Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
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Meals can be healthy and fast with the help of everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance. These healthy Instant Pot recipes are quick yet delicious, and you’re sure to love them!
It’s no secret that the Instant Pot does it all. It saves time. It can make all kinds of dishes. It’s convenient and fast. Win, win, win.
And it’s healthy too! The Instant Pot is a great tool for preparing nutritious meals quickly and easily. With multiple settings and cook methods, it is a great appliance that can make pretty much anything in a snap. With the right ingredients, healthy recipes are a breeze.
Healthy Cooking Methods with the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot comes with a ton of buttons, but for dinners here’s what you really need:
- Steaming: With this method, you can retain nutrients in vegetables and seafood like crab legs.
- Pressure cooking: With high pressure, you can tenderize tough cuts of meat without added fat. This method also doubles as a rice cooker!
- Sautéing: This mode is a quick and easy way to brown meats and sauté aromatics like onions.
With all of these methods — and more — you can make everything from soups to side dishes. Dinners have never been so easy.
Some electric pressure cookers can even air fry too! But that’s a story for another day…
Ingredients to Stock Up On
If you’re ready to use your Instant Pot more and more, or if you just got one to add to your kitchen, it’s a good idea to stock up on some things in your pantry, fridge and freezer. Here’s a good starting point for Instant Pot cooking.
- Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, lean beef, lentils, beans
- Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, barley
- Vegetables: Frozen or fresh, a variety of colors and textures
- Herbs and spices: Add flavor without added salt or fat
Tips for Meal Prepping with the Instant Pot
If you use your Instant Pot to meal prep, you’ll find it’s very easy to do. Here are some of my top tips for using your electric pressure cooker for meals throughout the week.
Cook in batches: Prepare several servings at once for easy reheating. Transfer and divide dishes into meal prep containers to stash in the fridge to reheat.
Freeze leftovers: Leftovers are your friend! You can freeze them in individual portions for grab-and-go meals.
Utilize the “Pot-in-Pot” method. This is a really handy way to make side dishes, sauces and desserts in the same Instant Pot at the same time you make another part of the meal.
Instant Pot Accessories
If you are loving your Instant Pot, you might want to upgrade to some helpful accessories.
- Steamer basket: These baskets are great for veggies. The handle makes it much easier to manage than the one that comes with your appliance.
- Sealing rings: Did you know the silicone ring on your Instant Pot can absorb aromas that then cook into other dishes? Gross. Take it from me, no one wants dessert that tastes like shrimp! To avoid this unfortunate occurance, use colored gaskets for different types of dishes.
- Reusable lid: I love having a lid I can throw on top of the Instant Pot bowl so I can stash it and its contents in the fridge. This is great if you have to dash out the door and will transfer leftovers to airtight containers later.
Healthy Instant Pot Recipe Ideas
Ready to get started with your Instant Pot? These are our favorite recipes. Let me know in the comments which one you will make first! (May I suggest the hard-boiled eggs?!)
