how long to cook beef cubes in instant pot

Mastering Instant Pot Beef Cubes: Cook Times and Recipes for Tender, Juicy Results

Cooking beef cubes in the instant pot yields incredibly tender, flavorful results every time when you use the right techniques. With the pressure cooking power of the instant pot, you can transform even the toughest cuts of beef into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth cubes in a fraction of the time. This comprehensive guide will explore everything from ideal cook times, the best cuts of beef to use, flavor boosting tips, mistakes to avoid, and delicious instant pot beef cube recipes to try.

Benefits of Instant Pot Beef Cubes

Cooking beef cubes in the instant pot offers many advantages over traditional stovetop methods:

• Shortened cook time thanks to the pressurized environment
• Tender, fall-apart texture even with tougher cuts of meat
• Intensified flavor as juices and seasonings are sealed in
• Convenience of throwing everything in a pot and walking away
• Ability to keep meat moist without drying out
• Versatility for use in stews, skewers, sandwiches and more

By leveraging the power of the instant pot, you can enjoy remarkably tender beef cubes any night of the week with minimal effort.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The instant pot does wonders for typically tough cuts of beef by breaking down connective tissues and fibers Some of the best options include

• Chuck roast: Budget-friendly with great flavor
• Brisket: Becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow
• Flank steak: Leaner cut that benefits from short cook time
• Sirloin steak: Naturally tender so doesn’t require as much time

Look for cuts of beef with visible marbling to help keep the meat moist and full of flavor Uniform 1-2 inch cubes cook the most evenly.

Ideal Instant Pot Cook Times for Beef Cubes

The cook time can vary based on size of beef cubes and cut of meat:

• Sirloin or tenderloin cubes: 20-25 mins high pressure
• Chuck roast or brisket cubes: 30-40 mins high pressure
• Large 2 inch cubes: Add 5-10 mins

Always allow a 10 minute natural pressure release for the most tender results.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Beef Cubes

Follow these simple steps for perfect instant pot beef cubes every time:

1. Cut beef into 1-2 inch cubes and season generously with salt, pepper and spices.

2. Brown beef cubes in batches on saute mode to sear in juices.

3. Add aromatics like garlic, onions, carrots, celery if desired.

4. Add beef broth just to cover cubes.

5. Pressure cook on high per cut of meat above.

6. Allow 10 minute natural pressure release.

7. Check doneness – cubes should be fork tender.

8. Finish with fresh herbs, broth or gravy.

Pro-Tips

• Browning beef before pressure cooking enhances flavor

• Add umami flavors like soy sauce, Worcestershire, tomato paste

• Layer potatoes, carrots beneath beef for stew

• Shred cooked beef cubes for tacos, sandwiches

• Freeze leftovers up to 3 months for quick meals

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common pitfalls when cooking beef cubes:

• Not browning/searing cubes first for enhanced flavor

• Having too much or too little liquid in the instant pot

• Releasing pressure immediately rather than naturally

• Overcooking resulting in mushy beef cubes

• Undercooking making cubes tough and chewy

• Neglecting to cut beef into uniform cubes for even cooking

Delicious Instant Pot Beef Cube Recipes

Here are 3 tasty recipes to put your tender instant pot beef cubes to delicious use:

1. Beef Cube Steak Sandwiches

• 1 lb sirloin beef cubes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• Hoagie rolls
• Cheese slices

Directions:
Pressure cook cubes 20 mins. Shred with forks. Add broth to moisten. Pile onto hoagie rolls, top with cheese and onions.

1. Loaded Beef Cube Fries

• 1 lb chuck roast cubes
• 3 russet potatoes, cubed
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef gravy
• Shredded cheese, bacon bits

Directions:
Pressure cook beef and potatoes 35 mins. Toss with corn starch. Add gravy and top with cheese, bacon.

1. Beef Cube Skewers with Chimichurri

• 1 lb brisket cubes
• Red onion, zucchini cubes
• Chimichurri marinade
• Lime wedges

Directions:
Marinate beef in chimichurri 2 hrs. Skewer with veggies. Cook 30 mins. Squeeze lime juice.

Conclusion

With the right cut of beef, cook times, preparation, and recipes, you can easily achieve amazingly tender, mouthwatering instant pot beef cubes. Follow this guide and you’ll be able to enjoy this versatile ingredient in tacos, stews, sandwiches, skewers, and more any night of the week.