Steaming Ceramics: Pressure Cooker Cup Conundrum

It is possible to steam a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker, but it should be noted that this method of cooking is called 'pot-in-pot' and requires the use of a trivet or rack to suspend the cup above the water at the bottom of the pressure cooker. This is to avoid thermal shock, which can cause glass to crack or shatter. It is also important to ensure that the cup is made from food-grade materials and is oven-safe.

Is it safe to steam a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker?

It is generally safe to steam a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to use a container that is made of food-grade materials and is oven-safe. Ceramic cups are usually made of food-grade materials, but it is always good to check. Additionally, make sure that your ceramic cup does not have any cracks or imperfections, as this could cause it to break under pressure.

Secondly, when using a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker, it is crucial to avoid thermal shock. Thermal shock can occur when a glass or ceramic object is subjected to rapid temperature changes, such as placing a cold object on a hot surface or vice versa. To avoid thermal shock, do not place your ceramic cup directly on the bottom of the pressure cooker, and always use a trivet or rack to elevate it.

Thirdly, ensure that there is sufficient clearance between the ceramic cup and the walls of the pressure cooker. The steam needs to be able to circulate and escape, so leave at least a 1/2-inch gap around the cup.

Finally, it is important to note that ceramic takes longer to heat up and cool down than other materials like stainless steel. This can affect your cooking time, so plan accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use a ceramic cup for steaming or pot-in-pot cooking inside a pressure cooker.

What are the pros and cons of using a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker?

Using a ceramic cup inside a pressure cooker has its pros and cons.

Firstly, it is important to note that a ceramic cup can be used inside a pressure cooker, as long as it is labelled oven-safe. However, it is best to proceed with caution as not all brands have been tested and proven safe.

Now, here are the pros and cons:

Pros

• Ceramic cups are non-stick, making them super easy to clean.
• They heat up faster than stainless steel, which means less cooking time.
• Ceramic-coated cookware is cheaper than stainless steel.
• Ceramic cups are lighter than stainless steel, making them easier to handle.
• Ceramic coating minimises the need for oil, which is healthier and reduces waste.

Cons

• Metal utensils can scratch the ceramic coating inside the cup.
• Ceramic coating may not last as long as stainless steel.
• There is a risk of thermal shock, which can cause the cup to crack or shatter if a hot cup is placed on a cold surface or vice versa.
• A cold ceramic cup placed directly into the pressure cooker can increase the chances of it shattering.
• Some sources suggest that glass or ceramic materials are not ideal for "pot-in-pot" cooking as they absorb heat, which may require an additional 5 minutes of cooking time under pressure.

What are the best materials for steaming inside a pressure cooker?

When it comes to steaming food inside a pressure cooker, there are a variety of materials that can be used. Here are some of the best options:

Stainless Steel

This material is widely recommended for steaming inside a pressure cooker. It is durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and compatible with most pressure cookers. Stainless steel has a relatively high heat transfer rate, so it heats up quickly and evenly. Additionally, it is easy to find and affordable, making it a convenient choice.

Silicone

Silicone is a flexible and dishwasher-safe option for steaming. It is particularly useful for steaming delicate foods as it is gentle and slow to heat up. However, some people avoid it due to its tendency to retain flavours from previous dishes and the dishwashing detergent.

Glass

Glass kitchenware, such as Pyrex, can also be used for steaming. It is essential to ensure that the glass is oven-safe and free from any chips or cracks. Glass has a slower heat transfer rate compared to metal, so it takes longer to heat up and cool down. To avoid thermal shock, glassware should not be placed directly on the bottom of the pressure cooker; instead, use a rack or trivet to suspend it above the water.

Ceramic

Ceramic bowls and mugs can be used for steaming inside a pressure cooker. Similar to glass, ceramic has a slower heat transfer rate and should be handled with care to avoid thermal shock. It is a good option for dishes that require slower, gentler cooking, such as bread pudding.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a good conductor of heat and transfers the most heat to the food. However, it is delicate and can react with acidic foods, so it requires careful handling.

Steamer Baskets and Colanders

Using a steamer basket or a colander made from heat-proof material is a convenient way to steam food inside a pressure cooker. These allow steam to circulate effectively and make it easier to remove food after the cooking cycle.

What foods can be cooked using the pot-in-pot method?

The pot-in-pot (PIP) method is a cooking technique where you cook food in a separate dish that's placed on a trivet inside your pressure cooker. This method is useful for cooking dishes that don't contain much liquid, such as:

• Rice
• Steel-cut oats
• Quinoa
• Casseroles
• Desserts
• Meatloaf
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Chicken curry
• Jasmine rice
• Korean beef
• Brown rice
• Sloppy Joes
• Fingerling potatoes
• Kung Pao chicken
• White rice
• Meatballs and marinara
• Whole wheat pasta
• General Tso's chicken
• Thai Panang curry
• Sweet and sour chicken
• Honey adobo chicken
• Baby potatoes
• Chickpea curry
• Basmati rice

How does steaming inside a pressure cooker work?

Steaming inside a pressure cooker is a great way to cook food without having to worry about it drying out or getting watered down. It's also a useful way to cook multiple things at once. Here's how it works:

The first thing to know is that you'll need a trivet or steamer basket to place inside your pressure cooker. This will act as a rack to hold your food and keep it suspended above the water at the bottom of the pot. You'll also need to add enough water to the inner pot—for a 6-quart pot, use 1 cup of water, and for an 8-quart pot, use 1.5 cups.

Once you've got your trivet and water sorted, it's time to choose the right container for your food. Metal, silicone, and glass or ceramic containers can all be used for steaming inside a pressure cooker, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Metal containers, like stainless steel bowls or dog bowls, are a great option because they transfer heat well and are usually dishwasher-safe.
• Silicone containers are a popular choice for steaming cakes, bread, and meatloaf, but they can take longer to cook food and may retain flavours from previous dishes.
• Glass or ceramic containers that are oven-safe can technically be used for steaming, but proceed with caution as they can be more delicate and may not have been tested for use in a pressure cooker. Always check for cracks or imperfections before using, as the pressure could cause the glass to shatter.

When choosing a container, make sure it's made from food-grade materials and doesn't have any lettering or decorations that might flake off into your food. Avoid using plastic, as it will melt, and don't use anything that seals completely, as it could build up dangerous levels of pressure.

Once you've chosen your container, place your food inside and set it on the trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. Make sure there's at least a 1/2-inch clearance around the container to allow steam to rise and cook your food. You can also stack multiple containers to cook different things at once, but be aware that this will affect your cooking time.

When it comes to cooking time, you usually don't need to add any extra time when using the pot-in-pot steaming method. However, if your container has a lid, you may need to add an extra minute or two. Just be mindful of the different cooking times for the foods you're preparing, as you don't want one dish to be overcooked while another is still undercooked.

Tips for Steaming in a Pressure Cooker:

• Always use room-temperature containers, as placing a cold dish into the pressure cooker could cause it to shatter.
• Avoid setting a hot dish on a cold surface or a cold dish on a hot surface to prevent thermal shock, which can cause glass to crack or shatter.
• If your container is wide, use a sling or tin foil to help you lift it out, as it will likely be too hot to touch.
• Remember that glass and ceramic hold heat longer than stainless steel, while silicone doesn't heat up as quickly, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Frequently asked questions