The Instant Pot Boiling Test That Doubles As An Egg Hack

According to Britannica, pressure cookers have taken the stress out of cooking since 1679. The time-saving process is completed by trapping and building steam inside a metal container. This intense pressure thoroughly cooks the food left inside the sealed pot. As the centuries passed, pressure cookers became modernized for retro kitchen settings and spread across the globe. They were especially trendy in the 1970s, when increased safety measures were required for a proper and safe pressure cooking experience, per Condé Nast Traveler.

In 2010, the course of present-day cooking shifted yet again with the Instant Pot. Good Housekeeping notes some of the unique qualities that made this device stand out from those prior. It can operate as many different appliances under one lid, including a slow cooker, rice cooker, dutch oven, and of course, a pressure cooker. It also allows the user to adjust the level of pressure manually, which was sometimes difficult with previous kitchen gadgets, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

These multifaceted settings have made the Instant Pot what it is today, inspiring other brands to jump on the bandwagon. The convenient device can cook all types of foods — even when you're just testing to see if it works.

If you've recently acquired an Instant Pot, you should check to ensure that the pressure builds properly. According to the Instant Pot website, the best way to do this is through the water test. But to make this more worthwhile, grab your inner pot, place a small metal rack inside, and snatch a few eggs from the fridge for a hearty, protein-filled snack, suggests BuzzFeed. Fill the pressure cooker with a few cups of water, lock the lid, seal the nozzle, and manually pressure cook for five minutes. Finally, remove the eggs and carefully dump the boiling water. Now you know your Instant Pot works — and you have a basket of hard-boiled eggs to prove it. 

Another incredible Instant Pot usage is its ability to cook frozen meats. This makes it your new best friend whenever you forget to thaw your chicken or beef. Food Network notes that cooking with frozen cuts may require extra broth and a few additional minutes for the pressure to build and the meat to cook. One easy tip to remember is that frozen meats require anywhere between 5 to 10 extra minutes than tender cuts would need. 

If you have any remaining smells, store the pressure cooker without the lid on top. Or, place a fresh walnut inside to absorb any odors.

First and foremost, never forget the inner pot. Not only can this potentially ruin your pressure cooker, but it can also cause the electrical circuits to short. Still, if water does find its way to the base, don't fret. Dad Cooks Dinner recommends unplugging the Instant Pot and cleaning up as much water as possible before leaving it out to dry for a few days. 

Adding ample liquid inside the inner bowl is also important for the pressure to build. If there isn't enough, your food may burn or take longer to cook. On the other hand, adding too much liquid is a common Instant Pot mistake — it can lead to diluted flavor or overcooked food. Instead, follow the pre-marked lines inside the Instant Pot bowl to ensure you have the necessary or required amount. 

But if there's one rule that is essential to remember, it's to never open the top as soon as your meal is done. Allow the steam to release naturally, or use the quick-release nozzle to reduce the pressure. Removing the lid could cause the Instant Pot to explode and critically injure the user (per Zanes Law).  Overall, the Instant Pot is a wonderful device for one-pot meals and a relaxing night in. However, learning how to use this appliance properly can take time.