Steamer Pressure Cooker: Diy Guide To Making Delicious Meals

Pressure cookers are a great way to steam food. They are versatile, fast, and easy to use. You can steam a wide variety of foods in a pressure cooker, including vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and even desserts. The main advantage of using a pressure cooker for steaming is that it helps retain nutrients and is much quicker than traditional stovetop methods. Additionally, pressure cookers are convenient as they eliminate the need for multiple specialised pieces of equipment in your kitchen.

How to steam food in a pressure cooker

Steaming is a healthy and gentle way to prepare food, and a pressure cooker provides the best solution as it encloses steam for optimal cooking results.

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

• Fill the pot with a minimum amount of water. The water level should reach the "Min" mark.
• If using a steamer basket, allow the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker.
• If your pressure cooker has multiple pressure levels, always choose the lowest setting unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer.
• If cooking seafood or fish, grease or brush the basket with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
• Place the tripod or trivet inside the pressure cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

• Place the food in the perforated insert, steamer basket, or colander.
• Foods with similar cooking times can be steamed together. Place foods that require more cooking time at the bottom of the basket, closer to the heat source.
• You can flavour the steaming water with wine, herbs, vinegar, broth, or tomato sauce. This liquid can then be used as a sauce for the food.

Step 3: Steam the Food

• Place the insert/basket containing the food into the pressure cooker, on top of the tripod/trivet.
• Set the cooking crown to "Steam cooking" and heat for the regular duration.
• Since this method does not build up pressure, the pot can be opened at any time without prior steaming.

Tips:

• If steaming multiple foods together, use separate inserts/baskets or colanders for each food to avoid mixing flavours.
• You can steam rice and pasta in a pressure cooker by placing them in a steamer insert or colander.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for using your specific pressure cooker model.

The difference between pressure cooking and steaming

Pressure cooking and steaming are two different methods of cooking food that both involve the use of steam. However, there are several key differences between the two techniques, as well as some similarities.

Similarities

Both pressure cooking and steaming are healthier alternatives to traditional cooking methods, as they do not require the use of oil. They are also both time and energy-efficient, making them convenient options for busy individuals. Additionally, both methods involve cooking with steam generated by boiling water in an enclosed container.

Differences

The main difference between pressure cooking and steaming lies in the pressure and temperature at which they cook food. Pressure cookers use high-pressure water vapour at temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius, while steamers always cook at 100 degrees Celsius, the boiling point of water. As a result, pressure cookers cook food faster than steamers.

Another difference is the variety of foods that can be prepared using each method. Pressure cookers offer more versatility and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, meat, lentils, potatoes, and even desserts. On the other hand, steamers are typically used for cooking vegetables, chicken, and shellfish, and often have multiple compartments for preparing separate ingredients simultaneously.

In terms of equipment, pressure cookers typically come with a steamer basket insert or a perforated insert that can be used for steaming. Steamers, on the other hand, usually have multiple compartments to cook different foods at the same time.

While both methods have their advantages, the choice between pressure cooking and steaming ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Advantages of using a steamer basket

A steamer basket is a great accessory to have for your pressure cooker. Here are some advantages of using one:

Cooking Variety

Steamer baskets can be used to prepare a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, and even desserts like cakes, bread, and cheesecake. This makes them very versatile, especially when cooking multiple dishes at once.

Nutrient Preservation

Steaming is a healthy cooking method as it helps preserve vitamins and minerals. By using a steamer basket, you can gently cook your food without losing valuable nutrients.

Faster Cooking

Steaming in a pressure cooker is much faster than traditional stovetop methods. The high pressure and temperature exceed the normal boiling point of water, reducing cooking time significantly.

Easy to Use and Clean

Steamer baskets are simple to use, following the manufacturer's instructions. They are also usually dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Delicate Food Handling

Steaming is ideal for delicate foods like eggs, as they won't break under pressure. The basket keeps them elevated, preventing movement and breakage.

Flavour Enhancement

While steam imparts a minimal amount of flavour, you can enhance your dish by using flavoured steaming liquids. Try using broth, wine, or tomato sauce, and then use the leftover liquid as a sauce for your food.

How to use a steamer basket

Using a steamer basket is a healthy and simple way to prepare food. Steaming food helps retain nutrients, moisture, and natural flavour, and it doesn't require the use of oil or fat, which can add calories and unwanted trans fats.

Step 1: Find a Fitting Pot

Choose a saucepan or pot that fits your steamer basket. It is best if the steamer basket fits snugly inside the pot or pan. For metal or silicone steamer baskets, a deeper pot is fine. However, for a bamboo steamer basket, which typically consists of several stacked baskets, it is better to use a shallow pot for easier access.

Step 2: Add Water

Pour approximately one inch of water into the pot or pan. Ensure that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket to avoid having too much moisture on your food. This is especially important when steaming vegetables, as too much water can make them mushy.

Step 3: Prepare Your Food

Place your food on top of the steamer basket. If using a bamboo steamer, you can put multiple layers of food, with the items that take the longest to cook, such as meat, in the bottom basket, and quicker-cooking foods like vegetables in the upper baskets. For metal or silicone steamer baskets, simply place your food and seasoning in the basket.

Step 4: Cover and Boil

Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Check on your food regularly to avoid overcooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of food you are steaming.

Step 5: Reduce to a Simmer

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. For bamboo steamers, you can add the steamer basket(s) to the pot now, ensuring that the water level is not too high. Cover the pot again to trap the steam.

Step 6: Remove Your Food

When your food is fully steamed, remove it from the pot using utensils like a fork or tongs. If your steamer basket has handles, you can lift the entire basket out.

Additional Tips:

• Allow the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pot and closing the lid.
• If your pressure cooker has multiple pressure levels, choose the lowest one unless instructed otherwise.
• Grease or brush the basket slightly when cooking succulent food or fish to prevent sticking.
• Always use the recommended cooking settings for seafood or fish to avoid overcooking.
• Check your food regularly, especially when using a new steamer basket, to prevent under or overcooking.
• Ensure a tight-fitting lid to keep more steam in and properly cook your food.
• Add herbs, spices, or broth instead of water to enhance the flavour of your food.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily prepare healthy and delicious meals using your steamer basket.

Instant Pot steaming instructions

Instant Pots are a great addition to your kitchen and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited for steaming. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam with your Instant Pot:

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

You can steam just about anything that can be steamed or boiled on the stovetop. This includes vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruits.

Step 2: Gather your equipment

You will need a steamer basket, a heat-proof bowl or plate, and a trivet or rack. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert. If yours did not, you can use a wire mesh basket, a colander crafted from heat-proof material, or a collapsible stainless steel steamer.

Step 3: Prepare your Instant Pot

Add 1 cup of liquid to the bottom of the Instant Pot inner bowl. You can use water, stock, broth, or even wine, herbs, or vinegar to add a little more flavour. Check your manual to see what the minimum requirement is for your Instant Pot—it will likely be around 1 cup (250ml).

Step 4: Add your ingredients

Place the steamer basket and food into the Instant Pot. If you are steaming small or delicate foods, use the steamer basket. For larger foods, place them directly on the trivet or rack.

Step 5: Secure the lid

Place the lid on top and lock it in place. Make sure the pressure valve is set to "Sealing" mode.

Step 6: Select your cooking program

You can select the "Steam" function on your Instant Pot, or you can choose the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function. The "Steam" function is a preset for high pressure for ten minutes, which can be adjusted up to 15 minutes or down to 3 minutes. The "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function allows you to control the time and pressure level.

Step 7: Select your cooking time

Use the +/- buttons to select the desired cooking time. If you are using the "Steam" function, refer to the steaming time charts for different foods. It can be difficult to get the steaming time just right, so you may need to use trial and error to figure out the best setting for your preferences.

Step 8: Start steaming

Once the steaming time is up, press cancel and perform a quick release to open the Instant Pot.

Tips:

• If you are using a steamer basket, allow the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid.
• If your pressure cooker offers multiple pressure levels, always choose the lowest one unless otherwise instructed.
• When preparing seafood or fish, use the recommended cooking settings to avoid overcooking.
• For cooking succulent food or fish, grease or brush the basket slightly to prevent sticking.
• If your pressure cooker does not have a perforated insert, invest in a collapsible stainless steel steamer.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use the metal trivet or rack that comes with the Instant Pot for larger foods. For smaller foods, place them on a plate or in a bowl on the trivet.
• You can also use rolled-up balls of tin foil to rest a plate or bowl on inside the Instant Pot.
• Alternatively, you can steam food in a heat-proof bowl placed directly in the Instant Pot, as long as the bowl is tall enough to stay above the water line.

Happy steaming!

Frequently asked questions