Quick & Easy Instant Pot Pepper Steak: Your Go-To 30-Minute Weeknight Meal for Tender Beef and Flavorful Bell Peppers
Craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly quick dinner that comes together with minimal effort? Look no further than this Easy Instant Pot Pepper Steak! In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal featuring succulent sirloin steak, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a rich, savory soy-pepper sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, promising both speed and an explosion of taste, making it ideal for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal fast.
The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to tenderize meat and infuse flavors deeply in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. This pressure cooker creates an environment where the sirloin steak becomes exceptionally tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the rice absorbs all the delicious notes of the soy-pepper sauce. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to savor your culinary creation without the stress of a sink full of dishes.
Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
This Instant Pot Pepper Steak isn’t just another dinner; it’s a delightful culinary experience designed for modern life. Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Incredibly Speedy & Flavor-Packed: Forget lengthy marinating or complicated cooking processes. This entire meal is ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Despite its speed, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. The steak, bell peppers, and rice are all infused with a wonderfully savory and slightly sweet soy-pepper sauce, ensuring every bite is a burst of deliciousness that will satisfy your cravings.
- Remarkably Simple & Convenient: One of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot for this recipe is the incredible ease of preparation and minimal cleanup. All the main ingredients cook together in a single pot, significantly reducing the number of dishes you’ll have to wash. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your homemade, restaurant-quality pepper steak right in the comfort of your home. It’s an ideal solution for home cooks seeking impressive results without extensive effort or specialized culinary skills.
- Tender Steak, Every Time: The Instant Pot excels at creating unbelievably tender meat, a quality often hard to achieve consistently with stovetop methods. Pressure cooking breaks down the tough muscle fibers in the sirloin steak, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s consistently perfect and juicy. Say goodbye to tough, chewy steak – with this Instant Pot method, guaranteed tender beef is always on the menu.
- A Wholesome & Balanced Meal: This dish is a complete meal in itself, offering a perfect balance of essential food groups. It features lean protein from the sirloin steak, satisfying complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice, and essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the colorful bell peppers. It’s a nutritious option that satisfies hunger and keeps you energized, providing a well-rounded dinner solution for the whole family that everyone will love.
- Highly Customizable: While the core recipe provides a fantastic foundation, it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to adapt. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, swap out or add different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge, or even experiment with various types of steak or rice. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your personal tastes or dietary needs, making it endlessly adaptable and a recipe you can truly make your own.
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Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Instant Pot Pepper Steak
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Pepper Steak relies on a blend of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a harmonious flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some handy substitutions to ensure your dish is always a success:
- Olive oil: This forms the base for sautéing your onions and building foundational flavor. While olive oil is great, feel free to use any neutral cooking oil you have on hand, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil, as they won’t overpower the other flavors.
- Yellow onion: Sliced yellow onion adds a crucial foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the dish. If yellow onions aren’t available, white onions offer a similar flavor profile, or you could opt for finely diced shallots for a milder, more delicate touch.
- Sirloin steak: The succulent star of the show! Sirloin is fantastic for this recipe due to its excellent balance of flavor and tenderness when pressure cooked. For optimal results, ensure your sirloin steak is sliced into consistent, approximately 1/2-inch pieces, which allows it to cook quickly and absorb the savory sauce beautifully. You can also use other cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, though they might benefit from a slightly longer cook time or a tenderizing marinade.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This ingredient provides the classic umami and salty foundation for our rich Asian-inspired sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended as it gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish without overpowering other delicate flavors. For gluten-free alternatives, tamari is an excellent choice, offering a very similar taste profile. Coconut aminos also work wonderfully for a soy-free option, though you might need to adjust the sweetness slightly as they tend to be sweeter.
- Honey: A touch of honey is added to balance the savory soy sauce and tangy vinegar, contributing a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce’s complex profile. If you don’t have honey, brown sugar is a perfect and easily accessible substitute, offering a similar depth of sweetness. Maple syrup could also be used for a slightly different, earthy flavor.
- Rice vinegar: This ingredient adds a crucial tangy, bright note that cuts through the richness and lifts the entire dish. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives if you don’t have rice vinegar, providing similar acidity that helps to balance the flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most robust and aromatic flavor, truly enhancing the overall taste. However, if you’re in a rush, pre-minced jarred garlic will work in a pinch – just ensure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.
- Black pepper: Essential for that signature “pepper” in pepper steak! The amount of black pepper can be adjusted according to your heat preference. For those who enjoy an extra spicy kick, feel free to double or even triple the amount of black pepper. For a different kind of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added.
- Water: This is a crucial liquid element, necessary for generating the steam needed for pressure cooking and for cooking the jasmine rice perfectly. It also helps to create the savory sauce base. For an even richer, deeper flavor profile, you can substitute beef broth or chicken broth for the water, adding more umami to the dish.
- Jasmine rice: Known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky, tender texture, jasmine rice cooks wonderfully in the Instant Pot alongside the steak. If jasmine rice isn’t available, standard plain long-grain white rice can be used. Just remember that long-grain white rice typically requires a bit more water (usually double the amount of rice) and potentially a minute longer cook time to achieve the same tender consistency.
- Green and red bell peppers: These colorful peppers not only add fantastic visual appeal to your dish but also contribute a sweet, fresh crunch. You can use any combination of bell pepper colors you prefer – yellow and orange bell peppers are also excellent choices and contribute to a vibrant and appetizing meal. Slice them into consistent strips for even and quick cooking.
- Green onions: Chopped green onions are a fantastic garnish, adding a fresh, slightly pungent flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the finished dish. Chives or finely sliced shallots can be used as elegant alternatives, or you can omit them entirely if preferred, though they do add a nice freshness.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, whether black or white, adds a lovely nutty crunch and an authentic Asian touch as a final garnish. They are optional but highly recommended for enhancing both the presentation and the textural complexity of the dish.
Effortless Steps to Crafting Perfect Instant Pot Pepper Steak
Making this delicious pepper steak in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, transforming a few simple steps into a rich and satisfying meal. Follow these easy instructions for a mouthwatering dinner that’s ready in record time. The key lies in layering the ingredients correctly to ensure everything cooks evenly and to perfection.
Step 1: Layer the Foundation Ingredients in Your Instant Pot
Begin by carefully adding the first 10 ingredients to your Instant Pot inner pot, in the precise order specified: first, a tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the thinly sliced yellow onion, then the sirloin steak pieces. Next, pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and add the minced garlic and black pepper. Finally, add the water and then the jasmine rice. It’s crucial to layer them without stirring the rice into the liquid. Gently push the rice down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid, but resist the urge to stir it. This layering technique helps prevent the dreaded “BURN” error message and ensures the rice cooks evenly, absorbing all the fantastic flavors from the sauce, while the steak tenderizes perfectly above it.
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Once your ingredients are meticulously layered in the pot, secure the Instant Pot lid firmly and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting, then set the cooking time for a precise 3 minutes on high pressure. Your Instant Pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to build up to the required pressure before the actual 3-minute cooking cycle begins. This short, high-pressure cooking time is precisely what’s needed to achieve wonderfully tender sirloin steak and perfectly cooked, fluffy rice, without overdoing either ingredient.
Step 3: Perform a Quick Pressure Release
As soon as the 3-minute cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, it’s time to carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. To do this, switch the steam release valve from “Sealing” to “Venting” (or press the quick release button, depending on your specific Instant Pot model). Always be cautious of the hot steam escaping from the valve, and keep your hands and face clear. Once the float valve drops completely, indicating that all internal pressure has been safely released, it’s safe to open the lid.
Step 4: Stir in the Fresh Bell Peppers
Now, for the vibrant addition of the bell peppers! Open the lid and immediately stir in your freshly chopped green and red bell peppers. The purpose of adding them at this stage is to leverage the residual heat within the Instant Pot and the warmth of the hot rice and sauce. This gentle heat will allow the peppers to soften slightly, reaching a delightful crisp-tender texture, while retaining their beautiful vibrant color and fresh flavor. This crucial step prevents them from becoming mushy or overcooked, a common pitfall when cooking vegetables in a pressure cooker from the start.
Step 5: Allow the Dish to Rest and Soften
After stirring in the bell peppers, simply replace the Instant Pot lid (you do not need to seal it or turn on any cooking functions again). Allow the entire dish to sit undisturbed for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period is absolutely essential for two key reasons: it provides sufficient time for the bell peppers to continue steaming and softening to that perfect, tender-crisp bite, and it also allows all the incredible flavors within the dish to meld together even more deeply. Additionally, the rice will continue to absorb any remaining sauce, becoming even fluffier and more flavorful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Finally, remove the lid to reveal your beautifully cooked Instant Pot Pepper Steak. Give the dish a final gentle stir to combine all the elements, then carefully transfer generous portions into your serving bowls. To finish, garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions, which add a burst of freshness and color, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and authentic Asian touch. Serve immediately and savor the rich flavors and tender textures of your homemade Instant Pot Pepper Steak – a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
Pro Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Instant Pot Pepper Steak
While this Instant Pot Pepper Steak recipe is fantastic as is, there are always ways to elevate the flavors and customize it to your liking. Here are some expert tips and delicious variations to make your dish truly unforgettable:
- Sear the Steak First for Deeper Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor and a more complex texture, consider searing your sirloin steak pieces before adding the other ingredients. Use the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice, caramelized crust forms. Remove the steak and set aside, then proceed with adding the onions and remaining ingredients. This caramelization process (Maillard reaction) significantly boosts the meat’s savory notes, creating a richer overall dish.
- Create a Vibrant Veggie Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just bell peppers! This dish is incredibly forgiving and welcomes a variety of vegetables. Try adding sliced mushrooms, florets of broccoli, tender snow peas, or even thin slices of carrots. The key is to add tougher vegetables (like broccoli or carrots) along with the bell peppers during the resting phase, so they gently cook through without becoming mushy. Softer veggies like snow peas can be stirred in right before serving for a fresh crunch. You truly can’t go wrong experimenting with your favorite vegetables here, making it a versatile meal prep option!
- Boost Flavor with Savory Beef Broth: For an even richer, more profound umami flavor in your sauce and rice, substitute low-sodium beef broth for the water called for in the recipe. The broth adds a depth and complexity that water alone simply cannot provide, taking your pepper steak to a new level of deliciousness. Chicken broth can also be used if you prefer a slightly lighter flavor profile, but beef broth truly shines here.
- Thicken the Sauce for a Luxurious Finish: If you prefer a thicker, more luscious sauce that coats the steak and rice beautifully, you can easily achieve this after the pressure cooking is complete. Once you’ve done the quick release and stirred in the peppers, turn on the “Sauté” function (set to low heat) and add a cornstarch slurry. To make the slurry, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This simple step adds a wonderful gloss and body to your pepper steak.
- Experiment with Spice Levels: The recipe calls for black pepper, but feel free to adjust the heat to your personal preference. If you love a fiery kick, double or even triple the amount of black pepper for a bolder flavor. For a different type of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha can be added to the sauce before cooking, or simply served on the side for individual customization, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred level of spice.
Common Questions About Instant Pot Pepper Steak
To help you master this delightful Instant Pot Pepper Steak and ensure your cooking experience is seamless, here are detailed answers to some frequently asked questions:
How Can I Guarantee My Steak is Exceptionally Tender?
Achieving truly tender steak is paramount to a perfect pepper steak, and while the Instant Pot does a great job, there’s a secret chef’s trick for extra succulence. Beyond the Instant Pot’s natural tenderizing abilities, you can pre-treat your sirloin steak for an even more melt-in-your-mouth texture. Marinate the thinly sliced steak pieces in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of baking soda (for a 12oz steak) for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the Instant Pot. The baking soda helps to gently break down the muscle fibers, while the cornstarch creates a protective coating that locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly succulent and tender beef that mimics the texture often found in Asian stir-fries. This technique is often referred to as “velveting” and guarantees a superior texture.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Thicker, Richer Sauce?
If you prefer your pepper steak with a more substantial, gravy-like sauce that beautifully clings to the meat and rice, it’s very easy to achieve this after the pressure cooking process. Once the main pressure cooking cycle is complete and you’ve performed the quick pressure release, remove the lid. Then, turn on the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot (set to low heat). In a small separate bowl, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will visibly thicken to your desired consistency as it heats. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken slightly more as it cools.
Why Is It Important to Add the Bell Peppers at the End?
This is a crucial tip for anyone who dislikes mushy or overcooked vegetables! The primary reason we instruct you to wait until after the pressure cooking is complete and then stir the peppers into the hot dish is to preserve their ideal texture and vibrant color. If bell peppers are cooked under high pressure for the full duration of the recipe, they become severely overcooked, soft, and lose their appealing crisp-tender crunch and bright, fresh hue. By adding them at the very end, the residual heat from the Instant Pot, combined with the warmth of the piping hot rice and savory sauce, gently steams them just enough to soften them slightly, allowing them to remain perfectly crisp-tender. This ensures your pepper steak has a delightful textural contrast and an appetizing visual appeal, free from any soggy or unappealing bell peppers.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Instant Pot Pepper Steak
This Instant Pot Pepper Steak is a truly complete and satisfying meal in itself, featuring succulent steak, fragrant jasmine rice, and tender-crisp bell peppers all in one pot. However, if you’re looking to round out your meal or offer a little something extra to complement its rich flavors, these side dishes pair beautifully:
- A Simple Green Salad or Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A light, crisp salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pepper steak. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing, or a refreshing Korean cucumber salad, can cleanse the palate and add a fresh, vibrant element to your meal, balancing the meal beautifully.
- Additional Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: While bell peppers are included in the main dish, you might want to add more vegetables for extra nutrients, texture, and variety. Steamed broccoli, tender asparagus spears, crisp green beans, or even roasted carrots with a light seasoning would be excellent choices, adding more color and goodness to your plate without overpowering the main dish.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Naan: For those who love to soak up every last drop of the delicious soy-pepper sauce – and believe us, you’ll want to! – a piece of warm, crusty bread, soft garlic naan, or even some homemade flatbread would be an ideal accompaniment. It’s perfect for mopping up the savory gravy, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
- Crispy Egg Rolls or Fresh Spring Rolls: If you’re aiming for a more elaborate Asian-inspired feast, serving crispy, savory egg rolls or light, fresh spring rolls alongside your pepper steak can add an exciting element and an enjoyable textural contrast, making your dinner feel like a restaurant experience.
- Kimchi or Pickled Vegetables: For a tangy, fermented kick that adds complexity and brightness, a small serving of kimchi or other quick-pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the steak and add a vibrant, zesty dimension to each bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Instant Pot Pepper Steak
This Instant Pot Pepper Steak makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or effortless dinners throughout the week. Properly storing and reheating ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come:
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Instant Pot pepper steak should be transferred to an airtight container as soon as it has cooled to room temperature, ideally within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety and maintain freshness. Store it securely in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This makes it a perfect dish for weekly meal planning and healthy lunches on the go.
Reheating from the Fridge: To reheat, simply place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth (about a tablespoon per serving) to prevent drying out the rice and steak. Stir occasionally until warmed completely. For best results, avoid over-reheating, which can make the steak tough and the rice dry.
Freezing for Longer Storage: This pepper steak freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for long-term meal prep or stocking your freezer with convenient meals. Allow the entire dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer individual portions into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Always label with the date for easy tracking.
Defrosting and Reheating from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen portion, transfer the container or bag to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight for the best results. Once thawed, reheat it using the microwave or stovetop method described above. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take longer – expect around 5-7 minutes in the microwave, stirring halfway, or longer on the stovetop. You may also need to add a bit more liquid (water or broth) to help rehydrate the rice and sauce and ensure moisture.
More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the ease and flavor of this Instant Pot Pepper Steak, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen powerhouse, perfect for creating a wide variety of quick, healthy, and delicious meals. Explore more of my favorite Instant Pot recipes to simplify your cooking and expand your meal repertoire.
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Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with Rice
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Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls
Essential Meal Prep Tools for Instant Pot Pepper Steak Success
Having the right tools can make your cooking and meal prep experience much smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items that will help you master this Instant Pot Pepper Steak recipe and streamline your kitchen routine, making healthy eating easier than ever:
- The Instant Pot DUO Plus: This is the exact model of Instant Pot used to develop and test this recipe, ensuring consistent and reliable results every time. Its versatile multi-functional capabilities make it an indispensable kitchen appliance for creating quick and easy meals like this pepper steak, handling everything from pressure cooking to sautéing with ease. Find the Instant Pot DUO Plus here and elevate your cooking.
- High-Quality Glass Meal Prep Bowls: For perfectly storing your delicious leftovers or prepping future meals, investing in durable, airtight glass meal prep bowls is a game-changer. They are ideal for refrigerating and freezing individual portions of your pepper steak, as they are microwave-safe, oven-safe, and won’t stain or retain odors, ensuring your food tastes fresh every time. Stock up on reliable glass meal prep bowls for smart food storage.
- Premium Grass-Fed Beef: The quality of your steak significantly impacts the final taste and tender texture of your pepper steak. For superior flavor, optimal nutrition, and enhanced tenderness, I highly recommend sourcing grass-fed sirloin. I personally get my high-quality, ethically sourced grass-fed beef from Butcher Box, which delivers exceptional meats right to your door, ensuring you always have the best ingredients for your meals.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A good quality, sharp chef’s knife is an invaluable tool for preparing this recipe efficiently and safely. It’s essential for thinly slicing your sirloin steak, as well as expertly chopping the bell peppers and onions with precision. A well-maintained, sharp knife makes meal prep quicker, safer, and much more enjoyable.
- Sturdy Cutting Board: Always use a sturdy, non-slip cutting board to protect your countertops and provide a stable surface for all your chopping and slicing needs. This ensures safety and efficiency during ingredient preparation.
Quick & Easy Instant Pot Pepper Steak: Tender Beef & Bell Peppers
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 12 oz sirloin steak, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white wine/apple cider vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic minced (fresh is best!)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (double for extra spice!)
- 1 cup water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (or any color bell pepper)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
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Add olive oil, onions, steak, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, black pepper, water and jasmine rice to the Instant Pot in that order, gently pushing rice underneath the liquid as much as possible but not stirring.
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Secure the lid and set vent to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. The Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to preheat before the cooking cycle. Do a quick release of the pressure. When safe to do so, open lid and stir in bell peppers, then replace lid and let sit for 5-10 minutes until veggies soften to tender-crisp.
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Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Pepper Steak!
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Notes
You can use regular long-grain white rice instead of jasmine, but be sure to increase the amount of water to 1.5 cups for optimal cooking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
This pepper steak freezes well for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
