For smaller cooking spaces, or overworked cooks who wish to use fewer tools and cooking appliances, microwave pressure cookers are ideal. These are a cooking tool that everybody should own, as they make your life so much easier in the kitchen!
This appliance combines the best features of a pressure cooker and a microwave oven, enabling you to quickly heat and prepare food.
You can make nutritious yet delectable meals in one by using a microwave pressure cooker, which is a quick and easy way to prepare food while maintaining the majority of the vitamins and minerals.
If you have a microwave pressure cooker of your own, you may be wondering what meals you can cook inside one. Well, look no further!
Below, we have listed 5 different dishes that you can create in the comfort of your own kitchen, using your very own microwave pressure cooker. They are all so simple to put together, and take little to no time to cook.
If you’re still craving more tasty recipes, then we also listed our favorite Tupperware pressure cooker microwave recipes!
So, let’s get started! Here is everything you need to know about microwave pressure cookers, plus 5 delicious recipes to make using them.
What Is A Microwave Pressure Cooker?
The electric cooking device, called a microwave pressure cooker, combines the greatest qualities from a pressure cooker and a microwave oven, and it is simpler to use, as the greatest attributes of both devices are combined.
A microwave pressure cooker is more compact than the traditional pressure cookers we are used to, and is also simpler to handle and maintain.
The majority of the cooking is done in microwave pressure cookers behind the microwave door, which puts some separation between you and the pressure inside the cooker.
A microwave pressure cooker, in contrast to traditional pressure cookers, will begin to cook your food as soon as you switch it on. This not only saves time, but it also lowers energy expenses.
Fast meal preparation is a hallmark of pressure cookers, yet microwave pressure cookers can prepare food that much more quickly.
While nutrients are well-preserved by conventional pressure cookers, they are better preserved by microwave pressure cookers.
For a more thorough and in-depth analysis, read more about what a microwave pressure cooker is and decide if you want to add one to your kitchen!
How Do You Use A Microwave Pressure Cooker?
Any household cook, whether experienced or just starting out in the kitchen, may easily utilize any of the major microwave pressure cooker brands.
Unlike so many stove-top variants, microwave pressure cookers feature a more simple construction that consists of a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Both a regulator that indicates whether pressure is still building inside the cooker, and a vent that enables excessive pressure to be released, are located on this lid.
Below, we have listed an easy step-by-step guide on how you can start up your microwave pressure cooker, and get it ready to whip up some quick and easy meals.
Step 1: Adding The Liquid First
The liquid component of the dish should first be added to the pressure cooker, making careful to cover the under surface.
Step 2: Filling With Other Ingredients
The next step is to fill the liquid with the veggies, meat, and/or other ingredients from the recipe you’ve chosen.
If you are cooking meat in your microwave pressure cooker, it would be a good idea to sear it before adding it in with the other ingredients.
By doing this, your dish will be much more flavorful, and will hold a richer texture.
Make absolutely sure you don’t fill the pressure cooker with more liquid than your model’s instructions allow! Generally speaking, it shouldn’t be more than two thirds full.
Step 3: Checking The Release Valve
The release valve on the lid of your microwave pressure cooker needs to be checked next to make sure there isn’t any debris or clogs preventing the steam from escaping.
If not, the pressure in the pressure cooker can increase, ruining your food, and, potentially, breaking your microwave pressure cooker.
Step 4: Fastening The Lid
After placing everything inside the pressure cooker and making sure all the vents and valves are clear, fasten the lid.
You don’t want it to fly open in the middle of cooking, so make sure the lid is securely fastened into place!
Step 5: Place Inside The Microwave
Once the cover is on, put the pressure cooker in the microwave and cook it on high, as directed by your recipe, or as otherwise indicated.
You don’t need to worry too much about modifying settings because most recipes cook in a microwave pressure cooker for the same amount of time as they would on a conventional stove top.
Just make sure to check the cooking times twice before starting to cook!
Step 6: Cooking Time
Once inside, give the pressure cooker some time to sit in the microwave so that the pressure can start to fall.
You will have two options at this point: either let your cooker continue to cool naturally, or rinse it under cold water to reduce the pressure.
Step 7: Serve Your Dinner!
You can remove the cover and serve your dinner as soon as the regulator indicates that there is no longer any pressure. It really is that simple!
Nearly all brands of microwave pressure cookers have a regulator on the lid, which will rise when there is pressure inside the appliance.
5 Recipes To Make In Your Microwave Pressure Cooker
If you have your very own microwave pressure cooker, and you are unsure what to use it for, look no further. Below, we have listed 5 delicious recipes that you can make at home, using your microwave pressure cooker.
So, let’s get into it!
1. Pot Roast Sandwich
If you have a chuck roast on hand, along with some onions, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and some other herbs and spices, you can create the fillings of a delicious, tender pot roast sandwich using your microwave pressure cooker.
With a prep time of 15-30 minutes, and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you can sit down with a juicy pot roast sandwich within less than an hour!
2. Cheesy Risotto
This cheesy risotto will cause you, and anyone else who is lucky enough to taste it, to fall in love instantly. Packed with onions, garlic, rice, green veggies, and a load of Parmesan, this is one delicious recipe.
It only takes five minutes to prepare, and has a cooking time of 20 minutes overall. Plus, this recipe is large enough to feed six people, meaning you can cater for the whole family with this simple, easy-to-follow recipe.
Risotto always reminds me of fall. What better to serve it alongside than a wholesome squash dish? Check out our 10 best acorn squash microwave recipes for some inspiration!
3. Pulled Apple Cider Chicken
Next up, we have another recipe to create a delicious filling for some sandwiches. We already know you’re going to love this tenderly-cooked shredded chicken, marinated with onions and apples.
Including preparation and cooking times, this meal could be created in as little as 30 minutes.
What better way to end the meal than with a coordinating apple-inspired treat? You’ll find the perfect option in our 10 best air fryer apple recipes!
4. Cajun Red Beans
If you’re searching for a recipe to create a simple, nutritious meal that’ll fill you up for hours, try this recipe for Cajun red beans, cooked with onions, garlic, peppers, celery, and a bunch of seasoning.
You can whip these beans up within 10-15 minutes, and serve them alongside some white rice, topped with hot sauce.
5. Teriyaki Chicken
Lastly, here is a recipe for some delectable teriyaki chicken. You will need some teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a handful of other ingredients to make this dish.
It’ll take as little as 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and only a further 15 minutes to cook, meaning you can enjoy this meal in as little as 30 minutes.
For an easy side, cook brussel sprouts in the microwave while the chicken is going. They lend themselves well to the same garlic, soy, and teriyaki seasoning profile.
Final Thoughts
It is absolutely crucial to consider your safety when using a microwave pressure cooker and to carefully follow the directions to avoid injuring yourself.
Because of the high pressure that can build inside these apparatuses, improper handling could result in severe injury.
Do not fill your microwave pressure cooker more than about one-third of the way. They should never be loaded more than 2/3 of the way, much like conventional stove-top devices, as doing so runs the risk of an explosion and damage to your microwave.
Additionally, you should avoid risking steam burns by waiting until the appliance has entirely depressurized before opening it, and always open the lid away from your face to avoid receiving any unpleasant burns.
As long as you follow each safety procedure, you will be able to cook some delicious recipes using your microwave pressure cooker!
We hope you found this article helpful. Happy cooking!
If you like kitchen appliances to do double duty, then check out my list of the best microwave convection oven recipes to try!
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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