15 Tasty Copycat Instant Pot Recipes for a Quick Dinner Fix

Jump to List

There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

Save this on Pinterest for later 1 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

Whether it’s the rich, hearty stews from your local bistro or the creamy pastas from that famous Italian chain, the Instant Pot makes it all possible with a fraction of the effort.

From savory soups that warm the soul to decadent desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth, these Instant Pot copycat recipes will take your home cooking to a new level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting with your Instant Pot, you’ll find these recipes approachable and incredibly satisfying.

Also Read: 21 Effortless Instant Pot Dump Meals [2024] Perfect for Quick Dinners

Dive in and discover how easy it is to bring the flavors you love from your favorite restaurants right to your own table.

1. Maximize the Sauté Feature

Before pressure cooking, use the sauté feature to develop a deeper, richer flavor in your dishes. Searing meats, onions, or spices in the Instant Pot creates a caramelized base that enhances the overall taste, making your copycat recipes taste closer to the original.

2. Master Timing for Perfect Texture

Copycat recipes rely on the exact texture of the dish. Experiment with cooking times to ensure your food isn’t overcooked or undercooked. The Instant Pot can cook quickly, so slightly undercooking and using the ‘Keep Warm’ setting can prevent overcooking while maintaining the right texture.

3. Utilize the Natural Release for Enhanced Flavors

The natural release method allows flavors to develop fully and prevents your food from being tough or rubbery. This is particularly important for meat dishes where tenderness is key to replicating the restaurant quality.

Copycat Instant Pot Recipes

15. PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef from The Kitchen Magpie

1 InstantPotPFChangsMongolianBeef2 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin This

14. Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef from Sweet C’s Designs

1 Homemade copycat chipotle barbacoa so easy and delicious - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

13. Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken from Mama Needs Cake

DSC07475 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

12. Chipotle Pork Carnitas from Culinary Hill

Chipotle Carnitas 7 Culinary Hill - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

11. PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Cooking with Karli

chickenlettucewrap 11 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

10. Skyline Chili from Yellow Bliss Road

Instant Pot Skyline Chili 2 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

9. Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls from Simply Recipes

2017 06 19 PC Chipotle Chicken Bowls 16 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

8. Copycat Hamburger Helper from 365 Days of Slow and Pressure Cooking

instant pot tomato basil homemade hamburger helper recipe - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

7. Taco Bell Beef from The Salty Pot

instant pot taco meat12 735x1102 1 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

6. Cafe Rio Chicken from 365 Days of Slow and Pressure Cooking

instant pot recipe for copycat cafe rio chicken 550x550 1 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

5. Better Than Take-Out Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken from Adventures of a Nurse

1 5 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

4. Olive Garden’s Italian Chicken from The Tasty Travelers

IMG 4202 780x470 1 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

3. Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings from A Little Moore

img 4173 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

2. P.F. Chang’s Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Tidbits

LR Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap 0758 - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

1. Honey Baked Ham from A Mind”full” Mom

1 Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham - There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, especially when you can do it with the convenience of an Instant Pot. These kitchen marvels not only save time but also capture the essence of complex flavors, bringing the restaurant experience to your dinner table.

Can I adjust the serving sizes in Instant Pot copycat recipes?

Yes, one of the benefits of making copycat recipes at home is the ability to adjust serving sizes. Most Instant Pot recipes can be easily scaled up or down by modifying the quantity of ingredients. However, be mindful of the Instant Pot’s fill line and cooking times, which may need slight adjustments when altering portion sizes.

Also Read: 17 Cheap and Easy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas for a Satisfying Meal

Are there specific Instant Pot settings that work best for copycat recipes?

The “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting is commonly used for many Instant Pot copycat recipes, as it allows for quick cooking at high pressure, which is ideal for dishes like stews, soups, and meats. Additionally, the “Sauté” function is frequently used for browning meats and sautéing vegetables before pressure cooking, to build deeper flavors similar to the original restaurant dishes.

How do I replicate the exact flavors of restaurant dishes in an Instant Pot?

Achieving authentic flavors involves using the right combination of spices, sauces, and cooking techniques. For instance, using a sauté function to brown ingredients can enhance flavor depth. Some copycat recipes may also require specific brand-name ingredients or condiments to closely match the restaurant’s unique taste. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings during the cooking process.

Can I make desserts using Instant Pot copycat recipes?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot is versatile and can be used to make a variety of desserts, from cheesecakes to puddings. Many popular restaurant desserts, like molten lava cakes or crème brûlée, can be recreated using an Instant Pot. Just follow the specific instructions for desserts, as they require different settings and timings compared to savory dishes.