Rinse and dry strawberries. Remove the green crowns (tops) and cut in half.
Macerate Strawberries
In a large mixing bowl or the steel pot of Instant Pot (if using IP), add strawberries and sugar. Toss to combine and leave aside for 10 minutes. The strawberries will start releasing their juices.
Instant Pot Method
Close lid and select pressure cook for 1 minute, HIGH pressure. Wait for natural pressure release. Open the lid after the pin drops
Stir in lemon juice and turn on Saute mode. Using a potato masher, mash the strawberries till they break down leaving some chunks.
Simmer to thicken the jam while stirring in between. It takes somewhere between 15-20 minutes, depending on the quantity. If you like the texture really smooth, puree it using an immersion blender.
Stovetop
In a food processor, pulse strawberries until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a wide dutch oven or pasta pot. Tip: Using a wide and tall pot keeps the hot sugar bubbles from flying out of the pan.
Stir in sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently until the jam bubbles and thickens. It can take up 15-20 minutes depending on the quantity. Note: Keep stirring in between to prevent the sugars from burning at the bottom.
Cool and Store
Let the jam cool completely. Store in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Video
Notes
Purchase strawberries during their peak season for the best strawberry jam. This gives you a sweeter jam without having to add a ton of sugar. The season will vary depending on where you live, but the peak season for strawberries is typically late winter - early spring (March-May).
If your strawberries are small(typically ones from the farm are smaller), simply cut off the green tops and leave them whole.
If using the Stovetop method, use a wide and tall pot to keep the hot sugar bubbles from flying out of the pan (a splatter screen comes in handy, too!). Also, make sure to keep stirring in between to prevent the sugars from burning at the bottom.
If you prefer the texture of your strawberry jam really smooth, puree it using an immersion blender.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates for 1 Tablespoon of jam. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.