Using A Steamer Basket In A Pressure Cooker: Is It Possible?

A steamer basket is a great accessory to have for your pressure cooker. It allows you to cook a variety of foods that are elevated, rather than sitting directly on the surface of the inner pot. This is especially useful for delicate foods like eggs, and for foods that you don't want sitting in the liquid in the base of the pot, such as certain desserts.

When choosing a steamer basket, it's important to select one that is made from heat-resistant material and that fits comfortably inside your pressure cooker. Stainless steel and silicone baskets are both popular options, with silicone being a good choice for those who are short on storage space as they are often collapsible. It's also important to note that if your pressure cooker has a non-stick interior, you should opt for a silicone steamer basket to avoid scratching the surface.

Using a steamer basket is quite simple and mostly involves following the manufacturer's instructions. However, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Firstly, when using water to steam your foods, allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid. Secondly, if your pressure cooker offers multiple pressure levels, always choose the lowest one unless otherwise instructed. And lastly, when preparing seafood or fish, always use the recommended cooking settings to avoid overcooking.

What types of steamer basket are available for pressure cookers?

There are several types of steamer baskets available for pressure cookers. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert. However, there are many other options to choose from, including compartmentalized baskets and multi-level baskets. These types of baskets can be used to cook multiple different foods simultaneously. The food that takes the longest to cook should be placed at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source, while food that cooks quickly should be placed at the top.

If your pressure cooker does not come with a steamer basket insert, you can purchase a collapsible stainless steel steamer that opens and closes like a flower. These are durable, rust-resistant, and available in multiple sizes. If your pressure cooker has a non-stick interior, you should opt for a silicone steamer basket instead of a metal one, which could damage the coating.

What are the advantages of using a steamer basket?

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to seafood to eggs. They are also versatile, fitting into different-sized pots and pans and coming in various materials such as stainless steel, silicone, and bamboo. Here are some advantages of using a steamer basket:

Health Benefits

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook as it doesn't require the use of oil or fat, which can add extra calories and unwanted trans fats. It also helps food retain nutrients, moisture, and natural flavor.

Ease of Use

Steamer baskets are easy to use and don't require any special utensils or cooking tools. They are also usually dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. Additionally, they are lightweight, portable, and super adaptable, turning almost any pot or pan into a steamer.

Food Elevation

Steamer baskets allow for a calmer cooking environment as foods are cooked in a gentle, moist heat. They are also ideal for cooking more delicate foods and for foods that you don't want sitting in the liquid at the base of the pot, such as certain desserts.

Variety of Uses

With a steamer basket, you can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, eggs, chicken, rice, and shellfish. They are also great for reheating precooked or frozen food.

Flavor Enhancement

When using a steamer basket, you can flavor the steaming liquid with vinegar, wine, herbs, broth, or even tomato sauce. This imparts a subtle flavor to the food and can also be used as a sauce.

What foods can be cooked using a steamer basket?

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods. They are a healthy way to prepare food, as they don't require the use of oil or fat, which can add extra calories and unwanted trans fats. Steaming also helps food retain nutrients, moisture, and natural flavour.

Vegetables

Any vegetable, from delicate to hearty, can be steamed. Hearty vegetables like winter squash, beets, broccoli, and potatoes will take longer to steam than tender vegetables like peas, green beans, summer squash, and leafy greens. Steamer baskets are especially useful for cooking tougher vegetables, as they elevate the veggies above the liquid, preventing them from soaking it all up.

Seafood

Steaming is a great way to cook delicate seafood and keep it moist. Shrimp, clams, mussels, salmon, cod, and halibut are just some examples of seafood that can be steamed. Thicker fish fillets can be steamed with or without the skin. Just remember to always use the recommended cooking settings to avoid overcooking.

Eggs

Steaming is a great way to make hard-boiled eggs without the frustration of them rocking and breaking under the pressure.

Dumplings and Buns

A variety of dumplings and buns, from meat-filled to vegetable-packed, can be steamed in any type of steamer basket. If desired, sear the dumplings in a hot skillet with some oil after steaming to develop a crunchy crust.

Bread, Cakes, and Cheesecake

When making desserts like cakes or cheesecake, or even trying your hand at baking bread, a steamer basket can be useful to keep the food above the water or other liquid.

Meat

Meat can be cooked in a steamer basket, but be sure to place it in the bottom basket if using a bamboo steamer, as it will take longer to cook than most other foods.

Rice

Rice is another food that can be easily cooked using a steamer basket.

Reheating Pre-Cooked or Frozen Food

Steaming is an easy way to reheat pre-cooked or frozen food without drying it out.

In addition to the foods mentioned above, almost anything that can be cooked in boiled water can also be cooked using a steamer basket. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite steamed dishes!

How do you use a steamer basket?

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook food in a healthy and nutritious way. They can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, rice, shellfish, fish, eggs, and dumplings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Before using your steamer basket, ensure that you have the right size for your pot or saucepan. The basket should fit snugly inside, with a little space between the bottom of the basket and the water. If you are using a bamboo steamer, opt for a shallow pot so you can easily access the steamer. For metal or silicone steamer baskets, a deeper pot is fine.

Step 2: Add Water to the Pot

Pour approximately one inch of water into the pot. The water level should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket to avoid having too much moisture come into contact with the food. This is especially important when steaming vegetables, as too much water can make them mushy.

Step 3: Prepare Your Food

If using a bamboo steamer, line the bottom of each tray with a lettuce, cabbage leaf, or parchment steamer liner to prevent food from sticking. Then, place your food on top. Spread the food out in a single layer, leaving a little space between items to allow for even cooking.

For metal or silicone steamer baskets, simply place your food and seasoning directly into the basket.

Step 4: Steam Your Food

Place the steamer basket into the pot and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and check on your food regularly to prevent overcooking. The steaming time will vary depending on the type of food you are cooking. For example, vegetables may only need 5-7 minutes, while fish takes 10-15 minutes, and meat can take up to 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Remove Your Food

Once your food is cooked to your desired level, remove it from the steamer basket using utensils such as a fork or tongs. If your steamer basket has handles, you can lift the entire basket out of the pot.

Additional Tips:

• Don't add too much water. The goal is to steam your food, not boil it.
• Check your food regularly to avoid under or overcooking.
• Keep the lid on tightly to retain steam and ensure even cooking.
• Add herbs and spices, or use chicken broth instead of water, for more flavour.
• For a "one-pot meal," layer your ingredients in the basket, with foods that take longer to cook at the bottom and faster-cooking foods at the top.

Using a Steamer Basket with a Pressure Cooker:

When using a steamer basket with a pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines. Here are some additional tips:

• Allow the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid.
• Choose the lowest pressure level unless otherwise instructed.
• Grease or brush the basket slightly when cooking succulent foods or fish to prevent sticking.
• If your pressure cooker does not have a perforated insert, use a collapsible stainless steel steamer or a silicone steamer for non-stick interiors.
• If your pressure cooker came with a perforated insert, it likely also came with a trivet, which should be used in conjunction with the steamer basket to keep it raised out of the steaming liquid.

What are the safety considerations when using a steamer basket?

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to fish to desserts. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using a steamer basket in a pressure cooker:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the steamer basket, including how long to cook specific foods.
• When using water to steam foods, allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid.
• Choose the lowest pressure level on your cooker unless instructed otherwise.
• Use the recommended cooking settings for seafood and fish to avoid overcooking.
• Grease or brush the basket lightly when cooking fish or succulent foods to prevent sticking.
• If your pressure cooker does not have a perforated insert, invest in a collapsible stainless steel steamer that opens and closes like a flower. Ensure it is large enough to maximise the flat surface area for cooking.
• If your pressure cooker came with a perforated insert, it likely also came with a trivet. Always use the trivet to keep the steamer basket raised out of the steaming liquid.
• For electric pressure cookers with non-stick interiors, use a silicone steamer basket to avoid scratching the lining.
• Do not use a bamboo steamer basket as it may not last long.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, a wire mesh basket or a colander made of heat-proof material can be used instead.
• Be cautious when cooking delicate foods like eggs, as they can break under pressure.
• When cooking multiple foods with different cooking times, place the items that require the most time at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source.

Frequently asked questions