If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to cook cubed steak, then the instant pot is your answer. The instant pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you cook your favorite meals in no time. With its pressure-cooking capabilities, the instant pot can cook cubed steak to perfection, tender and flavorful.
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it’s important to know the cooking time for cubed steak in the instant pot. The general rule of thumb is to cook cubed steak for about 15-20 minutes under high pressure. This will ensure that the steak is cooked through and tender.
However, cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cubed steak. For thicker cuts of steak, you may need to increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes. It’s also important to note that if you prefer your steak to be well done, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Once the cooking time is up, it’s recommended to allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the steak to further tenderize and maintain its juicy goodness. After the pressure has released, you can open the lid of the instant pot and enjoy your perfectly cooked cubed steak.
How to Cook Cubed Steak in Instant Pot
One of the quick and easy methods to cook cubed steak is using an Instant Pot. An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that not only saves time but also helps to retain the flavors of the dish. Follow these simple steps to cook delicious cubed steak in an Instant Pot.
- Season the cubed steak: Start by seasoning the cubed steak with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices. This will help to enhance the flavors of the meat.
- Preheat the Instant Pot: Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Sear the cubed steak: Add some oil to the Instant Pot and let it heat up. Once hot, place the cubed steak in the pot and sear it on all sides until browned. This will help to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the meat.
- Add liquid: Pour in some beef broth or any other desired liquid, such as wine or water, to deglaze the pot. This will help to prevent burning and add moisture to the dish.
- Cook the cubed steak: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time according to your preference. For tender cubed steak, pressure cook for about 20 minutes. Adjust the cooking time for more or less tenderness as desired.
- Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes. This will help to further tenderize the meat.
- Quick release: Carefully release the remaining pressure manually by turning the release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the cubed steak from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the tender and flavorful cubed steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Using an Instant Pot to cook cubed steak is not only convenient, but it also results in a delicious and tender meat. Experiment with different spices and flavors to customize the dish according to your taste. Enjoy the quick and flavorful meal!
Preparing the Cubed Steak
To cook cubed steak in the instant pot, you first need to prepare the steak itself.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cubed steak
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Start by seasoning the cubed steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- While the steak is resting, preheat the instant pot by selecting the “Saute” function and setting it to high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Once the instant pot is hot, add a tablespoon of oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Carefully place the seasoned cubed steak into the hot instant pot, making sure it is laying flat.
- Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden brown crust.
- Remove the steak from the instant pot and set it aside on a plate.
Your cubed steak is now prepared and ready to be cooked further in the instant pot using your preferred recipe or method.
Searing the Cubed Steak
Before cooking cubed steak in the Instant Pot, it is important to sear the steak to enhance its flavor and texture.
To sear the cubed steak in the Instant Pot:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
- Heat a small amount of oil in the Instant Pot.
- Place the cubed steak in the Instant Pot and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it develops a brown crust.
- Remove the seared cubed steak from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
Searing the cubed steak before pressure cooking it in the Instant Pot helps to seal in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the final dish.
Adding Seasonings and Liquid
Once you have cubed steak ready to cook in your Instant Pot, it’s time to add seasonings and liquid to enhance the flavor and ensure tender results.
To season the cubed steak, you can use a combination of spices such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences. Rub the seasonings onto the steak cubes, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
Next, it’s important to add liquid to the Instant Pot to create the necessary steam for cooking. You can use beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water as the liquid. The general rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of liquid for every pound of cubed steak. The liquid will not only help with the cooking process but also contribute to the overall flavor of the dish.
Once you’ve added the seasonings and liquid, secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. This will allow the pot to build pressure and cook the cubed steak efficiently.
Cooking the Cubed Steak
To cook cubed steak in the Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:
- Season the steak: Start by seasoning the cubed steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Preheat the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Sear the steak: Add a drizzle of oil to the Instant Pot and place the cubed steaks in batches. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until browned. This will help lock in the juices and create a nice crust.
- Add liquid: Once the steak is seared, pour in a cup of beef broth, water, or any other preferred liquid. This will add moisture to the dish and prevent it from drying out.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- Natural release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes. This will help the steak to tenderize and retain its juices.
- Quick release: Carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Rest and serve: Remove the cubed steak from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become even more tender. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
With these steps, you can easily cook tender and flavorful cubed steak in your Instant Pot.
Releasing the Pressure
After the cooking time is complete, it’s important to release the pressure from the Instant Pot before opening the lid. There are two methods for releasing the pressure: natural release and quick release.
Natural Release
With the natural release method, you simply allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure on its own without any intervention. This method is typically used for recipes that have longer cooking times or recipes with larger cuts of meat. It allows the food to continue cooking and allows the pressure to gradually decrease. To use the natural release method, let the Instant Pot sit for about 10-15 minutes after the cooking time has ended. Once the float valve drops down, indicating that the pressure has been fully released, you can safely open the lid.
Quick Release
If you’re short on time or want to stop the cooking process immediately, you can use the quick release method. With this method, you manually release the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve from the sealing to venting position. Be cautious as the steam that is released can be hot and may cause burns. To avoid any accidents, it’s recommended to use a long-handled spoon or tongs to turn the valve. Once the pressure has been fully released and the float valve drops down, it’s safe to open the lid.
It’s important to note that some recipes may specify a natural release or quick release method, depending on the type of food being cooked. Always follow the recipe instructions for the best results.
Understanding how to safely release the pressure from your Instant Pot is essential for successful and enjoyable cooking. By following these guidelines, you can confidently cook cubed steak in your Instant Pot and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
Q&A
What is cubed steak?
Cubed steak, also known as minute steak or Swiss steak, is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat tenderizer. It is typically a thin slice of beef from the top or bottom round that has been mechanically tenderized.
How long does it take to cook cubed steak in an Instant Pot?
Cubed steak can be cooked in an Instant Pot for about 10 minutes on high pressure. This will result in tender and flavorful steak that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or main dishes.
Can I cook frozen cubed steak in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen cubed steak in an Instant Pot. However, it may take longer to cook compared to thawed steak. To cook frozen cubed steak, follow the same steps as cooking thawed steak, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the frozen steak.
What can I serve cubed steak with?
Cubed steak can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a side salad. It can also be used in sandwiches or sliced and added to a salad. The possibilities are endless!