Steaming Noodles: Instant Pot Steamer Basket Cooking Guide

Noodles are a type of pasta, and there are several ways to cook pasta in an instant pot. The instant pot is a great way to cook pasta because it saves time and effort. You can cook pasta in an instant pot by adding the pasta and water to the pot, adding salt and olive oil, and then pressure cooking. The amount of water added depends on the type of pasta being cooked. For example, longer noodles like spaghetti or fettuccini may require more water to be completely submerged. On the other hand, shorter noodles like macaroni or penne may only need enough water to barely cover them. The amount of time needed to pressure cook the pasta also depends on the type of pasta and the amount of water added. Generally, the cook time ranges from 1 to 4 minutes. After pressure cooking, it is important to allow the pressure to naturally release for about 2 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

How to cook different types of noodles in an instant pot steamer basket

An Instant Pot steamer basket is a great accessory to have as it can be used in several ways. It is a simple tool that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including different types of noodles. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook different types of noodles in an Instant Pot steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Before cooking, it is important to prepare the noodles by breaking them in half, especially if they are long and straight noodles like spaghetti, fettuccini, or linguini. This will ensure that the noodles can be easily submerged in water and will help prevent them from sticking together during cooking.

Step 2: Add Water and Noodles to the Instant Pot

Combine the noodles and water in the Instant Pot. The amount of water to be added depends on the amount of noodles being cooked. A good rule of thumb is to use enough water to just cover the noodles. However, it is okay if a piece or two of pasta is sticking out of the water. For long, straight noodles, add enough water to completely cover the pasta.

Step 3: Add Salt and Olive Oil (Optional)

Adding a teaspoon of salt per 4 ounces of water and a tablespoon of olive oil per 8 ounces of water is optional but recommended. This step helps to flavour the noodles and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

The cooking time will depend on the type of noodle being cooked and the amount of water in the pot. Generally, thinner noodles like angel hair pasta will need less time, around 1 minute, while thicker noodles like penne or ziti will need closer to 4 minutes. It is important to refer to the cooking instructions on the noodle package and adjust the time accordingly. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for the desired time.

Step 5: Natural and Quick Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 2 minutes. Then, quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure valve. It is normal for some starchy water to spew out during the pressure release, and adding extra oil before cooking can help minimise this.

Step 6: Stir and Rest the Noodles

After releasing the pressure, open the lid and give the noodles a good stir. This will help to absorb any remaining water and separate any noodles that may be stuck together. Close the lid again, but do not lock it, and let the noodles rest for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the noodles to absorb any remaining liquid and continue cooking in the residual heat, resulting in perfectly cooked noodles.

Using an Instant Pot steamer basket to cook noodles is a convenient and efficient method. It eliminates the need for a separate pot of boiling water and simplifies the cooking process. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily cook different types of noodles in your Instant Pot steamer basket and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal.

The best types of steamer baskets for cooking noodles

Noodles can be cooked in an Instant Pot in a few simple steps. First, add the noodles and water to the Instant Pot liner, ensuring that the noodles are just barely submerged. Then, add a teaspoon of salt per 4 ounces of water and a tablespoon of olive oil per 8 ounces of water to flavour the noodles and prevent them from sticking together. Next, pressure cook the noodles for 1-4 minutes, depending on the amount of water and thickness of the noodles. Finally, allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

When it comes to choosing the best steamer basket for cooking noodles, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the material of the steamer basket is important. Stainless steel steamer baskets, such as the KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket, are durable, sturdy, and able to fit in a variety of pot sizes. They are also suitable for use in Instant Pots and other pressure cookers. However, they can be more difficult to clean due to their perforated metal "petals". Silicone steamer baskets, such as the OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer, are easy to clean, flexible, and can fit into a variety of pot sizes, including pressure cookers. However, they may not hold items securely in place, especially if the food is sticky or delicate.

Another factor to consider is the size of the steamer basket. If you plan on cooking for a large crowd, a larger steamer basket like the Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Folding Steamer Insert, which can fit up to 23 dumplings, may be a good option. However, if you only plan on using the steamer basket occasionally or for a smaller household, a smaller basket like the Consevisen Steamer Basket Stainless Steel would be more suitable. Additionally, the shape of the steamer basket can affect its capacity. Steamer baskets with a flatter design, like the KitchenAid Universal Steamer Basket, offer more surface area to place food without overcrowding. This is especially useful when cooking items that need to be spaced out, such as dumplings.

Handles are another important feature to consider when choosing a steamer basket. The OXO Good Grips Silicone Steamer has double silicone handles that stay cool to the touch, making it easy and safe to manage straight out of the pot. Other steamer baskets have handles with holes built-in, which are perfect for slipping the tines of a fork into for easy lifting. Some steamer baskets also have telescoping handles, which are designed to keep your hands away from hot food and steam. However, these handles may not always function correctly or may become wobbly after use, so it is important to check reviews before purchasing.

How to cook other foods in an instant pot steamer basket

An instant pot steamer basket can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, proteins, and even pasta. Here are some tips and instructions on how to cook different foods in an instant pot steamer basket:

Cooking Vegetables

Steaming vegetables is a simple and healthy way to prepare them. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still achieve effective steaming. Here are some alternative methods:

• Using a Plate and Tinfoil: Fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water and place three golf ball-sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom. Rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until crisp-tender.
• Microwave Steaming: Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water. Cover with plastic wrap and cook until crisp-tender. This method is quick but may result in a slightly shrivelled appearance.
• Steaming in Water: Fill a pot with 1/2 inch of water, add the vegetables, cover, and cook until crisp-tender. This method works well for firmer vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but starchy vegetables like potatoes may become watery.

Cooking Proteins

Steaming is also a great way to cook proteins such as chicken, fish, shellfish, and tofu. Here are some tips:

• For chicken, steaming preserves the moisture and results in tender meat.
• For fish, steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook, and you can add flavours like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
• Shellfish like shrimp and mussels can also be steamed.
• Tofu can be steamed and then used in stir-fries or salads.

Cooking Pasta

The instant pot steamer basket can also be used to cook pasta. Here are the steps:

• Add pasta and water to the instant pot. The amount of water will depend on the type of pasta. For longer pasta like spaghetti, fill the pot until the pasta is completely covered. For shorter pasta, use just enough water to barely submerge the pasta.
• Add a teaspoon of salt per 4 ounces of water and a tablespoon of olive oil per 8 ounces of water to flavour the pasta and prevent sticking.
• Pressure cook the pasta. The cooking time will depend on the amount of water and the thickness of the pasta. Generally, thinner pasta like angel hair will take less time (around 1 minute) while thicker pasta like penne or ziti may take up to 4 minutes.
• Allow for natural release for 2 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
• Stir the pasta well to absorb any remaining water.

Additional Tips:

• The instant pot steamer basket can also be used to cook multiple types of food at once, such as different types of pasta or vegetables. Simply place them in the steamer basket, add water, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• The steamer basket can also double as a colander, making it a versatile and space-saving tool in the kitchen.

How to clean an instant pot steamer basket

To clean an Instant Pot steamer basket, start by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool down. Separate the lid and interior pot from the housing unit.

The inner pot, sealing ring, lid, and steam rack are all dishwasher-safe, so you can opt to place them in the dishwasher. If you prefer to hand-wash, fill the inner pot and steam rack with warm, soapy water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

To clean the lid, start by removing the silicone sealing ring and the anti-block shield. The sealing ring can be soaked in vinegar to remove odours, hand-washed in soapy water, or placed in the dishwasher. The anti-block shield should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water and dried with a clean cloth.

Once the sealing ring and anti-block shield are removed, the lid can be washed in warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher. Check the steam release valve and float valve to ensure they are clear of food particles.

The exterior of the housing unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and tough stains. Remember to avoid submerging the housing unit in water, as it contains electronic components. Use a small brush to remove dried food residue in the recessed area of the housing unit.

Reassemble the Instant Pot once all parts are clean and dry. Ensure that the sealing ring, anti-block shield, and float valve are securely in place.

How to cook noodles in an instant pot without a steamer basket

Step 1: Add the noodles and water

Place your noodles in the liner of the pressure cooker and fill with just enough water to cover the noodles. Using too much water will require you to drain the noodles before serving, while using too little water may burn the noodles. A good formula to remember is to double the amount of water for the ounces of noodles you have. For example, use 16oz of water for 8oz of noodles. It's okay if a piece or two of noodles are sticking out of the water.

Step 2: Add salt and olive oil

Add a good shake of salt (about a teaspoon per 4oz) and a little bit of olive oil (about a tablespoon per 8oz) to the water. This is optional but recommended as it helps flavour the noodles and keep them from sticking together. It also helps prevent starchy water from spewing out when releasing pressure.

Step 3: Pressure cook

The cooking time will depend on the amount of water in your pot and the thickness/amount of noodles you are cooking. Generally, cooking times range from 1-4 minutes. If the water line is towards the bottom, aim for a longer cooking time (around 4 minutes). If your pot is around half full, go for 2 minutes, and if it's almost full, cook for 1 minute. Thicker noodles like penne or ziti will need more time, while thinner noodles like angel hair will need less time.

Step 4: Natural release, then quick release remaining pressure

Once the cooking cycle is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 2 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure valve on your Instant Pot lid. Stir the noodles well to absorb any remaining water.

Frequently asked questions