If you’re following the keto diet, you know that meal prep is key to success. But who has the time and energy to spend hours in the kitchen every day?
That’s where the Instant pot comes in – this handy kitchen gadget can save you time, energy, and stress, while also making it easier to stick to your low-carb, high-fat diet.
At its core, the Instant pot is a multi-cooker that can do everything from pressure cooking to slow cooking to sautéing. But what really sets it apart is its versatility and ease of use. With the Instant pot, you can cook everything from stews and soups to roasts and even desserts, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Plus, the Instant pot is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a range of safety features to ensure that even novice cooks can use it with confidence.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
Related: Stay Fueled and Focused with These Easy Keto Snack Ideas for Work or School
So how exactly can the Instant Pot help you stay on track with your keto diet? Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features and benefits:
Top Instant Pot Features for the Keto Diet
Pressure cooking
One of the most popular features of the Instant Pot is its pressure cooking function. This allows you to cook meats, vegetables, and other ingredients in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. And because the Instant Pot uses steam to cook, it’s a great way to preserve the nutrients and flavors of your food. For keto-friendly meals, you can use the pressure cooking function to quickly cook up soups, stews, and casseroles using low-carb ingredients like cauliflower, broccoli, and zucchini.
Slow cooking
If you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, the Instant Pot’s slow cooking function is perfect for you. Simply add your ingredients to the pot, set the timer, and let it do the rest. This is a great option for busy keto dieters who want to come home to a hot, comforting meal after a long day at work. You can use the slow cooking function to make keto-friendly chili, pulled pork, or even bone broth.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, the Instant Pot’s slow cooking function is perfect for you. Simply add your ingredients to the pot, set the timer, and let it do the rest. This is a great option for busy keto dieters who want to come home to a hot, comforting meal after a long day at work. You can use the slow cooking function to make keto-friendly chili, pulled pork, or even bone broth.
Sautéing
The Instant Pot also has a sauté function, which allows you to brown meats and vegetables before cooking. This is a great way to add flavor and texture to your keto meals, especially if you’re using lean cuts of meat or low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or onions. Plus, because the Instant Pot has a non-stick surface, you don’t have to worry about sticking or burning.
Multiple cooking functions
In addition to pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, the Instant Pot also has a range of other cooking functions. For example, you can use the rice cooking function to make cauliflower rice, or the yogurt function to make your own keto-friendly yogurt. And because the Instant Pot has so many functions, you can use it to replace multiple kitchen gadgets, saving you space and money.
Easy to clean
Let’s face it, no one enjoys cleaning up after a meal. But with the Instant Pot, cleaning up is a breeze. The non-stick surface means that food doesn’t stick, and the removable inner pot is dishwasher safe. Plus, because the Instant Pot is a sealed system, you don’t have to worry about splatters or spills on your stovetop.
Saves time and energy
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the Instant Pot is that it saves you time and energy in the kitchen. Because it cooks food quickly and efficiently, you don’t have to spend hours simmering on the stovetop or waiting for the oven to preheat. And because the Instant Pot is a sealed system, it uses less energy than traditional cooking methods, which can help you save money on your energy bill.
Instant Pot Tips for the Keto Diet
So how can you incorporate the Instant Pot into your keto meal plan? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Keto chili
Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown ground beef or turkey with onions, garlic, and spices. Then add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use the pressure cooking function to cook everything together quickly, and serve with a dollop of sour cream and grated cheese.
Keto bone broth
Use the Instant Pot’s slow cooking function to make your own bone broth using beef or chicken bones. Simply add the bones, vegetables like celery and carrots, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves to the pot, and let it simmer for 24-48 hours. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that you can use as a base for soups or simply sip on its own.
Keto pulled pork
Use the Instant Pot’s slow cooking function to make juicy, tender pulled pork using pork shoulder or butt. Rub the meat with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, and add a cup of chicken broth to the pot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then shred the meat and serve with a low-carb BBQ sauce.
Keto cauliflower rice
Use the Instant Pot’s rice cooking function to make cauliflower rice, a low-carb substitute for regular rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, then add them to the Instant Pot with a tablespoon of butter or ghee. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the rice setting, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Keto chicken curry
Use the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function to make a quick and easy chicken curry using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the pot, then add the chicken and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then stir in coconut milk and serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb naan.
Overall, the Instant Pot is a versatile and convenient kitchen gadget that can be a game-changer for keto dieters. With its range of cooking functions and ease of use, it can help you save time and energy while still enjoying delicious, low-carb meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, the Instant Pot is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a way to simplify your keto meal prep.
Great Keto-friendly Recipe books for the Keto Diet
In addition, if you’re looking for delicious KETO recipes for the Instant Pot, check out some of these amazing books:
- The “I Love My Instant Pot®” Keto Diet Recipe Book
- The Keto Reset Instant Pot Cookbook
- The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook
- The Ultimate Keto Instant Pot Cookbook
- The Essential Instant Pot Keto Cookbook
- The Keto Instant Pot Cookbook: Ketogenic Diet Pressure Cooker Recipes Made Easy and Fast
- Keto Diet Instant Pot Cookbook: 1000 Day Ketogenic Diet Detailed Beginner’s Guide
These recipes will help to keep your Keto lifestyle flavorful and filling. Happy meal prep!
Related: Living a Low Carb Life