Instant Pot Basics and Top Low-Carb Recipes (2024)

Skip to content

Step 5: Turn the Instant Pot Off in Between Functions

It won’t switch functions otherwise!

Many recipes will tell you to set a manual time (versus, honestly, using any of the rest of the buttons on the Instant Pot!). After pressing “manual”, adjust the time based on the recipe.

Remember, the Instant Pot has to heat up or “come to pressure” before the timer actually starts coming down. So don’t worry that the timer doesn’t automatically start counting down!

Step 7: Once the Time is Done (it will beep), Do a “Quick” or “Natural” Release of the Steam

Many recipes will tell you to do a “quick release” – which means that you are the one releasing the pressure – or moving the knob from Sealing to Venting.

Make sure 1) there is a lot of room between the ceiling and where the steam will be released (where the knob is). You don’t want any water damage to cabinets!

And! Make sure 2) you are far away from the knob so that you don’t burn yourself when the pressure releases – a lot of HOT steam will come shooting out.

Step 8: Once the Timer is Done, It Will Automatically Start Timing at “Low Heat”

You can turn this off whenever you like.

Recipes!

All of these recipes make 2 servings and follow to make them super filling, satisfying, and healthy!

As I mentioned, these are my top keto and low carb recipes, perfect for the ketogenic diet and low carb diet. These recipes include comfort food, some of them are even sugar-free, gluten-free, can be done in under 30 minutes (some of them), and they are some of my favorite chicken recipes, slow cooker recipes, and keto friendly recipes.

1. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, 6 cups spinach, 1 Tbsp pre-minced garlic, 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Put Instant Pot on “Saute” function; Spray inside pot with an oil spray

2. Add in garlic; Sear, chicken breasts (just let cook for 2 minutes on each side)

3. Add in spinach, tomatoes, broth, heavy cream

4. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 4 minutes

5. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, release the pressure knob and open the pot

6. There will be extra liquid – discard it

2. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Ingredients: 2 raw chicken breasts; 4 cups salsa, 2 tsp garlic, 2/3 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Put Instant Pot on “Saute” function; Spray inside pot with an oil spray

2. Add in garlic into the Instant Pot; Sear chicken breasts (just let cook for 2 minutes on each side)

3. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 25 minutes

4. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, release the pressure knob and open the pot

5. Take chicken out, shred chicken with forks, then put pack in the pot with salsa

6. Top with shredded cheese & serve

3. Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage

Ingredients: 1 head cabbage; 6 slices bacon; 2 sausages; 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Boil sausages on the stove top – when they rise they are likely done; cut into slices

2. Cook the bacon on the stove top; then cut into small pieces

3. Add into the Instant Pot water, soy sauce, broth, and cabbage (chopped into small chunks)

4. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 3 minutes

5. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, release the pressure knob and open the pot

6. Add in bacon and sausage, stir, and then close the lid & let sit for 3 minutes

7. There will be extra liquid – you can discard it!

4. Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients: 8 oz stew beef; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 Tbsp pre-minced garlic; 1 cup low sodium beef broth; 4 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Put Instant Pot on “Saute” function; Spray inside pot with an oil spray

2. Add in garlic; Saute beef pieces, stirring frequently

3. Add in broth, soy sauce, and water

4. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 15 minutes

5. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, release the pressure knob and open the pot

6. Add in broccoli, stir, and then close the lid & let sit for 5 minutes

7. There will be extra liquid – you can discard it!

5. Instant Pot Pork Chops & Onions

Ingredients: 2 bone-in pork chops, 4 onions, 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tsp dijon mustard, 2 cups water

Directions:

1. Put Instant Pot on “Saute” function; Spray inside pot with an oil spray

2. Sear pork chop (just let cook for 2 minutes on each side)

3. Add into the pot the rest of the ingredients – onions (thinly sliced), parmesan cheese, mustard, water

4. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 5 minutes

5. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, release the pressure knob and open the pot

6. There will be extra liquid – you can discard it! Use tongs to take out the pork chop & onions

6. Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Soup

Ingredients: 4 cups sliced mushrooms; 2 raw chicken breasts; 2 Tbsp pre-minced garlic; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Put Instant Pot on “Saute” function

2. Spray inside pot with an oil spray; Add in garlic

3. Cut chicken breasts in small pieces

4. Add chicken, broth and mushrooms into the pot

5. Press “Cancel” to stop Saute function, and then press “Manual” and adjust the time to cook for 5 minutes

6. After the Instant Pot beeps that it’s done, let sit for 10 minutes

7. Then manually release the pressure knob & open the pot

This is the Instant Pot I have! The Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6Qt

AND!

If you are looking for the EASIEST and most realistic weight loss program – that works for the LONG term (it incorporates weekly meal plans, how to stop stress & boredom eating, AND an accountability group) – check out my program HERE!