Instant Pot Steamer Basket: What's Included In The Box?

Instant Pot is a great way to cook healthy and delicious food. It is a versatile and nutritious dish that is easy to make. However, a steamer basket is not one of the accessories delivered with an Instant Pot. It is an additional accessory that needs to be purchased separately. A steamer basket is essential for steaming vegetables, meat, and seafood. It is a standard accessory that fits inside an Instant Pot and allows steam to penetrate the food. It is made from stainless steel, mesh, silicone, or other food-grade materials and usually has stilts and handles for convenience.

Instant Pot steaming recipes

How to steam in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a great way to steam food, from vegetables to meat and seafood. It's a quick and easy way to cook food that retains nutrients and flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming in an Instant Pot:

• Add water: Pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Use less water for smaller quantities of food, and more water if steaming a full basket of veggies or seafood.
• Prepare the trivet: Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. This will hold the food up over the water. Make sure the water doesn't go above the trivet.
• Layer the food: Put the food you want to steam into a steamer basket, placing the items that take longer to cook at the bottom and quicker-cooking items on top. You can also place the food directly on the trivet if you don't have a steamer basket.
• Place the steamer basket: Put the steamer basket on top of the trivet, making sure it's below the top edge of the pot so the lid will fit securely.
• Secure the lid: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place. Check that the arrows on the lid and pot line up.
• Seal the vent: Move the vent switch to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside the pot.
• Press the "Steam" button: Find the "Steam" button on the control panel and press it. You can adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys.
• Listen for the beep: Stay near the pot and listen for the beep that signals the food is done. It's important to release the pressure as soon as the beep sounds to avoid overcooking.
• Release the pressure: Use an oven mitt or kitchen towel to protect your hand from the steam, then move the steam release handle to the left or right to open the vent.
• Open the lid and remove the steamer basket: Carefully open the lid and lift out the steamer basket. Your food is now ready to serve!

Steaming without a steamer basket

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still steam food in your Instant Pot. Here's how:

• Find a clear pot lid: You'll need a regular pot lid to trap the steam inside the Instant Pot.
• Press the sauté function: This will heat the water and create steam without pressure cooking your food.
• Adjust the time: Set the timer on the Instant Pot according to the recommended steam time for your food.
• Wait for the water to boil: Stay near the pot and wait for the water to start boiling. You should see steam rising from the bottom of the pot.
• Add your food: Carefully place your food on top of the Instant Pot rack or directly into the water if using a steamer basket.
• Place the lid on top: Use an oven mitt or kitchen towel to protect your hand from the steam when placing the lid on the pot.
• Check your food: Remove the lid after a couple of minutes to check the texture of your food with a fork. Replace the lid and continue cooking if your food needs more time.
• Cancel when done: Press the "Cancel" button when your food is done to turn off the Instant Pot.

Steaming recipes

Now that you know how to steam in an Instant Pot, here are some delicious recipes to try:

• Vegetables: You can steam almost any type of vegetable in your Instant Pot, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans.
• Idlis: The Instant Pot can steam at least 20 Idlis in one go.
• Dumplings: Chicken dumplings, dim sum, and other types of dumplings can be steamed in the Instant Pot.
• Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs can be made by placing them on a trivet in the Instant Pot, adding a cup of water, and steaming for 4 minutes.
• Meat: You can steam chicken, fish, and other types of seafood in the Instant Pot. Just be sure to adjust the timing and pressure accordingly.
• Biryani: Steam rice separately, then add it to the Instant Pot with cooked meat and gravy for a delicious biryani dish.

Tips for steaming in an Instant Pot

• The Instant Pot comes with a trivet, but you may need to purchase a steamer basket separately.
• Always add enough water to the inner pot before steaming to avoid unsafe pressure levels.
• Allow the water to boil before adding food to the Instant Pot.
• You can steam without a steamer basket by using a colander, trivet, or egg rack.
• Steaming times may vary, so it's important to check your food periodically to avoid overcooking.
• Remember to release the pressure as soon as the beep sounds to prevent overcooking.

What Can I Use If I Don't Have A Steamer Basket?

If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several alternatives you can use. However, it is important to note that Corrie Cooks recommends getting a steamer basket if you are serious about steaming, as they are designed to resist high temperatures and protect your food and pot. With that being said, here are some alternatives that you can use:

• A stainless steel colander or metallic mesh colander
• A DIY steamer basket made from aluminium pie plates
• A plate and some foil
• A splatter screen and a bowl
• A microwave
• A fine-mesh sieve

The main principle behind all of these methods is to keep your food away from the water and expose it to the steam. For example, the plate and foil method involves placing balls of foil in a pot of water, resting a plate on top, and then placing your food on the plate. The pot is then covered, creating a DIY steamer basket. Similarly, the splatter screen and bowl method involves placing a splatter screen on top of your pot, laying down your food, and then covering it with a bowl. The microwave method is also a simple way to steam food, especially vegetables, as you only need a bowl and some microwave-safe plastic wrap.

What Can I Steam In My Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is a great way to steam a variety of foods, from vegetables to seafood to eggs. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of steaming with your Instant Pot.

You can steam just about anything in your Instant Pot that you would normally steam or boil on the stovetop. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetables: Steaming is a great way to cook fresh or frozen vegetables, as it retains their flavour, texture, colour, and nutrients. You can steam a wide variety of vegetables, including broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, corn, potatoes, and more.
• Chicken: Steaming chicken breast in the Instant Pot is a quick and convenient way to prepare shredded chicken for sandwiches or recipes.
• Fish: Fish can be tricky to cook in an Instant Pot, as it's easy to overcook. Steaming is a better approach to ensure your fish is cooked gently and perfectly.
• Potatoes: Like fish, potatoes can be challenging to cook in the Instant Pot because they tend to fall apart if overcooked. Steaming is a more gentle cooking method that will help you achieve the perfect texture.
• Eggs: Steaming eggs in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make hard-boiled eggs in just 5 minutes.
• Fruit: You can steam whole fruit like apples and pears directly on the trivet, or chopped fruit in a heatproof bowl placed on the trivet or in a steamer basket.
• Seafood: You can also steam seafood like clams, shrimp, or prawns in your Instant Pot.

Tips for Steaming in an Instant Pot:

• Use a steamer basket or trivet: Place a steamer basket or the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot to hold your food above the water level. This ensures that your food is steamed rather than boiled.
• Add water: You'll need to add water to the Instant Pot to create steam. Add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket or trivet. This is usually around 1 to 2 cups of water.
• Layer food according to cooking time: If you're steaming multiple types of food in your basket, place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom, closer to the water, and the quicker-cooking foods at the top.
• Secure the lid: Make sure the lid is securely locked in place and the vent is in the sealing position to trap the steam and pressure inside the pot.
• Adjust cooking time: The "Steam" function on the Instant Pot is typically set to 10 minutes on low pressure. You can adjust this time up to 15 minutes or down to 3 minutes, depending on the type of food you're steaming.
• Quick release: When the cooking time is up, be sure to do a quick pressure release by moving the vent into the venting position. This will help prevent overcooking.
• Season to taste: After steaming, season your food with salt, pepper, or other seasonings of your choice to enhance the flavour.

Can I Steam Vegetables Without A Steamer Basket?

Yes, you can steam vegetables without a steamer basket. However, the results will not be the same as when using a steamer basket, and you may find that your vegetables are not cooked evenly or taste watery.

If you are using an Instant Pot, you can place the vegetables directly on the bottom of the pot. However, this method can be dangerous, as it involves handling hot steam.

There are also several makeshift steaming methods you can try that use items you may already have in your kitchen:

• Metal colander or strainer
• Wire cooling rack
• Splatter screen
• Foil pie tin
• Microwave
• Plate on tinfoil

Best steamer baskets

A steamer basket is a handy tool to have in your kitchen, especially if you're a fan of steamed veggies. They're also useful for cooking dumplings, chicken, fish, and more. The best steamer baskets are simple to use, easy to clean, and won't cost a fortune.

KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket

This steamer basket is made of stainless steel and has a sturdy design, large capacity, and polished finish. It fits in smaller saucepans and can also fully expand for larger vessels. It's easy to clean, with a smooth surface that doesn't scratch easily. The KitchenAid steamer basket is also durable, performing well in drop tests. It's Instant Pot-friendly and costs around $18.

OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer

If you're looking for a silicone steamer basket, the OXO Good Grips model is a great choice. It's super easy to clean and stays cool to the touch, even after cooking. The silicone material is naturally non-stick, so food slides right off. It has double silicone handles that are easy to manage, and it's Instant Pot-friendly. You can find it for around $9-$20.

Consevisen Steamer Basket Stainless Steel

For a budget option, the Consevisen steamer basket is a great pick. It performed well in tests, steaming just as well as some of the higher-priced models. It's narrower than other metal steamers, making it ideal for smaller saucepans and Dutch ovens. It's Instant Pot-friendly and usually costs around $13, but you can sometimes find it on sale for $10.

Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Basket

This steamer basket is an official Instant Pot accessory, made from high-quality, food-safe silicone. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 450°F/230°C. However, it doesn't have legs, so it needs to be used with a steam rack or trivet. It's also on the smaller side, but you can stack multiple baskets to steam different types of foods. It's easy to clean and usually costs less than other options.

Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket

The Kitchen Deluxe steamer basket has an extendable handle, silicone feet, and foldable legs. It's adjustable to fit different pot sizes and the silicone legs prevent scratching. It's made of premium quality stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe. The handle is useful for removing the basket from the pot, even with oven mitts. It's Instant Pot-friendly and can fit any size.

Original Sturdy Steamer Basket

If you're looking for a roomy and sturdy option, the Original Sturdy Steamer Basket is a good choice. It's made of quality stainless steel and food-safe silicone. It's safe to use in 6 and 8-quart Instant Pots. It's a large basket, so you can cook a lot of veggies at once. It doesn't fold or collapse for storage, but it is dishwasher-safe.

Hatrigo Steamer Basket

The Hatrigo steamer basket is available in different sizes to fit 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart Instant Pots. It's made of stainless steel and food-safe silicone. It doesn't fold for storage, but it's sturdy and durable. Keep in mind that it has a mesh design, which can be difficult to clean if food gets stuck in the mesh.

Frequently asked questions