Fried rice is a popular and delicious dish that is loved by people all around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients and flavors according to one’s preferences. While traditionally fried rice is cooked in a wok or a frying pan, it can also be made using an Instant Pot, which is a handy kitchen appliance that has gained immense popularity in recent years. In this article, we will discuss how to cook fried rice in an Instant Pot using a quick and flavorful recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking fried rice in your Instant Pot, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. By having all the ingredients prepared and ready to go, you can ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly and efficiently. For this recipe, you will need:
– 2 cups of cooked white rice
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 2 eggs, beaten
Prepare the Instant Pot
The first step in cooking fried rice in an Instant Pot is to prepare the pot itself. Start by plugging in your Instant Pot and ensuring that the inner pot is clean and dry. Then, press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and adjust it to the “Normal” or “Medium” heat setting. Allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes until it displays the word “Hot” on the screen.
Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
Once the Instant Pot has heated up, add the cooking oil and wait for it to become hot. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent. If you prefer a heartier fried rice, you can also add the beaten eggs at this stage and scramble them along with the onion and garlic.
Add the Rice and Vegetables
Once the onion, garlic, and eggs (if using) are cooked, it is time to add the cooked rice and mixed vegetables to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients together, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the oil and flavors from the aromatics.
Season and Cook
Now that all the key ingredients are in the Instant Pot, it is time to season the fried rice and let it cook. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the pot, and give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Pressure Cook
Once the fried rice is well-seasoned, it is time to pressure cook it in the Instant Pot. Securely lock the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position. Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and adjust the cooking time to 4 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release or Quick Release
After the 4-minute cooking time has elapsed, you have two options for releasing the pressure in your Instant Pot. You can either let the pressure release naturally, which means letting the pot sit for about 5-10 minutes until the floating valve drops on its own, or you can perform a quick release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to the venting position using a long spoon or tongs.
Fluff and Serve
Once the pressure has been released from the Instant Pot, carefully remove the lid and give the fried rice a gentle stir. Fluff up the rice with a fork or a spatula to separate any clumps and ensure that it is light and fluffy.
The fried rice is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Feel free to garnish the fried rice with some chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
In conclusion, cooking fried rice in an Instant Pot is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this beloved dish. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious fried rice recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!