Steaming Made Easy: Stackable Inserts For Instant Pot Cooking

Stackable steamer inserts are a great way to cook a variety of foods simultaneously in your Instant Pot. These inserts are perfect for cooking pot-in-pot meals and recipes, steaming vegetables, rice, meat, and fish, and reheating food without losing its original flavour or nutrients. They are usually made of food-grade stainless steel and come with interchangeable lids for multi-functionality. The inserts are compatible with most 6-quart and 8-quart cooker models, including Instant Pot and other brands such as Kuhn Rikon, Power XL, and Cuisinart.

How to steam vegetables, rice, meat, and fish

Stackable steamer inserts are a great way to cook a variety of foods simultaneously in your Instant Pot. Here is a guide on how to steam vegetables, rice, meat, and fish using these inserts.

Steaming Vegetables

Steaming vegetables in stackable inserts is a quick and easy process. First, add water to the Instant Pot, along with the trivet and your desired vegetables. Cut the veggies into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 0 minutes. Release the pressure and season as desired before serving.

Steaming Rice

To steam rice, rinse the desired amount of rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain it well. Add the rice, salt, and water to your Instant Pot and secure the lid. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After the cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for natural release. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Steaming Meat

Steaming meat in the Instant Pot is similar to steaming vegetables. Place the meat in the steamer basket, add liquid to the Instant Pot, and set the basket inside. Secure the lid, bring it to pressure, and cook until the meat is done.

Steaming Fish

To steam fish, add broth, ginger, and garlic to the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside, followed by a piece of aluminum foil. Place your desired fish fillets on the foil, drizzle with soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and cook at low pressure for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Release the pressure, carefully remove the fish, and serve with your choice of sides and sauces.

How to cook pot-in-pot meals

Stackable steamer inserts are a great way to cook multiple meals at the same time in your Instant Pot. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook pot-in-pot meals:

• Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop your vegetables, meat, or fish as needed. You can also season them with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
• Assemble the stackable steamer inserts: Most sets come with two stackable pans, two interchangeable lids, and an interlocking handle. Place the ingredients in the pans, making sure to separate items with different cooking times. Remember, the bottom pan cooks slightly faster than the top one.
• Choose the right lid: Select the appropriate lid for your cooking needs. Use the steaming lid, which has holes, for steaming vegetables, rice, meat, or fish. Opt for the airtight lid for baking, cooking, reheating, or storing food.
• Place the pans in the Instant Pot: Add water to the bottom of your Instant Pot and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the stacked pans, including the handle, inside the cooker. Ensure that the water level is sufficient to generate steam for pressure cooking.
• Cook your meal: Follow the cooking instructions for your specific Instant Pot model and adjust the timing accordingly. If you're cooking pasta or rice using the pot-in-pot method, remember to add water to both the inner pot of your Instant Pot and the pan with the pasta or rice.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully remove the stacked pans from the Instant Pot using the interlocking handle. Serve your delicious pot-in-pot meal and enjoy the convenience of cooking multiple dishes simultaneously!

Remember to always refer to your Instant Pot user manual for specific safety instructions and guidelines. Happy cooking!

How to reheat food without losing flavour or nutrients

Reheating food in stackable steamer inserts in an Instant Pot is a great way to warm up your food without losing its flavour or nutrients. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Prepare your food and Instant Pot:

• Use heatproof containers, such as stainless steel or glass, to store your leftovers in the fridge.
• When you're ready to reheat, place your food containers in the stackable steamer inserts. If using multiple containers, you can stack them on top of each other.
• Add a little bit of water (about 1 tablespoon per cup of food) to your Instant Pot's inner pot. You can also add a bit of oil or fat if your food tends to stick, such as pasta or rice.
• Place the steamer insert with your food containers into the inner pot, making sure it sits on the trivet.
• Cover your food containers with foil to prevent condensation from dripping into your food.

Choose the right settings:

• Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the vent to "sealed".
• Use the "Steam" function and adjust the time according to your food. For most foods, 5 minutes is sufficient, but more delicate items like vegetables may only need 2-3 minutes. If reheating multiple containers or very cold food, you might need 8-10 minutes.
• After the set time, do a quick release of the pressure or let it naturally release, depending on your preference.
• Open the lid and check if your food is heated through. If not, you can always put it back in for a few more minutes.

Other Instant Pot functions for reheating:

Although the "Steam" function is recommended, you can also use other settings like "Sauté", "Slow Cook", or "Keep Warm" to reheat your food. Just be mindful that these options might require more attention and time.

How to use the steamer insert set with different pressure cookers

Stackable steamer inserts are a great way to cook a variety of foods simultaneously in your pressure cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them with different pressure cookers:

Before You Start:

• Ensure your stackable steamer insert set is made of food-grade stainless steel to maintain health and quality standards.
• Check the compatibility of your steamer insert set with your pressure cooker. The insert set should fit comfortably inside your cooker, leaving some space for steam circulation.
• Gather your ingredients and decide which foods you want to cook simultaneously. Steamer inserts are excellent for cooking rice, vegetables, meat, and fish.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the Steamer Inserts: Remove the stainless steel pans from their handle. Place food in both pans and cover them with the appropriate lids. The steaming lid, which has holes, is ideal for steaming vegetables, rice, meat, or fish. The airtight lid is perfect for cooking, reheating, or pot-in-pot cooking.
• Add Water to the Pressure Cooker: Fill the bottom of your pressure cooker with water. The amount of water will depend on your cooker's instructions and the food you are preparing.
• Place the Steamer Inserts Inside: Put the stainless steel pans, including the handle, inside the pressure cooker. Ensure they are securely placed before proceeding.
• Cook as Usual: Follow the standard operating procedure of your pressure cooker to initiate cooking. Remember that the bottom pan cooks slightly faster than the top pan, so adjust your cooking time accordingly, especially if you are preparing meat or dishes that require a longer cooking time.
• Removal and Serving: Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the steamer inserts from the pressure cooker using the handle. Serve your freshly cooked meals and enjoy!

Tips:

• Always refer to the user manual of your pressure cooker for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
• Experiment with different recipes and foods to get the most out of your steamer insert set.
• Clean your steamer inserts promptly after use to maintain their quality and longevity.

How to clean and care for the stackable steamer inserts

To clean and care for your stackable steamer inserts, follow these steps:

• Aozita, LNM, and Sensible Needs stackable steamer inserts are dishwasher-safe, but hand-drying is recommended for a spotless shine.
• Avoid using steel wool, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners.
• If you decide to hand-wash your inserts, use mild detergents and warm water.
• Ensure that you dry your inserts promptly, whether you wash them by hand or in the dishwasher, to prevent spotting, streaking, discolouration, or corrosion.

Frequently asked questions