For the second year in a row, the Instant Pot was the top selling product for Amazon Prime Day! So, naturally I jumped in and picked myself up the 8 quart DUO model (the 7 in 1).

I currently have the smaller 6 quart LUX model (6 in 1) and never thought I would be one of those people with 2 pots, but well... here I am with 2 Instant Pots!

I am actually excited because now I have the ability to compare the models for myself and can borrow less instant pots from my family when I run my hands on Instant Pot Masterclass Workshops in Airdrie, Alberta at Social Supper!

With all the people taking advantage of Amazon Prime days this year, there is a whole new generation of IP newbies that all want to get started but don't know where to start.

Today, I have compiled my list of easy recipes that are perfect for the IP newbie! 

I like these recipes because they use the basic functions, and no added accessories that don't come with the Instant Pot from factory. I also think these recipes use pretty common ingredients that many people have on hand pretty regularly.

I have been a part of the Instant Pot Community on Facebook and have seen a few waves of viral recipes and think that these are almost like a right of passage now into Instant Pot cooking.

I also rarely make a recipe that can't be prepped ahead in some way or another.

Related Post - How to use the Instant Pot for Once a Week Meal Prep.

So, here is a round up of some easy, make ahead friendly Instant Pot recipes for the IP newbie!

HONEY BOURBON CHICKEN 

This is one of those recipes that is a right of passage. It is an IP classic. My personal modification is to scale back the brown sugar and honey - but you do you and modify to your tastes.

For Prep Ahead

• Dump all ingredients into a freezer safe container, EXCEPT the cornstarch, and freeze. On cook day, thaw (or don't!) and pop into your pot. Add the cornstarch after it is cooked, as per the recipe!
• I have also cooked this, and stored in single serve containers with rice in the freezer for grab and go lunches.

FAUX- TISSERIE CHICKEN (WHOLE CHICKEN) 

If you are looking for THE easiest thing to make in your IP - this is it! It really is as simple as adding 1 cup of water, your chicken, and your flavours of choice and setting your pot for 25 - 30 minutes.

For Prep Ahead

• In a foodsaver bag, or a freezer bag, combine your chicken with seasoning of choice and freeze.
• On cook day, cook from frozen (set to 50-60 minutes) or from thaw (25 mins). The cook time depends on the size of your chicken so make sure it reaches an internal temp of 165F.

PULLED PORK  

I have tried a few different recipes for pulled pork in my Instant Pot, and this version from Prairie Californian is my absolute fav.

For Prep Ahead

• Dump all ingredients into a freezer safe container and freeze. On cook day, thaw (or don't!) and pop into your pot and cook as per the recipe!

BUTTER CHICKEN

This is probably one of the most viral instant pot recipes right now. I tried many versions of butter chicken in the IP and this was the winner - by a landslide.

For Prep Ahead

• Dump all ingredients into a freezer safe container and freeze. Omit the butter and cream in the prep. Add them only on the day of cooking.
• I also cook this completely, portion into single lunches and freeze. This recipe reheats beautifully!

APPLE HONEY PORK TENDERLOIN

So few ingredients, such huge taste. Pork tenderloin cooks so quick in the IP. I had never really cooked a lot of pork tenderloin before my IP. But now, 7 minutes on manual is all it takes for awesome pork tenderloin. This is also a great budget friendly meal!

For Prep Ahead

• Dump all ingredients into a freezer safe container and freeze. On cook day, dump in your pot and that's it!

HARD BOILED EGGS

I was so late to this game, but am making up for lost time making a dozen eggs each Sunday for my snacks throughout the week. You will be shocked at how easy eggs peel when cooked IP style. It is mind blowing actually! I posted a little video on my Instagram if you would like to see that!

I will warn you - there are many variations on how people make these. I think it depends how you like yours, and I have found I have to increase my times when I have jumbo eggs.

I like mine fully cooked and am even ok with a bit of a grey yolk. You may need to play with cook times a bit to get exactly what you like, but this is now a key "recipe" in my once a week meal prep plan!

WEEKNIGHT RIBS

There is definitely a camp of people that would say cooking ribs in the IP is breaking some sort of cooking law (my husband is one of these people). He feels low and slow is THE ONLY way. I disagree. I love having fall off the bone ribs without waiting all day - so I do weeknight IP ribs - and he whines.

For Prep Ahead

• Rub the spice mix on the ribs. Seal in foodsaver bag or freezer bag and freeze.
• While you can cook from frozen, I have tried it and the ribs cooked VERY uneven, so I personally don't suggest cooking from frozen, but that is just my opinion.

So, there you have it, my personal tried and tested EASY Instant Pot recipes that are prep ahead friendly and perfect for the Instant Pot Newbie!

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