How to properly use the method Pot in Pot in the Instant Pot. This technique explains how and WHEN to use pot in pot cooking in the Instant Pot.
If you have heard the phrase PIP and are curious what that means--it refers to cooking pot in pot in an electric pressure cooker. This is a technique of using separate pot of some sort inside the inner pot of the Instant Pot. It is a great technique to use for many Instant Pot Recipes.
If you have been browsing the internet looking for Instant Pot recipes, you may have heard the term Pot in Pot and wondered what it is.
Pot in Pot cooking (also referred to as PIP) is a useful Instant Pot technique.
What is Pot in Pot?
Pot in Pot is the method of cooking that allows food to cook in a separate bowl or pan that’s placed on a steam rack, or trivet, in the Instant Pot. Steam generated from the water below the pan is used to build pressure and cook the food--without having to worry if your recipe has enough thin liquid in it to be suited to pressure cooking.
When to Use Pot in Pot
It can be hard to know what dishes require pot in pot cooking and what dishes are best cooked right inside the inner pot. I have found the following dishes to be best suited to PIP cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Recipes that don't require liquid-like meatloaf or Instant Pot Lasagna.
- Recipes that don't use a full 1 or 1.5 cups of thin liquid, as you need that liquid in order for pressure to be reached in an electric pressure cooker.
- A recipe that has a thick gravy or sauce.
- Recipes that require a water bath or "bain-marie" like such as cheesecake or creme brulee.
- To steam vegetables or delicate foods.
- To cook two recipes separately but at the same time.
- A dish that contains dairy, such as oatmeal. Remember, dairy can cause a burn notice during pressure cooking.
- To reheat a meal.
Keep in mind that the quantity of food you can cook in a pot-in-pot container will be less than what you can cook directly in the inner pot. You might need to adjust recipe quantities.
How do you use Pot in Pot Method?
To use pot-in-pot in the Instant Pot you will need to have a wire rack, or trivet, to raise the pot above the bottom of the inner pot and oven-safe dishes. You will also need to keep in mind you may need to slightly adjust the cooking time based on the dish you are using. I have found that many dishes take 3-5 minutes LONGER when using the pot-in-pot method, especially when using glass or silicone pots as they do not conduct heat as well.
- Add water to the bottom of the inner pot. You will need 1 cup of water for a 6 quart Instant Pot and 1.5 cups of water for an 8 quart Instant Pot. Remember, the water should NOT be warm. It needs to be cold water from the tap.
- Place a metal trivet or steamer rack in the inner pot over the water.
- Put the food you are trying to cook in an oven-proof container--stainless steel dishes work best inside the instant pot. This container does NOT require liquid.
- Place the container on the steam rack and close the Instant Pot lid.
- Cook and release pressure as recipe directs, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Important Tips for Pot in Pot Cooking
- If cooking two recipes at the same time, be sure both recipes have the same approximate cooking time and are cooked at the same pressure level and use the same release method.
- A dish wrapped in aluminum foil will take 5-10 minutes LONGER when pressure cooking. If using heavy-duty aluminum foil plan on a full 10 minutes longer.
- Be sure to use OVEN SAFE dishes for PIP cooking methods.
- Never put a frozen pot into your instant pot. The change in pressure will cause your frozen dish to shatter.
- If you are cooking at a high altitude, you will want to take note of Altitude Adjustments for Instant Pot Cooking.
- While I have never had issues using glass pyrex dishes in my Instant Pot, Pyrex has stated that they are not safe for Instant Pot cooking, and therefore I no longer use myself or recommend others using them.
Equipment Needed
- You will need a wire rack, or trivet, to raise the pot above the bottom of the inner pot.
- Oven safe dishes, such as stainless steel casserole pans, or stainless steel bowls.
- 7-inch cake pans or cheesecake pans for baking, as they will fit perfectly into 6 and 8-quart pressure cookers.
Samantha
Your post says use stainless steel but a comment to someone says glass- which is best? And by stainless steel do you mean a mixing bowl? I’m new to IP!!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Samantha! I am sorry for any confusion. When I first wrote this post, glass pyrex bowls were thought to be safe. I have used them with no issue, but Pyrex has come out to state they should not be used. Therefore, I now recommend using a stainless steel pot designed for the instant pot or an oven-safe cake pan that fits in the instant pot is another option.
Angie
Hi Kristen,
I’m new to the instant pot but I use to use a stove pressure cooker. I want to make a steak and kidney pudding in my instant pot. I have the recipe from my old stove pressure cooker book. Obviously I know it’s not the same using the instant pot. It says to steam for 10 minutes without the weights on. Then turn the heat up and bring to low pressure and cook for 35 minutes and reduce pressure quickly. I have no idea on how to convert this to the instant pot. So I’m hoping you would be able to help me.
Many thanks
Angie
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Angie! You will set this to cook for 35 minutes on NORMAL/LOW pressure with a quick release. Now, I will say most recipes need to be cooked on HIGH pressure, but because this recipe specifically states low pressure--that is what I could cook on. As for the steaming for 10 minutes--that is to get to right temp--the instant pot will do that for you! Hope that helps 🙂
Angie
Hi Kristen,
Thank you for your reply. I will be doing my steak and kidney pudding in the week. I will let you know how I got on. I’m excited and nervous about using the instant pot. It’s so different from the old stove one.
Ghyslaine Belanger
Just purchased a set of stainless steel pots. I have a 3 quart instant pot. If I use the pot in pot method, I can't use the trivet because it will be too high to close my IP lid. Can I safely use the method without the trivet? Do I cook on high pressure?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi there! I am so sorry, but I think your pots may be too large and not designed for a 3 quart instant pot. You must have the trivet to lift the stainless steel pot off the bottom of the inner pot. These pots may perform better.
Peter Pillidge
I am contemplating making a self saucing sponge pudding in a aluminium non stick pudding bowl which has its own lid
Q1 will it work PIP & if so on Steam or Rice or Regular Pressure setting & for how long....oven calls for 35 minutes
Q2 Do I use the inner pot lid or leave it uncovered ?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Peter! I would have to see the recipe to know how I would proceed. That said, a self-saucing pudding sounds like a great recipe to make in the moist heat of the instant pot. As for settings, High pressure (regular) is always the way to go. For a lid, if it is aluminum, I would leave it on. If it is not, do not use it, but instead cover with foil. As for timing, I typically recommend cutting recipes made in the oven down by 2/3rds when cooked uncovered. So for covered, I would say cook for 12 minutes + 5 minutes to account for the lid. This is an estimate, but it where I would start experimenting. You can take a look at my Instant Pot Conversions for my guidance 🙂
Tony
You have some great recipes,I am an 89 year old widower and
use a 3qt mini ip do you know where I can get recipes for the mini ?
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Tony! As long as a recipe has 3/4 cup thin liquid you cut a recipe in half to fit in your 3 quart. Or if the full recipe fits in your 3 quart, it can be followed as written 🙂
Sarah
I've done several things PIP and it seems to take 3-4 times as long then regular. Like I did a meatloaf and it took an hour and 15 minutes high pressure (I opened at 25 and it was still raw) then tonight I made stuffed chicken breast and it took 35 minutes to be done and the chicken was still tough, though done. I have a stainless steel pot from amazon that's made to be PIP. Could it be the pan or is it normal to take that much longer?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Sarah! This is such a great point that I am glad you brought to my attention. I use glass pots for pot in pot, but stainless steel would take a bit longer to conduct heat (just like adding foil over top a dish adds time as well!) I need to experiment with stainless steel to figure out exact increases in time.
Lesley Ludgate
Where can I get glass PIP pots?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Lesley, I purchase mine on Amazon. My favorite is pyrex dishes that are OVEN Safe.