When it comes to reheating or warming up leftovers, most people turn to their microwave because it is quick and convenient.
However, some think a microwave is not a healthy way to warm things up or do not have one and are asking the question, “How can I use my Instant Pot as a warmer?”
How To Use Instant Pot As A Warmer
Instant Pots have become very popular in the last couple of years due to all of their functions and the speed with which they deliciously cooks food.
It’s an excellent product for a busy family or even a busy single person living alone. So, how do you use an Instant Pot to warm up those leftovers?
Rewarm in several different ways with an Instant Pot
- The Instant Pot can reheat or warm up food in several different ways, so it all depends on which one you prefer. One of the top ways to rewarm leftover food is via the Instant Pot’s “steam” function. If you are warming up some food that has a high liquid content, it can be done via the “steam” setting on your Instant Pot. Just put the food you need reheated inside the inner pot or use a stacking pot. Then close the Instant Pot lid, make sure to set the venting switch to “seal” and push the “steam” function button.
The length of time it takes all depends on what food you are warming up. If it is frozen, it will obviously need more time than if it is only coming from your refrigerator. After the steaming is done, release the Instant Pot pressure and check to see if it is warm enough. If not, add a bit more time.
- Another way you can reheat foods in an Instant Pot is via the “slow cooker” function. This works well for things like soup, stew, or bread. All you do is put the food inside the inner pot (just like in the previous method), close the lid, and set the desired time. Of course, this is a slower method of reheating than the steam function provides.
- The third way to reheat something in an Instant Pot is via the “sauté” function. You might need to either grease the inner pot or add a little water first and then add the foods you are warming up. You may or may not need to close the top, depending on the food. Push the “sauté” button. This method is great for things like soup or stew, just don’t forget you need to stir it every once in a while.
- Some models of Instant Pots actually have a warming setting. This is best for heating up baked foods. Just put the food into a container and put it in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Then turn on the warming button. Close the top and heat as needed to get to the temperature you desire.
Using your Instant Pot, it is possible to reheat several different types of food at once without mixing them. Simply put them into separate heatproof dishes before putting them inside the inner pot.
Tips to remember when reheating in your Instant Pot
- There needs to always be a small amount of liquid present. It may be in the actual dish, such as a soup, or you can add a few spoonfuls to the food, such as with rice or pasta. If you want to reheat several containers of food by stacking them, put a cupful of water into the inner pot under the dishes.
- Fat is your friend when reheating. If you stir a teaspoonful or so of butter or oil into dry foods like rice when reheating, it prevents them from sticking and will make cleaning up much easier.
- Some people wonder about what type of containers to use when reheating foods in their Instant Pot. When you are reheating a single dish like stew, the inner pot itself is your container. However, if you’re reheating a few single foods together, you’ll use the principle called stacking. Use proper stacking containers or glass dishes for this. Place them on top of the trivet. Proper stacking containers are specially designed to stay separate but if you’re using ordinary glass dishes, be sure to put trivets or something similar between them to keep them apart. Cover each one with foil or baking parchment. When stacking, put the foods that need longer cooking/reheating times – such as meat – at the bottom. Faster cooking, more delicate foods like pasta or vegetables should be in the top layer.
As you can see, there are several ways of using your Instant Pot as a warmer. The choice is yours. Try out the above methods to see which ones you like the best.