I can’t believe it’s almost been a whole year since I originally posted my Instant Pot “Cheat Sheet” printable. Time flies when you’re having fun, and I’ve been having a lot of fun getting to know my Instant Pot! In fact, I’ve learned so much over the past year that I decided it was time to give my “Cheat Sheet” a few shiny new updates. :-)
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(And if you’re interested in learning more about the Instant Pot, be sure to check out my eBook Everything Instant Pot! You can buy it in my shop, or download it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!)
In addition to becoming more familiar with the Instant Pot, I also made updates based on feedback from my readers. A few readers helpfully suggested a few key additions that would help make my Cheat Sheet even more useful than it was before! So a special “Thank You!” to those readers for their feedback. I really think you’ll like this “new and improved” Instant Pot Cheat Sheet, so make sure to download it using the links at the bottom of this post!
But before we get to the downloads, I wanted to explain a little bit about what is new in the updated version of my Instant Pot “Cheat Sheet.”
What’s New? – 3 Updates To My Instant Pot Cheat Sheet
1. Pressure Release Designations
One addition I made was to add helpful symbols in the upper-right corner of each box. These symbols designate which pressure release method to use after cooking for each item.
The stopwatch symbol indicates you should use the Quick Release method. Just turn the pressure release handle to quickly depressurize the pot.
The steam symbol indicates you should use the Natural Release method. After cooking, leave the pot alone to allow the pressure to escape naturally, until the valve drops and the lid unlocks.
The number 10 symbol indicates that you should use a combination of both pressure release methods. Just allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then turn the pressure release handle to release the remaining pressure in the pot.
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2. Sauté Designation
Another addition I made was to add a designation for which foods should be sautéed before pressure cooking. You’ll find this designation in the form of a fire symbol in the lower-left corner of each box.
The “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot is really useful, and it’s an easy way to add a deeper, more savory flavor to meat! Just add some oil to the pot, sear your meat on all sides, then add your liquid and cook with the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” functions.
3. Cooking From Frozen
In this version of my cheat sheet, I added a note about how to adjust your cook time when cooking from frozen. A good rule of thumb is to add 1-3 minutes to your cook time if you’re using frozen food instead of thawing first. When using frozen food, your Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure, which is why you won’t need to add very much additional cooking time.
Add 1 minute to your cook time if you’re cooking a relatively small amount of frozen food, like a couple of chicken breasts. Add 2 minutes if you’re cooking a moderate amount of food, like a roast, and add 3 minutes for large quantities of food.
Download The New & Improved Instant Pot Cheat Sheet!
Below you’ll find a couple of download links for this printable. Use the first link to download a PDF copy of the Cheat Sheet. Use the second link to download an image copy of the Cheat Sheet that is perfect for viewing on your smartphone or tablet!
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Are the pork chops Cooke time per pound?
Are the pork chops time per pound?
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Great cheat sheet – but I can’t print it in color, even though that’s the way it comes up initially on the screen. And, no, it’s not my printer – I’ve never had this issue before. Any ideas? Useful, whether in color or black and white, but would like color better —
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Thanks for this Jillee, but I have to disagree with you about brown rice, I have cooked it three times now and it’s been perfect (for me) twice, the first time I made it, I didn’t wash the rice, it was delicious, nutty and slightly chewy. The second time, I washed the rice and it just wasn’t anywhere near as nice, in fact I threw the rest away. The third time was the same as the first. I used two cups of rice to two and a half cups of water, cooked it on high for 15 mins, 5 mins… Read more »
Thanks for the cheat sheet. Do you have times for slow cooking as well?
Nope – I’ll have to work on slow cooking cheat sheet. Thanks for the great idea!
Hi! Thanks for sharing the chart! I’m still a little confused, though. Do you cook the chicken breast without adding any additional water or liquid?? And how many chicken breast are you recommending for the 6 minute cook time?
And for hard boiling the eggs, how many eggs does that include? Is it the same time for 3 eggs or 10 eggs?
Hi Ashli!
No, you always need 1 cup of liquid or more in the Instant Pot, or it won’t come to pressure! For the chicken breasts, I suggest chicken broth, bbq sauce, salsa, or any other flavorful liquid that will go with the rest of your meal.
The time listed for chicken breast is for anywhere from 3-6 chicken breasts. If you’re only cooking one or two chicken breasts, decrease the time by one minute. :-)
Yes, the time for hard boiled eggs will work for 3 or 10 eggs! I hope that answers all of your questions.
The cheat sheet confused me as well. Some of them had liquid amounts (oats, rice, noodles) but the others didn’t. I had read you needed 1 cup of liquid no matter what, but I’m glad someone else asked this. I didn’t know it could be bbq sauce, salsa, or any flavorful liquid though – that’s awesome! Thanks Jillee! I just got my Instant Pot and need all the help I can get!
I just got an instant pot. Haven’t used it yet but reading about it allI can. I’m wondering whay kinds of containers can be used in it. Can you use anything that can go in the oven and fits in the Instant Pot? For instance, the ramekins you use look like the ones I have and they are for the oven. I don’t see anything like this on the Instant Pot website.
Thanks for all the good information!
Welcome to the Instant Pot, Cheryl! Yes, oven safe containers can be used inside the IP! Ramekins, pyrex glass bowls/containers, silicone muffin wrappers… I talk more about PIP (pot in pot) cooking in my Instant Pot eBook, which you can find here: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/shop/
These accessories seem to be available for the 6qt pot. How/where can all of these items be found for the 3qt size IP?
Here you go, Paula! https://amzn.to/2lvHKzB
Thank you!!! I had been looking for accessories for the 3-quart. You are an angel.
Which Instant Pot do you own? I am new to all this but have been wanting to buy one. do you have any recommendations?
I have this one: https://amzn.to/2GfcvFL
I absolutely love it! But if you’re not interested in making your own yogurt, then you can get this one and save some money: https://amzn.to/2GhSS09