6 Easy Dinner Recipes You Can Do in the Pressure Cooker for Busy Weeknights

Busy evenings can make cooking dinner feel like a chore. You want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This article will share six easy dinner recipes that are quick to prepare in the pressure cooker, saving you time and effort. Just make sure to allow enough time for the cooking time at pressure!

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Using a pressure cooker can help you whip up tasty meals in no time. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you need a good dinner without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself, you’ll find something simple to enjoy.

If you want to make the meals even quicker here are some suggestions:

• Use pre-cooked rice that you can pop in the microwave
• Bulk cook potatoes or vegetables and store in the fridge to accompany meals
• A simple side salad can be quick to make to add to any meal
• Cooking rice in the microwave can be very easy and quick. Use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Cook the rice according to the type of rice you are using and the power level of your microwave. Tip: add a plate under the bowl or dish you intend to cook the rice in case the rice boils over.

1) Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a tasty dish that’s easy to make in your pressure cooker. It features tender chicken pieces in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. You’ll love how quick it is to whip up this meal.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 200ml coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• 3 potatoes, diced, or rice

Steps

1. Start by heating the oil in your pressure cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until everything is softened.
2. Stir in the diced chicken. Cook for a few minutes until it’s browned.
3. Add the garam masala and cumin. Mix well so the spices coat the chicken.
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
5. You can add potatoes to the pressure cooker too for some carbs, or cook some rice in the microwave. (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water, cook according to the type of rice your choose and the power of your microwave).
6. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, let the steam release naturally.
7. Give it a good stir and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Suggested Side Dishes

Serve your chicken tikka masala with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a delightful dinner that everyone will love!

2) Beef Stew

Beef stew is a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for any day. Using a pressure cooker makes it quick and easy. You’ll love how tender the beef gets!

Ingredients

• 500g beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500ml beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or bay leaves

Instructions

1. Start by heating the olive oil in your pressure cooker on sauté mode.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and beef cubes. Brown the beef on all sides.
4. When the beef is browned, toss in the carrots and potatoes.
5. Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if you’re using them.
7. Close the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure it’s sealed.
8. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
9. When done, let the steam release naturally for about 10 minutes.
10. Open the lid carefully and give the stew a good stir.

Suggested Side Dishes

Serve your beef stew with crusty bread for dipping. You could also pair it with a simple green salad. Both options balance the flavours nicely and add some freshness.

3) Lemon herb chicken

Lemon herb chicken is a tasty and easy meal to prepare in your pressure cooker. The bright lemon flavour mixed with fresh herbs makes this dish refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Place the chicken in the pressure cooker and pour the lemon-herb mixture over it.
4. Close the lid tightly and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes. Then use the quick release to let out any remaining steam.
6. Carefully open the lid and check if the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C.

Suggested Side Dishes

This lemon herb chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also serve it with fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. A simple side salad adds a nice touch for a complete meal.

4) Beef Rendang

Beef rendang is a tasty dish from Indonesia. It’s packed with flavour and easy to make in your pressure cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, grated
• 2-3 red chillies, chopped (adjust for spice)
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves

Instructions

1. Start by adding the beef, onions, garlic, ginger, galangal, and chillies to the pressure cooker.
2. Pour in the coconut milk and add tamarind paste, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Sprinkle in the ground coriander and cumin, then toss in the cinnamon stick and kaffir lime leaves.
4. Stir everything to combine well.
5. Close the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes.
6. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.
7. Open the lid once safe to do so and check the sauce.
8. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it without the lid for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Suggested Side Dishes

Serve your beef rendang with steamed rice or coconut rice. You might also enjoy it with some stir-fried vegetables or a light salad on the side. This dish is rich and full of flavour, making it a great meal for any night.

5) Vegetable curry

Making a vegetable curry in a pressure cooker is quick and simple. You can use any vegetables you like, but here’s a basic recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and bell peppers)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in the pressure cooker on sauté mode. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir everything together.
4. Sprinkle in the curry powder, mixing it well.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir.
6. Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 2-5 minutes. (depending on how well cooked you like your vegetables).
7. Once it’s done, release the pressure carefully.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander if you like.

Suggested Side Dishes

This vegetable curry pairs well with fluffy rice or warm naan bread. You can also serve it with a simple salad for some freshness.

6) Pulled Pork

Get ready for tender, delicious pulled pork! With your pressure cooker, you can have a mouth-watering meal ready in just over an hour.

Ingredients

• 1-2 kg pork shoulder
• 1-2 tsp salt
• 1/2-1 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 tsp your choice of spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, or store-bought rub)
• 2-3 tbsp oil
• 1/4-1/2 cup barbecue sauce or 2-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Season your pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
2. Heat oil in your pressure cooker and sear the pork on all sides until browned.
3. Add barbecue sauce or apple cider vinegar (if using).
4. Lock the lid and cook on high for about 60 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally, then shred the pork with two forks.

Suggested Side Dishes

Sandwiches or wraps for a quick meal, coleslaw, buns for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos or nachos.