Instant pots are one of the best high-tech pressure cookers available on the market. This is because the users can cook soups, rice, gravies, and various other recipes in it. In fact, it’s a clever choice for making broth and stock. And don’t worry, its fairly easy to use an Instant Pot.
However, many users accidentally pour the rice into the Instant Pot without the inner pot. Is it a crisis if you use the device without the inner pot? We’re here to help you become a more informed and confident Instant Pot chef in your kitchen!
With this article, we will share what can be done if you accidentally poured rich into an Instant Pot. We also share some other helpful tips.
Accidentally Poured Rice Into Instant Pot Without Inner Pot?
Instant Pot Design
Instant Pots are designed with an inner pot, which must be installed in the main housing. This inner pot will contain the ingredients that need to be cooked. However, many people remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot for cooking purposes or to clean the components.
Accidents Happen—What to Do?
Sometimes people forget that they have removed the inner pot and pour rice directly into the Instant Pot’s housing. So, let’s see what can be done if you have made the same mistake:
- Firstly, you must disconnect the Instant Pot from the power outlet. Always consider safety guidelines when working with kitchen appliances!
- Hold the Instant Pot upside down and shake it. Do it carefully, so you don’t damage any components.
- Shake the Instant Pot until no more rice grains come out.
- If the rice is wet, switch on the fan.
- Keep the Instant Pot under the fan to let it dry out. In addition to this, put the Instant Pot upside down as this will also clear rice from the unit.
- As a result of properly removing the rice, you can now safely clean the Instant Pot.
- Now add the inner pot, and resume the cooking process normally.
However, before you use the Instant Pot, it is suggested that you contact Instant Pot customer support.
Consulting with them, you can ensure there are no functionality errors with this high-end pressure cooker. Perhaps they could advise you on testing the device before adding any food items.
Tips To Make Rice in Instant Pot
Now that you’re clear on how you can clear the rice from this unique kitchen appliance, we are sure you are ready to make rice in the Instant Pot’s inner pot. For this reason, we have outlined some tips to streamline the rice cooking process:
- Instant Pots can be used to cook any type of rice, ranging from short-grain rice to long-grain rice. In addition, you can cook white rice and brown rice. As far as the quantities go, you can utilize the 1:1 ratio for cooking rice. However, if you’re concerned about the rich being hard after cooking, you can add ¼ cup extra water. Just remember that more water means softer rice and it will take on a different texture.
- Be careful not to use too much water, as this will make the rice mushy.
- To ensure consistency across all batches of rice you make, always use the same container to measure your rice and the water.
- Be extremely particular about the cooking time of different rice varieties. For instance, brown and wild rice needs more cooking time than white rice.
- Usually, a low-pressure setting will result in fluffy rice, while a high-pressure setting will lead to chewy rice. To illustrate, you can set a 20-minute timer for brown rice at high pressure and 15 minutes for white rice at the low pressure level. If you want to enhance the softness of the rice, you can increase the cooking time by 5 minutes.
- You can use the “rice” button on the Instant Pot to cook the rice because it will automatically select the suitable cooking time and water quantity.
Not sure what you’re doing wrong when cooking rice? Maybe our checklist will help:
- If the rice is too watery, it’s undercooked.
- When rice is mushy, you’ve added way too much water
- Burned or overcooked means too little water
- Adjust your recipe accordingly and your next pot of rice will come out perfectly.
How to Clean Your Instant Pot After Use
For best results with kitchen equipment, continual maintenance is vital. For this reason you can periodically clean the inner pot:
- Place a cup of white vinegar in the inner pot
- Let it rest for 5 minutes
- Remove the vinegar and rinse the pot
Note that the pot base and heating element should not get wet and is not dishwasher safe. Clean this part by wiping it with a damp cloth. If any residue is stuck in the groove where the lid goes, you can use a toothbrush to clean it.
After cleaning your Instant Pot, store it with the lid upside down. This will allow the pot to let the air out and not become smelly inside. It is recommended always to let your Instant Pot air dry before storing it.
Accessories To Get The Most Out Of Your Instant Pot
Instant Pots are not just your standard slow cooker. They are pressure cookers, steamers, warmers, and even yogurt makers. With the right accessories, your cooking options are endless! Let’s have a look at some helpful extra components to consider using:
- Mini silicone mitts are must-haves for any Instant Pot owner and are sure to protect you from getting burned! They are affordable, available in various colors, and can be purchased from many online shopping outlets.
- A tempered glass lid will allow your Instant Pot to operate like a traditional slow cooker. As with any other lid, this lid should be stored upside down, to ensure air can flow in and out the pot during storage.
- A steamer basket is essential for any veggie lover! They are also stackable, allowing you to cook your vegetables separately.
- Silicone springform loaf pans turn your Instant Pot into an oven! With this pan, you can bake your favorite banana loaf or cake in your Instant Pot.
- Color-coded lid sealing rings. Why? With time, the standard sealing rings absorb the flavors and smells of the meals you cook often. To ensure your meals always taste their best, use different ones for different types of dishes. If they’re different colors, you’ll know which one to use for savory and which one for sweet.
There are many more accessories to add to your cooking journey, making your Instant Pot your favorite 7-in-1 multi-cooking item in the kitchen! Your cooking options are endless with this handy cooker!
Final Thoughts
Instant Pots are the most versatile cookers on store shelves these days. If you haven’t experimented with yours, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Endless dishes and baked items can be prepared in an Instant Pot. And don’t worry too much if you accidentally do something wrong.
Similar to what to do when you accidentally pour rice into an Instant Pot, there are often quick fixes for minor mishaps. If you have a specific question on this topic, let us know.