natural release?
Natural release may not always be ideal:
- Quick-cooking foods – Some delicate vegetables only need 0-5 minutes pressure cooking. These don’t need a natural release.
- Foods where texture is priority – Natural release can make some foods overcook and become mushy.
- Recipes that instruct a quick release – Always follow recipe instructions.
A quick release by turning the steam release valve may be better for quick-cooking foods where overcooking is a concern.
How long does a natural pressure release take?
The time needed for a natural release depends on a few factors:
- Amount of liquid: More liquid takes longer to depressurize. Soups and stews need more time than drier items.
- Volume of food: Larger batches take longer to come to normal pressure than smaller amounts.
- Type of food: Dense foods like meat or beans release pressure more slowly than lighter foods like vegetables.
- Pressure setting: Food cooked at higher pressure takes longer to normalize than lower pressure recipes.
As a general guideline:
- High pressure recipes: 15-20 minutes natural release
- Low pressure recipes: 10-15 minutes
- Quick release any remaining pressure after 15-20 minutes as needed to open lid.
Monitor the float valve and allow all pressure to completely normalize before opening the lid. The pin on the lid will drop when pressure is fully released.
Natural release times for common foods
| Food | Natural Release Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken, beef, pork | 15-20 minutes |
| Beans, lentils, chickpeas | 15-20 minutes |
| Stews, chilis | 15-20 minutes |
| Rice, grains | 10-15 minutes |
| Vegetables | 5-10 minutes |
| Fish | 5 minutes |
These release times are general guidelines, but always allow the full 15-20 minutes if unsure. It is okay to wait longer than needed, but quick releasing too soon can damage food.
How to quick release pressure after the natural release time
After allowing the natural pressure release, you may need to quickly release any remaining pressure before the lid will open. Follow these steps:
- Allow full natural release time based on food (typically 15-20 minutes).
- After time is up, check float valve. If still up, pressure remains.
- Turn pressure release knob from “Sealing” to “Venting” position.
- Steam will release through the valve in a strong jet – allow it to fully dissipate.
- When float valve drops down, turn release knob back to “Sealing.”
- Once all pressure is released, the lid will open.
Always keep hands, face and body away from the steam release valve when venting! The escaping steam is extremely hot and can cause burns.
Releasing remaining pressure quickly after the natural release time has passed allows you to safely open the lid and access your food.
Tips for natural release
Here are some useful tips for making the most of natural release:
- Get to know your model – Release times vary slightly between models.
- Use a timer – Set a timer when cooking finishes to track natural release time.
- Vent at end – Quick release any remaining pressure after 15-20 minutes.
- Wait for float valve – Ensure it has dropped before attempting to open lid.
- Avoid quick release – Unless recipe states to, avoid fully quick releasing high pressure recipes.
- Let food rest – After cooking and release, let food rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Adjust as needed – If food seems underdone after release, cook a few more minutes.
With practice, you’ll get a feel for how long your favorite recipes need for a safe, gradual natural release.
Natural Release vs Quick Release
Natural and quick release offer different benefits:
| Natural Release | Quick Release |
|---|---|
|
|
In most cases, a 15 minute natural release is recommended to get the benefits of gentle cooking. But quick releasing has its places too for quick-cooking foods. Get to know when to use each method.
Common questions about natural release
Is it safe to let the natural release take longer?
Yes, it is completely safe to allow a longer natural release if needed. The food will not overcook or burn as the pressure gently lowers. Letting the release take 30 minutes or longer is fine if pressure is reducing very slowly.
Can I speed up the natural release process?
No, do not attempt to speed up a natural release. Letting pressure come down naturally prevents splattering. Placing under cool water or ice can be dangerous. Be patient and allow the full natural release time.
Do all Instant Pot recipes need a natural release?
Most benefit from natural release, but quick-cooking veggies and seafood may call for a full quick release. Always follow recipe instructions. Natural release is best for meats, beans, grains and dense foods cooked at high pressure.
Can I open the lid before pressure fully releases?
No, never force open the lid before pressure has fully normalized. Ensure the float valve is completely dropped and zero pressure remains before attempting to open the lid. Forcing the lid when under pressure is unsafe and can result in severe burns.
Conclusion
Allowing a natural release with Instant Pot allows food to finish cooking gently as pressure lowers over 15-20 minutes. This prevents splattering and leads to better texture and flavor. Make sure to release any remaining pressure quickly after the natural release time to open the lid. Get to know when your recipes need a full natural release versus a quick release. With some trial and error, you’ll master the natural release method for all your Instant Pot cooking!