Can Pressure Cooker Cook Frozen Meat?

One of the more frequent inquiries I receive as a pressure cooker expert is about cooking frozen meat, especially concerning safety and taste. This article explains if you can safely cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker and how to do it.

A pressure cooker is a sealed pot that uses steam pressure to quickly cook food. By trapping steam, it elevates the boiling point of water, which allows food to cook more quickly than it would by other means. This appliance is loved for its efficiency and ability to tenderize tougher cuts of meat.

The answer is yes. If you have a frozen steak and you put it straight into a hot pressure cooker, probably it will not cook and you will end up with just a piece of well-done meat on top and the rare on the inside. Its high-pressure environment expedites cooking, including right out of the freezer. It’s important, though, to modify cooking times and learn some guidelines to do so safely and achieve the texture you want.

Here are some things you need to know if you are pressure cooking frozen meat:

1. Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Check the cooker for cleanliness and make sure all parts are functioning properly.
2. Add liquid: Pour in the recommended ratio of liquid according to your recipe.
3. Add Frozen Meat: Place the meat in a trivet or directly in the liquid, according to the recipe.
4. Seal and set: Put the lid on, sealing it, and set the pressure on high and the amount of time accordingly.
5. Cook: Let the cooker come to pressure then cook for the prescribed time.
6. Release Pressure: Allow Natural Release to drop gradually for even cooking
7. Temperature Check: A meat thermometer is a great way to ensure meat has reached a safe internal temperature.

When you cook frozen meat in pressure cookers, the outside gets cooked more than the inside. This unevenness presents a food safety challenge, as undercooked meat may contain dangerous bacteria. Moreover, the additional time taken for the cooker to come to pressure if meat is added while still frozen will also affect the overall cooking process.

When cooking frozen meat in an instant pot, you must give it enough time to reach a safe internal temperature. As a general rule, you can add about 50% more time than you’d normally need for thawed meat. So, for instance, if a recipe requires 20 minutes of cooking time for a thawed piece of meat, you should cook the frozen piece for approximately 30 minutes. However, the timing will vary slightly relative to the type and thickness of the meat.

Regardless, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp of the meat has reached a safe level for consumption before serving.

As long as specific guidelines are adhered to, cooking frozen meat in a pressure cooker is generally safe. That said, it is important to appreciate the risks that arise from misuse, which can lead to explosive situations.

If done correctly, cooking frozen meat in a pressure cooker can be a convenient option. Made some adjustments to cooking times and followed safety guidelines and you have yourself better made meals sooner. Always check your pressure cooker’s manual and use a meat thermometer to make sure food is safe to eat.