Braising is a wonderful cooking technique that typically involves slow-cooking food in a bit of liquid, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. However, if you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can be a fantastic alternative! Here are three practical examples of how to adapt braising recipes for a pressure cooker, making your cooking experience quicker and just as delicious.
Beef short ribs are a classic braising dish that can be transformed into a speedy meal using a pressure cooker. This method allows the tough meat to become tender in less than an hour, rather than several hours in the oven.
Start by seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. In your pressure cooker, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the ribs on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds flavor!
Next, remove the ribs and sauté some chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the remaining oil until they’re softened. Then, deglaze the pot by adding a splash of red wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Once the liquid has reduced slightly, return the beef short ribs to the pot and add enough beef broth to cover about two-thirds of the ribs. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
Seal your pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release. Your beef short ribs will be incredibly tender, and the sauce will be rich and flavorful!
Notes/Variations: You can add potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness. If you prefer using a slow cooker for this recipe, simply follow the same steps and cook on low for 6-8 hours instead.
Braised chicken thighs are perfect for adapting to a pressure cooker. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to include some nutritious vegetables.
Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. In the pressure cooker, heat a little olive oil and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until browned, about 4-5 minutes. This adds depth of flavor to your dish!
After searing, remove the chicken and add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Then, add 1 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it. Return the chicken to the pot, and add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 15 minutes. Once the time is up, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Your chicken will be tender and infused with the flavors of the vegetables!
Notes/Variations: Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also switch up the herbs according to your taste preferences.
Pork shoulder is another great candidate for pressure cooking, especially when paired with sweet apples and onions. This dish is comforting and is a fantastic way to feed a crowd!
Start by cutting your pork shoulder into large chunks and seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. In the pressure cooker, heat oil and brown the pork on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes in total.
Once browned, remove the pork and add sliced onions and apples to the pot, cooking until they’re slightly caramelized. Next, add 1 cup of apple cider or broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Return the pork to the pot, ensuring it’s nestled among the onions and apples.
Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 50 minutes. After the cooking time, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. The result will be tender pork that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the apples and onions!
Notes/Variations: You can add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.