The 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Black Garlic Recipes (Yes, Really)

By Rossi Voss | January 27, 2025 | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 10–25 mins | Servings: 4 | Cost: $2.50–$3.80/serving

Why 3 Ingredients? Less Stress, More Flavor

You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make something delicious. As a cookbook author who’s written 100 Beginner’s Black Garlic Sauce Cookbook (only $0.99!), I’ve learned that black garlic is the ultimate flavor multiplier—it adds deep umami, sweetness, and complexity with zero effort.

These 3-ingredient Instant Pot recipes prove that minimalism doesn’t mean bland. Just protein + liquid + black garlic, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it took hours.

The Formula: 3 Ingredients, Endless Possibilities

Every recipe follows this simple structure:

1. Protein: Chicken, turkey, beans, or chickpeas
2. Liquid: Broth, coconut milk, or water (4 cups)
3. Black garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp black garlic paste)

That’s it. No sautéing, no spices, no fuss. The Instant Pot does the rest.

1. Instant Pot Black Garlic Chicken & Rice

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 25 mins

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cloves black garlic, minced

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to Instant Pot. Seal → Manual 12 mins → Natural release 10 mins. Fluff rice and serve.

2. Instant Pot Black Garlic Butter Chickpeas

Servings: 4 | Protein: 15g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 35 mins

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cloves black garlic, minced

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to Instant Pot. Seal → Manual 15 mins → Quick release. Mash slightly for a creamy texture.

3. Instant Pot Black Garlic Turkey & Barley

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 45 mins

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup pearl barley
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cloves black garlic, minced

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to Instant Pot. Seal → Manual 25 mins → Natural release 10 mins. Stir and serve.

4. Instant Pot Black Garlic Lentil Dahl

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 25 mins

• 1 cup red lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cloves black garlic, minced

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to Instant Pot. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release. Stir and serve over rice or with naan.

Why Black Garlic Works So Well in the Instant Pot

Black garlic is aged under controlled heat and humidity, transforming it into a soft, sweet, umami-rich ingredient with no sharp bite. In the Instant Pot, its flavor infuses deeply into the cooking liquid, creating a rich base without needing onions, spices, or stock cubes.

Pro Tip: Store extra black garlic paste in the fridge for up to 3 weeks — it keeps forever and elevates everything from scrambled eggs to salad dressings.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

• All four recipes freeze beautifully for 2–3 months.
• Portion into 1–2 cup containers for easy meal prep.
• Reheat in Instant Pot on “Keep Warm” or in microwave with a splash of broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy black garlic?

Look for it in the international aisle of larger grocery stores, Asian markets, or online (Amazon, Thrive Market). Black garlic paste in a tube is even easier to use.

Can I use regular garlic instead?

Regular garlic will work, but you’ll miss the deep umami and sweetness. Black garlic has no substitute — it’s worth buying once to try!

Can I add more ingredients?

Absolutely! After cooking, stir in spinach, coconut milk, or lemon juice. But the beauty of this method is how good it tastes with just three ingredients.

Final Thoughts: Simplicity, Amplified

These 3-ingredient Instant Pot black garlic recipes are proof that simple doesn’t mean boring. With one powerful ingredient and your pressure cooker, you can make meals that taste complex, nourish your body, and fit your busiest days.

I’d love to hear which recipe you try first! Share your results on social media with #RossiVossBlackGarlic, and explore more minimalist cooking in my 100 Beginner’s Black Garlic Sauce Cookbook (Kindle $0.99).

Want more 3-ingredient wins?
Try my 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Black Garlic series and No-Soak Instant Pot Beans for more time-saving hacks.