How to use a pressure cooker for barbecue

Even during the summer barbecue season, it can be challenging to find enough time in your day to smoke a brisket or grill fall-off-the-bone ribs. When colder weather returns, there’s even less incentive to fire up the grill and cook outside. Luckily, you probably already own one kitchen appliance that can deliver mouthwatering barbecue flavor any time of year: your pressure cooker. A pressure cooker can shave hours off your cook time, and it’s easy to use for all your favorite barbecued foods.

Why use a pressure cooker for barbecue

Even die-hard grill aficionados don’t love the idea of standing over a hot grill on a sweltering summer day. If your summer party menu focuses on hamburgers and hot dogs, feel free to stick with the grill because they cook so quickly. However, if you’re planning on a dish like ribs or beef brisket that takes hours on the grill, you may find that a pressure cooker delivers delicious results with much less time and effort required.

How pressure cooking works

Pressure cookers feature a tightly locking lid that seals steam inside the pot as food cooks, increasing the pressure and consequently the temperature in the interior. This helps the food cook much faster compared to standard cooking techniques. When used to cook meat, the high temperature inside a pressure cooker helps it tenderize cuts of meat that would otherwise need hours to simmer — or grill — before eating.

Modern pressure cookers offer safety features, such as emergency valves for steam release, but it’s still important to read the instruction manual and your recipe carefully to ensure you’re using your pressure cooker safely.

How to barbecue different meats in a pressure cooker

Depending on what kind of pressure cooker you have, you may want to brown your meat on the stove before placing it in the pressure cooker. Browning imitates the sear you’d get from a grill and packs more flavor in the dish, thanks to the Maillard reaction. If your pressure cooker has it, use the saute pan function to brown your meat before you assemble the rest of the dish.

How to make barbecue ribs in a pressure cooker

Making ribs in a pressure cooker helps them stay juicy. Plus, they take less than half an hour, whereas on a grill they’d take four hours or more. Roll the rack of ribs up and stand it on the trivet inside the pressure cooker for even cooking. For a caramelized, crispy exterior, finish the ribs on the grill or under the broiler once they’re done in the pressure cooker.

How to make pulled pork in a pressure cooker

Pulled pork is already a popular slow-cooker dish, thanks to the way the indoor appliance retains moisture and makes the meat more tender. Cooking a pork shoulder in a pressure cooker accomplishes the same thing. Making pulled pork in a pressure cooker takes less than two hours, while it can take up to eight hours on the grill or in a slow-cooker.

How to make pulled chicken in a pressure cooker

Boneless, skinless chicken can be tricky to cook in a pressure cooker, but by using lots of flavorful broth and a short cooking time, you can get moist, flavorful pulled chicken in a fraction of the time. Just add your favorite barbecue sauce to the pressure cooker, then shred the chicken when it’s done cooking and stir in additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Finish on the grill

Foods such as chicken wings and steaks can still get a crisp finish by searing them briefly on a hot grill after they’re done in the pressure cooker. This is especially helpful if you didn’t brown the meat beforehand. If you don’t have a grill or don’t want to have to go outside, you can also sear meat in a cast-iron skillet.

FAQ

Q. Can you cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker?

A. Generally, it’s OK to cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker, but be prepared for it to take longer. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.

The exception would be trying to cook a large cut, such as brisket or pork shoulder, from frozen. These cuts will be too large to cook through evenly if they haven’t been thawed. If you’re storing frozen meat for future pressure cooking, consider cutting it into smaller chunks so it fits better and cooks safely.

Q. What’s the best meat to cook in a pressure cooker?

A. Since pressure cooking is such a high-heat cooking method, choosing the right cut of meat will prevent you from overcooking and drying out your food. Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid lean meats, such as premium steak, skinless or boneless chicken or pork tenderloin. Fattier cuts, such as ribs, beef chuck, whole chicken or pork shoulder, are safer bets.

What you need to buy to use a pressure cooker for barbecue

[ Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker ]

This multicooker makes it easy to slow cook, pressure cook, steam, bake and more. Food can be browned inside the Instant Pot by using the saute pan option. The controls are easy to use, and it features a built-in microprocessor to monitor and adjust cooking.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Macy’s and Kohl’s

[ T-fal 6.3-Quart Clipso Pressure Cooker ]

This durable stainless steel model can be used over any heat source, including induction cooktops. It has two pressure settings and can cook food up to 70% faster. It features easy one-handed locking and a steam release safety valve.

Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair, Amazon

[ Porter Road Subscription Meat Delivery ]

Never run out of your favorite cuts of meat with Porter Road, and take comfort in knowing it’s all pasture-raised and free from hormones and antibiotics. Options range from chicken breasts to dry-aged filet mignon. Customize your order, and receive your favorites every two, four or eight weeks.

Where to buy: Sold by Porter Road

[ Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Three-Piece Set ]

These measuring cups make it easy to portion out broth and other liquids for pressure cooking recipes. They’re durable, nonreactive and safe to use in both a microwave and an oven. This set comes with 1-, 2-, and 4-cup measuring cups.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

[ OXO Good Grips Four-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons with Magnetic Snaps ]

The secret to good barbecue is a flavorful rub, which can be assembled using these handy measuring spoons. Magnets in the handles keep the set together in your drawer so you can always find the measurement you need.

Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s, Amazon and Kohl’s

[ Taylor Digital Thermocouple Thermometer ]

With its bright backlit display and 5-second reading time, this thermometer can tell you your food’s temperature in just moments. It has an ultrathin tip to help keep juices from escaping your food.

Where to buy: Sold by Sur La Table and Amazon

[ Weber Spirit II E-310 Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill ]

This powerful, reliable gas grill features three burners and easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. Its improved ignition makes it easy to fire up and put a finishing sear on your pressure-cooked barbecue.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair

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