Why You’ll Love This
Instant Pot Bone Broth is a rich, nourishing staple that’s incredibly easy to make thanks to the pressure cooker. Traditional bone broth can take 12–24 hours on the stovetop, but the Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time while still extracting deep flavor, collagen, and nutrients from the bones. It’s perfect for sipping on its own, using in soups, or adding depth to sauces and stews.
Ingredients
● 2–3 lbs beef bones, chicken bones, or mixed bones (marrow bones, knuckle bones, or carcasses)
● 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
● 1 medium onion, quartered
● 2 carrots, chopped
● 2 celery stalks, chopped
● 3 cloves garlic, smashed
● 1–2 bay leaves
● 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
● 8–10 cups water (do not exceed the Instant Pot max fill line)
● 1 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust after cooking)
● Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)
Preparation Instructions
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Roast the bones (optional but recommended).
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bones on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until browned for deeper flavor. -
Add ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Place the roasted bones into the Instant Pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. -
Add vinegar and water.
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and enough water to cover the bones without exceeding the maximum fill line. -
Let the vinegar sit.
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps extract minerals from the bones. -
Pressure cook.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure:-
Chicken bones: 90 minutes
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Beef bones: 120 minutes
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Natural release.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 30 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure. -
Strain the broth.
Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the broth into a large bowl or container, discarding bones and vegetables. -
Cool and skim fat (optional).
Let the broth cool. You may skim off excess fat if desired, though some people prefer to keep it for flavor. -
Season to taste.
Add salt if needed before serving or storing.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
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Baking sheet (for roasting bones)
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Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
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Large bowl or pot for straining
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Ladle
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Storage containers or jars
Tips
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Use different bones: Marrow bones, knuckle bones, and joints produce the most gelatin and nutrients.
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Save kitchen scraps: Onion skins, carrot ends, celery leaves, and herb stems add extra flavor.
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Gel is good: If your broth turns gelatinous when chilled, that means it’s rich in collagen.
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Avoid overfilling: Always stay below the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line.
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Low-sodium base: Avoid adding too much salt so the broth can be used in many recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Bone broth is extremely versatile. Try it:
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As a warm, nourishing drink with a pinch of salt and herbs
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As a base for soups like chicken noodle or vegetable soup
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In risotto or rice dishes instead of water
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For braising meats or vegetables
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As a base for ramen or noodle bowls
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight containers for 4–5 days. The fat may solidify on top; you can remove it or mix it back in when reheating.
Freezer:
Freeze bone broth for 4–6 months. Portion it into freezer bags, containers, or even ice cube trays for easy use.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
FAQs
1. Do I have to roast the bones first?
No, but roasting adds deeper flavor and richer color to the broth.
2. Why add apple cider vinegar?
It helps draw minerals and nutrients from the bones during cooking.
3. Why did my broth turn into jelly in the fridge?
That’s a good sign! It means your broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which melt back into liquid when reheated.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Bone Broth is a simple, nourishing recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a deeply flavorful kitchen staple. With the help of pressure cooking, you can enjoy homemade bone broth in a fraction of the traditional cooking time while still capturing all the rich nutrients and comforting flavor.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per cup)
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Calories: 45
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Protein: 9 g
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Fat: 1 g
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Carbohydrates: 1 g
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Sodium: 120 mg
Nutrition values vary depending on the type of bones used and seasoning added.
