How to Use a Pressure Cooker

Pressure cooking is becoming an increasingly popular cooking method for many families. Pressure cooking has many benefits. Pressure cookers cook food faster than an oven or stove. Due to the high temperature and short cooking time, food cooked in a pressure cooker retains more vitamins and nutrients than other cooking methods, and the taste of the dishes is richer and more intense. Therefore, it is important to use the pressure cooker in the right way. We have more than 20 years of experience in stainless steel cookware exports and have an ultimate understanding of stainless steel cookware. This article will explore how to use pressure cookers correctly and understand the details that can improve performance and increase safety.

What is a pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a large pot that uses the pressure generated by trapped steam to cook food hotter and faster than other methods. The heat creates steam, which increases the boiling point and speeds up the cooking of food. Pressure cookers are mainly used to cook water-based dishes such as soups, stews, and broths, and can also be used to make rice or stir-fry if the water volume is properly controlled. Its advantages are time-saving and energy-saving, but if the pot is defective or improperly operated, it may explode.

How a pressure cooker works

Pressure cookers work by using a rubber ring to create a closed space, so when the liquid boils, pressure is generated. The trapped steam causes the liquid to heat up. Normally, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. With a pressure cooker, the temperature can rise to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a high-temperature and high-pressure environment inside the pot, which greatly speeds up cooking.

How to cook with a pressure cooker

Step 1: Read the instructions.

This is one of the most important things to do before you start using your pressure cooker. Every pressure cooker is different and has its own set of instructions for use. You should know some of the safety features of the pressure cooker, such as the location of the steam release valve and button, and whether the pot feels cool to the touch when cooking.

Step 2: Check.

Before using a pressure cooker, carefully check the seal to make sure it fits tightly against the inner circumference of the lid. The safety valve must be in the correct position and embedded in its base. We also need to check that the pressure limiting valve vent is unobstructed (you can use a toothpick to clear it) and keep the anti-blocking cover clean.

Step 3: Add food and water.

Place the food to be cooked in the pressure cooker. Add the right amount of water to properly cook the specific food in the pressure cooker. The pot should not be filled too full with food, generally not more than four-fifths of the pot’s height. For foods that are more likely to expand (such as kelp, mung beans, corn, etc.), the food in the pot should not exceed half of the pot body.

Step 4: Close the lid.

When closing the lid, align the lid and the lid mark on the pot body and snap them together completely. Place the stainless steel pressure cooker on the burner on the stove and turn the heat to high. The pot will begin to convert water into steam.

Step 5: Turn down the heat and let the pot continue to simmer.

The purpose of this is to maintain pressure throughout the cooking process. If the heat supply is not reduced, the pressure in the pot may continue to rise. At this time, the deadweight valve or safety valve will open (whistle) to release steam and prevent the pressure from continuing to rise.

Step 6: Turn off the heat and move the pot away from the heat source.

When the food has been cooked appropriately, turn off the heat.

Step 7: Open the lid.

Before opening the lid, you must wait for the pressure in the pot to decrease completely. Do not try to lift the lid. There are generally these ways to release the pressure in the pot. Natural release method: This method is suitable for long-cooking foods such as meat, and continues to cook while the pressure decreases. This method takes a long time, generally 10 to 20 minutes. There is also a cold water release method: This is a faster way to release pressure. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, do not use this method. Place the pressure cooker under the sink faucet. Run cold water on the lid until the pressure drops. Check to make sure all the pressure is released before opening the lid.

Summary

The reasonable use of pressure cookers will not only allow you to enjoy an efficient and convenient cooking process but also experience the delicious food brought by pressure cooking. We are a professional stainless steel cookware supplier, and our product line includes cookware with a variety of styles and functions. We support customized sizes, logos, colors, packaging, etc., provide e-commerce seller services, and provide high-quality catering supply solutions for every customer.