When Cravings Meet Convenience

You know those days when you’re craving comfort food but the time and energy levels just won’t cooperate?
That was me last week — it was a long day of errands and deadlines, but all I wanted was a big bowl of beef pares. The kind that’s rich, saucy, and perfectly tender — the kind you’d usually wait hours for at your favorite carinderia.
So instead of giving up, I turned to my newest kitchen sidekick — the Instant Pot RIO 6QT Multicooker.
And honestly? I might never make pares the old way again. 😄
First Impressions: Meet the Instant Pot RIO 6QT
This one’s truly a mom’s dream come true — less time cooking, more time for cuddles, kwento, and dessert.
The Instant Pot RIO 6QT has that sleek, modern look that fits right into any kitchen, but what I love most is how smart it is.
Here’s why it quickly became a favorite:
⭐ 7-in-1 Functionality: It replaces seven appliances — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer. One pot means less time fussing, more time tasting!
⚙️ 13 Customizable Smart Programs: From adobo to arroz caldo, you can cook at the touch of a button — no more guessing game sa kusina.
🧅 Anti-Spin Pot Design: Keeps the inner pot steady while you stir or sauté (no more wobbly moments!).
🌡️ Easy Steam Release + 10+ Safety Features: Including Overheat Protection and a secure lid that makes it beginner-friendly — even for moms who get nervous around pressure cookers.
💨 80 kPa Pressure Strength: Cuts cooking time dramatically while still keeping flavors deep and rich.
🧽 Minimal Cleanup: The stainless-steel pot is non-stick and dishwasher-safe — the real winner for me.
📦 Warranty: Comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
It’s the perfect kitchen buddy for anyone who wants to cook homemade meals without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Why I Love Cooking This in the Instant Pot
Normally, beef pares means simmering for hours and checking the pot every few minutes. But with the Instant Pot RIO, the meat turns melt-in-your-mouth tender in under an hour.
No stirring. No boiling over. No waiting forever.
It’s literally set and forget. While the beef was cooking, I folded laundry, checked emails, and even had a little snack with Twinkle. 😂
When it beeped, the kitchen smelled like heaven — the kind of smell that makes the whole family gather at the table before you even call them.
After using the Instant Pot RIO 6QT for a few weeks, here’s my real talk:
✅ Pros:
- Cuts cooking time dramatically
- Beginner-friendly and very safe
- Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep
- Consistent results every time
- Sleek design that looks nice on the counter
⚪ Cons:
- The inner pot feels a bit lighter compared to older models
💛 Overall Rating: 9/10
For busy moms who want real food and real rest, this is worth every peso.
The Verdict: Comfort Food Made Smarter
This Instant Pot Beef Pares reminded me why I love Filipino comfort food — it’s warm, flavorful, and full of heart.
But pairing it with the Instant Pot RIO 6QT made it even better — because it gave me time back.
Time to relax, time to chat with the kids, time to enjoy the meal without feeling pagod.
So if you’ve been thinking about getting an Instant Pot, let this be your sign.
Start with a recipe that feels like home, and let your kitchen do the work.
Because in the end, good food isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the moments you make while waiting for that beep. 💛
PrintInstant Pot Beef Pares
- Author: Peachy Adarne
Ingredients
- 800g beef brisket
- 1 onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch knob of ginger, sliced
- 3 star anise
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1.25 cup water
- chopped spring onion
- cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot RIO except for the spring onions. Stir.
- Pressure cook for 30 minutes. Release the steam.
- Turn on saute and bring to a boil.
- Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped spring onions.
- Serve with garlic rice and calamansi

















