Instant Pot Recipes Philippines: 5 Dump-and-Walk Meals for Super Busy Moms

Some Sundays feel like “prep day,” pero let’s be honest—most Sundays for moms are just… life day. Laundry here, grocery there, tapos biglang may kid who wants a snack every 7 minutes. 😂

That’s why I’ve been leaning on my Instant Pot lately. It’s the one appliance that lets me throw everything inside, press a button, and pretend I’m the kind of mom who has her life figured out. (We all know I don’t—but at least dinner tastes like I do!)

Last weekend, we were all tired from errands and Manila traffic. I opened the fridge with zero plan and thought, “Kung sa stove ko pa lulutuin ‘to, wala na… pancake dinner na naman.” But with the Instant Pot? Boom—dinner in 25 minutes. No pawis, no stress.

Here are 5 dump-and-walk Instant Pot recipes that always save me on days when I have 10% energy but still want 100% comfort food.

1. Instant Pot Chicken Adobo (Filipino Classic, Zero Effort)

Adobo is the #1 reason I love dump-and-walk cooking. Walang sauté-sauté — just combine everything:

• Chicken thighs
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Garlic
• Peppercorn
• Bay leaf

Set to Pressure Cook → 12 minutes, natural release, and done! The sauce turns syrupy and perfect over hot rice. My kids love this, and it tastes like traditional stovetop adobo without me hovering over the pan.

Why Moms Love It:
Hands-free, kid-approved, and budget-friendly.

2. Creamy Chicken Sopas (Rainy-Day Comfort in 15 Minutes)

One Sunday, Twinkle said, “Mommy, parang masakit throat ko.” Alam mo na — instant need for sopas. Instant Pot version is amazingly fast:

Dump everything:

• Chicken breast
• Evaporated milk
• Carrots
• Celery
• Macaroni
• Chicken broth

Pressure cook 5 minutes. The macaroni cooks perfectly and the broth becomes creamy. My sister Anney loves this version!

Why Moms Love It:
Perfect for rainy days and sniffly kids.

3. Instant Pot Beef Pares

I wanted pares pero tamad maghintay nang matagal.

Add:

• Beef cubes
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Star anise
• Beef cubes
• water

Cook everything together for 30 minutes. The beef becomes super tender. The house smells like a pares carinderia in the best way possible.

Why Moms Love It:
Homecooked goodness!

Check out my Instant Pot Beef Pares Recipe here.

4. Instant Pot Chili Con Carne (Filipino Style + Kid-Friendly)

This is our “movie night chili.”
Just combine:

• Ground beef
• Tomato sauce
• Onions
• Garlic
• Beans
• Chili powder (konti lang for the kids)

Cook for 10 minutes. It becomes thick and hearty—perfect with rice, nachos, or even pandesal.

Why Moms Love It:
Panalo for potlucks and leftover-friendly.

5. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Corn (Sunday Treat, Zero Hassle)

When I want something a little special pero ayoko mag-splurge sa dine-out, this is my go-to.

Dump in:

• Shrimp
• Corn
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon

Pressure cook for 2 minutes. TWO MINUTES! Serve with rice and you’re done.

Why Moms Love It:
Restaurant vibes without leaving home.

If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that shortcuts don’t make you a lesser mom—sometimes they actually make you a happier one. And a happy mom makes tastier food. 😂

These Instant Pot Recipes Philippines are lifesavers on chaotic weekdays and lazy Sundays. Try one this week and enjoy a little extra breathing room—you deserve it.