Deglaze after browning
After sautéing, pour in some thin cooking liquid and lift the browned bits from the base with a wooden spoon. Run the spoon across the whole bottom before locking the lid.
Put thick sauces on top
When a recipe uses tomato paste or a thick sauce, follow its layering directions. Add flour or cornstarch after pressure cooking unless your model and recipe explicitly call for a different method.
Check your liquid and seal
Make sure you meet the minimum thin liquid requirement for your model and that the sealing ring sits evenly. Follow your manual to cancel and depressurize safely if a burn notice appears.
Reference · Instant Pot manuals and resources
