21 Best Instant Pot Asian Recipes | What's Cookin' Chicago (2024)

Coming from a Filipino background, Asian dinners is common at our house. Since we love Asian cuisine so much, I’ve gathered our favorite Asian meals made in the Instant Pot! We’ve got Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese and of course, Filipino represented… so get your Instant Pot ready for some meals inspired by the Far East and beyond!

21 Best Instant Pot Asian Recipes | What's Cookin' Chicago (1)

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21 Best Instant Pot Asian Recipes | What's Cookin' Chicago (2)

Pork tenderloin and frozen broccoli florets are tossed in a quick teriyaki sauce made with garlic, onions, ginger, soy sauce, chicken broth and brown sugar… which hit the spot!

General Tso’s Chicken

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It was another “Fake Out Take Out” dinner at our house! This time, I tackled General Tso’s Chicken and we loved the crispy chicken & flavorful sauce over steamed jasmine rice.

21 Best Instant Pot Asian Recipes | What's Cookin' Chicago (4)

Gimme some of that dim sum yum! These Pork, Ginger & Mushroom Shumai Dumplings hit the spot!

Indonesian Shrimp Fried Rice

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Another “Take Out Fake Out” option with your IP – Indonesian Shrimp Fried Rice! Sweet and salty flavors came through while shrimp and vegetables studded this flavorful rice dish.

Instant Pot: General Tso’s Pork Stir Fry

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A ‘fake out’ dinner strikes again! This time, General Tso’s Pork Stir Fry hit the spot with tender pork, spicy sauce and a melange of vegetables.

Instant Pot: Chicken Tikka Masala

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Our taste buds went to the other side of the pond! The ever popular dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, was amazing in the IP. The blend of spices in a flavorful sauce is worth making!

Instant Pot: Chicken Tikka Masala Rice

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Make once, enjoy twice! Transform leftovers into something delicious new, such as this Chicken Tikka Masala Rice with leftover Chicken Tikka Masala.

Instant Pot: Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Peanuts

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Summer is officially here… so kick it off with some Asian flair by making this Asian Sesame Noodle Salad! It’s light, flavorful and refreshing!

Instant Pot: Korean Bulgogi Beef

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Put some Seoul in your dinner! This IP Korean Beef Bulgogi is flavorful and amazing served with rice or even stuffed in tortillas for Korean tacos!

Instant Pot: Vietnamese Style Caramel Chicken

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If you aren’t familiar with Vietnamese flavors, this is a delicious way to get started! This Vietnamese Style Caramel Chicken combines brown sugar, fish sauce, garlic, ginger and some red pepper, resulting in major umami!

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Happy National Shrimp Day! To celebrate, I made Sweet & Sour Shrimp in the IP, served over crunchy noodles!

Instant Pot: Vegetable Potstickers

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We devoured these homemade Vegetable Potstickers in which the dough and filling were made from scratch! Once made, you could saute or pressure steam in the IP.

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Instead of Chinese take out, we opted for Fake Out with this Beef & Green Bean stir fry in the IP! The only thing missing was the paper container to serve them in and there weren’t any leftovers!

Instant Pot: Thai Basil Chicken

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With summer around the corner, lighten up your meals with some Thai Basil Chicken! It’s awesome over rice, a salad or eaten nestled in lettuce cups for something guilt-free & flavorful

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

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If you need an introduction to Indian cuisine, this dish is a great way to start. Easy, mild and so flavorful, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to try it!

Huli Huli Chicken

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This dish is a colorful dish from Hawaii and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables!

Here’s another fake out take out meal that;s just as easy as picking up the phone and ordering take out lol…

Korean Glazed Ribs

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These ribs are not only great for dinner but as an appetizer too!

Vietnamese Beef Pho

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If you’re in need of a filling bowl of comfort, this is it!

Filipino Chicken Adobo

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By far, my most beloved dish and national dish of the Philippines, this one comes from my mom…

Korean Style Short Ribs

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When the cooler weather arrives, this is the dish that warms me to the bone! Rich, succulent and tender, it’s amazing how good the Instant Pot makes it!

Origin of Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. It is particularly in North America. Its popularity is due to its ability to cook meals quickly and efficiently. Also, making it a popular tool for busy home cooks. The Instant Pot is particularly well-suited for cooking Asian dishes, which often require long cooking times and complex techniques.

The history of Asian cuisine dates back thousands of years and varies greatly depending on the region. In general, Asian cuisine is characterized by the use of a wide range of ingredients. It includes rice, noodles, vegetables, meat, fish, and spices. Many Asian dishes are also known for their complex flavors and textures, which are achieved through a combination of ingredients and cooking techniques.

The cultural significance of Instant Pot Asian dishes lies in their ability to bring together traditional Asian cooking techniques and modern convenience. For example, dishes like pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, and Korean beef short ribs. This traditionally require hours of simmering on the stove, can be prepared quickly and easily in an Instant Pot. This allows home cooks to enjoy these dishes more frequently and with less effort than would be required using traditional cooking methods.

Benefits of Instant Pot Asian Recipes

Here are some benefits of Instant Pot Asian Dishes:

Time savings

Many Asian dishes, such as soups, stews, and curries, traditionally require long cooking times to develop flavor and tenderize meats. Cooking these dishes in an Instant Pot can reduce cooking time by up to 70%, allowing you to prepare delicious meals quickly and efficiently.

Convenience

The Instant Pot is a one-pot wonder, meaning you can cook your entire meal in one appliance. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of cleanup required after cooking.

Healthier cooking

The Instant Pot is a great tool for healthier cooking. It allows you to cook with less oil, retain more nutrients in your food. It also cooks meats until they are tender without overcooking them.

Versatility

The Instant Pot can be used to prepare a wide range of Asian dishes, from steamed dumplings to soups to stir-fries. This versatility means you can experiment with different flavors and cuisines, and even create your own recipes.

Consistency

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures that food is cooked evenly and consistently every time. This means you can expect the same great results with every batch of food you prepare.

Flavorful dishes

The high-pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot helps to infuse flavors into your dishes, making them more flavorful and aromatic.

Tips For Making Instant Pot Asian Recipes

Follow the recipe

When making Instant Pot Asian dishes, it’s important to follow the recipe carefully, especially if you’re new to pressure cooking. Asian recipes often require precise measurements and timing, so following the recipe will help ensure success.

Use the right amount of liquid

The Instant Pot requires a certain amount of liquid to create steam and build pressure. Be sure to add enough liquid to your recipe, as too little can result in burnt food or a failed pressure cooking cycle.

Consider pre-cooking some ingredients

While the Instant Pot is great for cooking many ingredients, some items may require pre-cooking before adding them to your recipe. For example, some meats may benefit from a quick sear before pressure cooking, while some vegetables may need to be steamed separately to prevent overcooking.

Use the sauté function

The sauté function on the Instant Pot is great for browning meat, onions, and other aromatics before pressure cooking. This step can help develop deeper flavors in your dish.

Release pressure carefully

When your Instant Pot cooking cycle is complete, be sure to release pressure carefully. Use the natural pressure release method if your recipe calls for it, or use the quick release method carefully to avoid burning yourself with hot steam.

Experiment with different cuisines

The Instant Pot is a versatile tool that can be used to prepare a wide range of Asian cuisines. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find new favorites and expand your culinary horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much liquid should I use in my Instant Pot when making Asian dishes?

It is important to use the right amount of liquid in your Instant Pot when making Asian dishes to prevent burning or undercooking. Generally, a minimum of 1 cup of liquid is recommended for pressure cooking, but some recipes may require more. Always check the recipe instructions for the recommended amount of liquid.

Can I cook frozen meat in my Instant Pot when making Asian dishes?

Yes, you can cook frozen meat in your Instant Pot when making Asian dishes. However, it is important to ensure that the meat is not too thick, as this can result in uneven cooking. To ensure even cooking, it is best to thaw meat before cooking if possible.

How do I adjust cooking times for my Instant Pot when making Asian dishes?

Cooking times for Asian dishes in the Instant Pot may vary depending on the type of food being cooked and the recipe. As a general rule, most Asian dishes will require a cooking time of 10-20 minutes under high pressure. However, it is always best to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure the best results. Additionally, factors such as altitude and the size of the ingredients may affect cooking times, so it is important to experiment and adjust as needed.

Conclusion: Try More Instant Pot Asian Dishes

Trying Instant Pot Asian dishes is a great way to add variety to your meal planning and expand your culinary horizons. With the Instant Pot, you can create delicious and flavorful Asian dishes in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare them using traditional cooking methods. This is because the high-pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot allows for faster cooking times. Also, help retains the nutrients and flavors of the food. Additionally, cooking Asian dishes in the Instant Pot can be a healthier option since it requires less oil and retains more nutrients. With the versatility of the Instant Pot, you can experiment with different Asian cuisines and create your own unique recipes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, the Instant Pot can help you create mouth-watering Asian dishes that are sure to impress.

Related Recipes

  • Voluptuous Chicken Vesuvio [Instant Pot]
  • Vietnamese Style Caramel Chicken [Instant Pot]
  • Ultimate Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Instant Pot Recipe
  • Turkey a la King [Instant Pot – VIDEO]
21 Best Instant Pot Asian Recipes | What's Cookin' Chicago (2024)

FAQs

What cooks good in an Instant Pot? ›

71 Of Our Best Instant Pot Recipes That Are Total Game Changers
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. ...
  • Tangy Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. ...
  • Instant Pot Pasta Primavera. ...
  • Instant Pot Baby Potatoes. ...
  • Veggie-Packed Mac 'n' Cheese. ...
  • Instant Pot Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls. ...
  • Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili. ...
  • Instant Pot Crème Brûlée.
Dec 13, 2023

Are Instant Pot meals healthy? ›

Cooking in an “instant pot” or pressure cooker is a great method for preparing your food on many levels — including the nutritional level, according to registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD. “Instant pot recipes are absolutely healthy as long as what you put in the recipe is healthy,” she says.

How to make best use of Instant Pot? ›

Check your recipe, and set the device to the correct pressure level (high or low), then add the amount of time you'd like things to cook. High pressure is used for most recipes, with low used more often for quicker cooking and more delicate ingredients, like seafood, custards, some rice dishes and eggs.

What to cook for Chinese friends? ›

Any of these can serve as mains, too, just serve them with rice, noodles, or vegetables on the side.
  • Egg Rolls. If you can dream it, you can wrap it in an egg roll wrapper and fry it. ...
  • Spring Rolls. ...
  • Scallion Pancakes. ...
  • Chicken Congee. ...
  • Shrimp Wontons. ...
  • Egg Drop Soup. ...
  • Wonton Soup. ...
  • Hot and Sour Soup.
Jan 3, 2022

Are Instant Pots worth it? ›

Is it worth buying an Instant Pot? Yes, we do think an Instant Pot is worth it, particularly for pressure cooking. There's a reason it's one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there.

Do all Instant Pots slow cook? ›

So, if you're wondering how to use an Instant Pot as a slow cooker—and are unsure if you can do so—the answer is a firm “yes!” Slow cooking is one of the cooking functions that the “multi” moniker refers to.

What are the disadvantages of a pressure cooker? ›

Advantages of pressure cooking include reduced cooking times and retention of nutrients, plus it's a great way to make energy-efficient, one-pot meals. The downsides include problems with foods that have different cook times and not being able to check the progress of the food cooking.

Does pressure cooking bone broth destroy nutrients? ›

A pressure cooker will save you batch time and get you 75% of the nutrition benefits of bone broth. That being said, it will lack the additional nutrients and minerals which require long and slow simmer times to harvest from the bones and animal parts.

Are Instapots safer than pressure cookers? ›

With stovetop cookers there's still a small risk of pushing the pressure too high and blowing the thing up, but the Instant Pot doesn't have that danger. And it also has different pressure modes, so you can set it at low pressure for things like soup and high pressure when you're in a hurry.

Do chefs use instapots? ›

They are most commonly used in industrial settings to quickly prepare meat or stocks. However, in most scenarios, Elite Chefs avoid using pressure cookers because they provide less control over the final dish. Chefs often prefer slow cooking techniques that accentuate and pull out the flavors of the food.

What is the most iconic Chinese dish? ›

Kungpao chicken

A flavorful partnership of chicken and peanuts. One of the most internationally famous Chinese dishes, Kungpao chicken is made by stir-frying diced chicken pieces with scallions, ginger, peppercorns, chili and deep-fried peanuts.

What is the most popular Chinese takeout dish? ›

General Tso Chicken – According to Grubhub, this sweet fried chicken dish is the most popular Chinese food in America. It's also unhealthy, considering that it is deep-fried and the recipe demands tons of sugar.

Is eating home cook meals healthy? ›

Preparing healthy meals at home can support your immune system and reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can give you more energy, improve how you sleep at night, and help you better manage health problems.

Are instant pots good for meal prep? ›

Instant Pot and other electric multi-cookers can make meal prepping and batch cooking faster and easier. If you're motivated to cook healthy whole foods for yourself and your family, this tool can really help support your efforts. Reason #1: Pressure cookers cook faster!

Does pressure cooking cause acrylamide? ›

Swiss researchers wanted to test this and found that potatoes cooked at high pressure for 20 minutes had almost no acrylamide formation when compared to other high-temperature cooking methods.

Which cooker is best for health? ›

Stainless steel pressure cookers are generally considered to be the better choice for health, as they are less likely to leach metals into food during cooking. Additionally, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion and rusting, meaning it will last longer.

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