Steaming, Simmering, And Sizzling: Instant Pot Steamer Insert Pan Recipes

Instant Pots are a great addition to any kitchen. They can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, but they’re particularly well-suited for steaming. This is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients.

There are many steamer insert pans available for Instant Pots, which can be used to steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruits. These pans are usually made of stainless steel or silicone, and they fit snugly into the Instant Pot.

Some Instant Pot models even come with a steamer insert pan, but if yours didn't, there are plenty of options available for purchase.

How to steam vegetables, chicken, fish, eggs and fruit in an Instant Pot

Vegetables

Steaming vegetables in an Instant Pot is super easy and a foolproof method that will give you perfect veggies every time. You can use any vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. Just make sure to cut them into similarly-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Here's what you need to do:

• Add water, a trivet, and veggies to the Instant Pot.
• Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
• Do a quick release of the pressure.
• Season as desired and serve.

You can also use a steamer basket, which most Instant Pot models come with. If you don't have one, you can get a new one online. It's important to keep the vegetables elevated above the water, so they steam instead of boil. You can also place the veggies into a fine mesh sieve made of metal or silicone, but never use plastic as it will melt.

Chicken

Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is easy and yields juicy chicken that you can use for dinner, meal prepping, or any recipes that call for cooked or shredded chicken. Here's a simple method:

• Place the inner pot into the Instant Pot and put the trivet at the bottom.
• Add 1 cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, or juice).
• Place chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer.
• Season with salt and pepper or your desired seasonings.
• Secure the lid and make sure the vent is set to "sealed.".
• Pressure cook on high for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts and whether they are fresh or frozen.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam.

You can also shred the chicken by leaving about 1/2 cup of liquid at the bottom of the pot and using a handheld mixer.

Fish

Steaming fish in an Instant Pot is a great way to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist and perfectly cooked. Here's a recipe for Instant Pot Ginger Scallion Fish:

• Marinate the fish pieces by placing them on a plate and mixing the ingredients for the sauce, pouring it over the fish, and letting it marinate for 20-30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, chop some vegetables and set them aside.
• In the inner liner of your Instant Pot, place 2 cups of water and a steamer.
• Remove the fish from the marinade and place it in a steamer basket. Reserve the marinade.
• Cook the fish for 2 minutes at low pressure and release the pressure immediately.
• Heat a saucepan, add oil, and sauté ginger and scallions until softened.
• Add the reserved marinade and let it boil until cooked through.
• Pour the sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

It's important to cook fish at low pressure to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate meat.

Eggs

You can also make hard-boiled eggs in your Instant Pot in just a few minutes. Here's how:

• Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and position the steam rack. You can also use a metal steam basket on top of the rack.
• Place 5-7 eggs on the steam rack.
• Close the lid and steam valve.
• Select the manual setting and adjust the time to 4 minutes for soft-boiled, 5 minutes for medium-boiled, or 7 minutes for hard-boiled.
• While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a medium metal bowl with ice and water.
• When the eggs are done, place a cool cloth on the lid and quick-release the steam valve.
• Use tongs to transfer the eggs to the ice bath for 1-2 minutes.

Fruits

While there are no specific instructions for steaming fruit in an Instant Pot, you can follow the general guidelines provided by the manufacturer for steaming. The Instant Pot can be used to steam large quantities of food, and its inner pot can be reused for cooking other things since you only need to add water for steaming.

How to use a steamer basket in an Instant Pot

A steamer basket is an indispensable accessory for Instant Pot users. It is one of the healthiest ways to cook as the food retains more flavour, nutrients, and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer basket in an Instant Pot:

• Add 1 cup of liquid to the bottom of the Instant Pot inner bowl. You can use stock or broth to add more flavour to your food.
• Place the steamer basket inside the inner bowl. You can use a metal, silicone, or bamboo steamer basket. If using bamboo, place it on the Instant Pot steam rack/trivet or on three balls of aluminium foil to raise it above the water.
• Add food to the steamer basket.
• Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to 'sealing'.
• Set the Instant Pot to low pressure and select the time. You can use the 'Steam' function, which is a preset for high pressure for ten minutes, or select 'Pressure Cook' (or 'Manual') and set the time manually.
• When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to open the Instant Pot and carefully remove the food.

You can use a steamer basket to cook a wide variety of foods in your Instant Pot, including vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruit.

How to steam in an Instant Pot without a steamer basket

Using the Steam Function

• Add 1 to 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
• Set the trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time. Root vegetables take longer to steam than green veggies, and seafood cooks quickly.
• Place the food on the trivet if you don't have a basket. Avoid overfilling the basket, leaving a little space at the top so the lid will fit securely.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent to the sealing position.
• Press the "Steam" button and adjust the cooking time. Generally, veggies steam in 1 to 5 minutes, but root veggies take longer.
• Listen for the beep that signals the food is done. Release the pressure and open the lid.

Using the Sauté Function

• Find a clear pot lid that fits your Instant Pot.
• Press the sauté function.
• Adjust the time if necessary.
• Wait for the water to boil.
• Toss in your desired veggies. Keep in mind that without a basket, your veggies might boil and become softer.
• Place the clear pot lid on top of your Instant Pot.
• Check your food periodically to see if it’s done.
• Press “Cancel” when the timer goes off or the food is done.

Other Options

• Use the metal trivet or rack that comes with all Instant Pots if the food you are steaming is large enough that it won’t fall between the bars.
• For smaller foods, place the food on a plate or in a bowl and place that on the metal trivet.
• If you don’t have a trivet, use rolled-up balls of tin foil inside the Instant Pot inner bowl to rest a smaller plate or bowl on.
• Alternatively, you can steam food in a heat-proof bowl placed inside the Instant Pot bowl without a trivet, as long as the bowl is high enough to be an inch or two above the waterline.

How to steam in an Instant Pot with no pressure

To steam in an Instant Pot with no pressure, you can use the sauté function. This allows you to heat water to create steam without pressure-cooking your food. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Add Water to the Inner Pot

Firstly, pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This will create the steam to cook your food.

Step 2: Set Up the Steamer Basket and Food

Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the inner pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander, a metal trivet or rack that comes with the Instant Pot, or rolled-up balls of tin foil to elevate your food above the water level.

Then, add your food to the steamer basket or trivet. If you are steaming multiple types of food with different cooking times, place the food that takes longer to cook at the bottom, closer to the water.

Step 3: Cover the Instant Pot

Place a clear pot lid on top of your Instant Pot to trap the steam inside. You can also use the Instant Pot pressure-cooking lid, but make sure the sealing ring has been fitted properly.

Step 4: Turn on the Sauté Function

Press the "Sauté" function button on your Instant Pot. This will heat the water and create steam without pressure-cooking your food.

Step 5: Adjust the Time (Optional)

If you are steaming food that requires a specific steaming time, you can adjust the timer on the Instant Pot accordingly. Press the "+" or "-" buttons to increase or decrease the time.

Step 6: Monitor the Water

Keep an eye on the water and wait for it to start boiling. You will see steam rising from the bottom of the pot when the water reaches a boil.

Step 7: Check Your Food

If you are using the clear pot lid, you can check on your food periodically to see if it is done to your liking. Simply lift the lid and use a fork to check the texture of your food.

Step 8: Cancel the Function When Done

Once your food is steamed to your liking, press the "Cancel" button to turn off the Instant Pot.

Tips:

• If you are steaming multiple types of food, arrange them in the steamer basket according to their cooking times. Place the food that takes longer to cook at the bottom, closer to the water.
• Avoid overfilling your steamer basket. Leave a little space at the top to ensure the lid fits securely.
• When using the sauté function, it is important to use a lid to trap the steam inside the Instant Pot.
• You can use a variety of foods in your Instant Pot, including vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruits.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander, a metal trivet or rack, or rolled-up balls of tin foil to elevate your food above the water level.
• Always add enough water to the inner pot before steaming. This is important for safety reasons and to ensure effective steaming.

How to cook chicken with a steamer basket

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by ensuring that your chicken pieces are cleaned and trimmed of any excess fat. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, as this will help the seasonings to adhere better.

Step 2: Season Your Chicken

Season the chicken with your desired seasonings. You can opt for a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or mix herbs and spices. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.

Step 3: Set Up Your Steamer

Fill the base of your steamer with water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the steamer basket or rack on top of the water, ensuring it is stable and secure. If you are using an Instant Pot, you can purchase stackable steamer insert pans that fit inside.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Arrange the seasoned chicken on the steamer basket or rack, spreading the pieces out evenly to allow room for the steam to circulate.

Step 5: Steam the Chicken

Cover the steamer with its lid to create a sealed cooking environment, which will trap the steam and cook the chicken evenly.

Step 6: Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a guide, boneless chicken breasts typically take 15-20 minutes, while bone-in pieces may take around 25-30 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

After cooking, remove the chicken from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and succulent chicken. Your steamed chicken is now ready to be served! You can pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, and experiment with different sauces or garnishes.

Frequently asked questions