Instant Pot FAQs: From Stew Meat to Hard-Boiled Eggs (and Beyond)

I've been using Instant Pots in commercial kitchens for about four years now. In my role, I'm the guy who fields the urgent calls—"The stew meat's still tough, the eggs are overcooked, and what do I do about this electric stove?" So I've put together the most common questions I get, with answers that actually work.

How do I cook stew meat in an Instant Pot so it's tender?

This is probably the #1 question I get. Basically, you want to use the pressure cook function on high for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of your chunks. I usually go with 40 minutes for 1-inch cubes. The trick is natural release—let the pressure come down on its own for at least 10 minutes. I learned this the hard way after a rushed quick-release turned a batch into shoe leather. Honestly, the difference is night and day.

Can I make perfect hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, and it's actually easier than stovetop. I've tested this across dozens of batches. Set the trivet in, add 1 cup of water, place up to 12 eggs, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Then quick-release, transfer to an ice bath. The shells slip off like magic. But here's the thing: if you want soft-boiled, drop to 3 minutes. I didn't get that right the first time—ended up with runny yolks and a mess.

What if my stew meat is still tough after the first try?

That happens. When I'm triaging a rush order for a dinner service and the meat's not cooperating, I add more liquid—maybe a cup of broth—and pressure cook for another 15 minutes. Then check again. The key is moisture. I once had a batch that took three rounds because I skimped on liquid. The process works, but you have to be patient. Which is ironic, given my job is all about speed.

Does the Instant Pot work well on an electric stove for a camper?

Actually, the Instant Pot is its own heating element—it doesn't need a stove. It's basically an electric pressure cooker that plugs into a standard outlet. So for a camper, it's perfect. I've had clients use them in RVs with no issues. But one thing: if you're using an electric stove for other cooking, make sure the pot's base is flat and compatible. Induction stoves can be tricky—check your model's specs.

Speaking of household issues: why does my top load washer smell like sewer?

Okay, this isn't Instant Pot related, but I get asked because we deal with appliances. The sewer smell from a top loader is usually stagnant water or mold in the drum. Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar or a commercial washer cleaner. Check the drain hose too—it might be clogged. I've seen this happen when people leave wet clothes in too long. The fix is straightforward, but it's a pain.

How can I can green beans without a pressure cooker?

This is a tricky one. Water bath canning works for high-acid foods, but green beans are low-acid. They need a pressure canner to reach 240°F to kill botulism spores. Without a pressure cooker, it's not safe. I know this from a near-miss situation in 2023 where a client tried to shortcut it. We ended up throwing out the batch. The advice: buy a proper pressure canner or stick to freezing. The Instant Pot is great for cooking, but its pressure settings aren't consistent enough for canning.

So that's the rundown. I've picked up these lessons through trial and error—mostly error. But hey, that's how you learn. Bottom line: the Instant Pot is versatile, but it's not magic. You still have to respect the process.