Steam Cooking With Your Instant Pot: A Beginner's Guide

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for steaming a variety of foods, from vegetables and fruits to dumplings and idlis. To use the Instant Pot as a steamer, you will need to add water to the inner pot, place a trivet or steamer basket inside, and then put your food in the basket or on top of the trivet. Close the lid, ensuring it is sealed properly, and adjust the settings to start the steaming process. The Instant Pot's Steam button is designed for this purpose, but if your model doesn't have this function, you can use the Saute or Pressure Cook button instead. By following these steps, you can easily steam cook a wide range of dishes in your Instant Pot.

How to steam vegetables in an instant pot

Steaming vegetables in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook veggies that locks in nutrients and retains vitamins and minerals. Here's how to do it:

Using the Steam Function with a Basket

• Add 1-2 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Use less water for smaller quantities of food, and more water if steaming a whole basket of veggies.
• Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. The trivet will hold the food over the water. If the water level is above the trivet, scoop some out.
• Layer the vegetables in the steam basket according to cooking time. Vegetables with longer cooking times, like root veggies, should go at the bottom, with quicker-cooking veggies like broccoli on top.
• Avoid overfilling the steam basket. Leave a little space at the top so the lid will fit securely.
• Place the steam basket on top of the trivet in the Instant Pot. Make sure the top of the basket is below the top edge of the pot.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. Check that the arrows on the lid and pot line up.
• Close the vent by moving the small handle on top of the lid. This traps the pressure and steam inside the pot.
• Push the "Steam" button to activate the steam function. Adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys. Veggies usually take 1-5 minutes, but root veggies will take longer. Frozen veggies will also need a longer steaming time.
• When the timer goes off, manually release the pressure by moving the vent to the venting position. Be careful of the hot steam when you do this.
• Remove the lid and take out the steam basket. Your veggies are now ready to eat!

Using the Sauté Function without a Basket

• Find a clear pot lid that fits your Instant Pot. You'll be using the sauté function, so you don't need the regular Instant Pot lid.
• Press the sauté button, then use the "+" or "-" keys to adjust the time if necessary. You can set the time for up to 30 minutes.
• Wait for the water to boil. You should see steam rising from the bottom of the pot.
• Place your vegetables on top of the Instant Pot rack. Be careful, as the water and pot will be hot.
• Place the clear pot lid on top of the Instant Pot to trap the steam inside. Use an oven mitt or a kitchen towel to protect your hands from the steam when putting on the lid.
• Check your veggies periodically to see if they're done. Remove the lid to check the texture with a fork.
• When the veggies are done to your liking, press "Cancel" to turn off the Instant Pot.

Happy steaming!

How to steam dumplings in an instant pot

What You'll Need:

• Instant Pot
• Steamer basket (bamboo or steel)
• Dumplings (fresh or frozen)
• Water
• Sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare your dumplings: If you're making them from scratch, start by preparing your filling and wrapping the dumplings. You can use various fillings, such as vegetables, tofu, meat, or seafood.
• Add water to the Instant Pot: Pour about 1-2 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This water will create the steam for cooking.
• Use a steamer basket: Place a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot. You can use a bamboo or steel steamer basket. Make sure the basket is large enough to fit your dumplings comfortably without overcrowding.
• Arrange the dumplings: Place the dumplings in a single layer inside the steamer basket. Avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking. If you have a large batch of dumplings, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Secure the Instant Pot lid: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure it is properly sealed. Check that the vent is in the sealing position to prevent steam from escaping.
• Select the Steam function: Press the Steam button on your Instant Pot, or use the Saute function to boil the water first and then switch to Steam. Adjust the cooking time as needed, usually around 10 minutes for dumplings.
• Wait for the beep: Stay close to your Instant Pot and listen for the beep that signals the end of the cooking cycle. It's important to release the pressure immediately to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
• Release the pressure: Use an oven mitt or kitchen towel to protect your hand from the steam, then carefully switch the vent to the venting position to release the pressure.
• Open the lid and enjoy: Once the pressure is released, open the lid and remove the steamer basket. Serve your dumplings with your choice of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, hot sauce, or a custom dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can use fresh or frozen dumplings in your Instant Pot. Just ensure they are not stacked and have enough space to cook evenly.
• If you want to crisp up the bottoms of your dumplings, you can sauté them in a pan with oil for a few minutes after steaming.
• When using a bamboo steamer basket, line it with parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small colander or place the dumplings directly on the trivet that came with your Instant Pot.

How to steam eggs in an instant pot

Steaming eggs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

First, pour about one cup of water into your Instant Pot. The amount of water you use may vary slightly depending on the size of your Instant Pot and the number of eggs you plan to cook. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the pot, and put the desired number of eggs on top. You can use a metal steam basket on top of the trivet if you have one.

Step 2: Adjust Settings and Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely. Make sure the vent is in the sealing position to prevent steam from escaping. Select the "Steam" button or the "Manual" setting, and adjust the time according to your desired level of doneness for the eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, set the timer for 3 to 4 minutes. For medium-boiled eggs, set it for 5 to 6 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, set it for 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, fill a medium-sized bowl with ice and water to create an ice bath. This will be used to cool the eggs after cooking, preventing overcooking and making them easier to peel.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the Instant Pot beeps to indicate that the cooking time is complete, place a cool cloth over the lid and quickly release the steam valve. Use tongs to carefully remove the eggs from the pot and place them into the ice bath for 1-2 minutes. After cooling, your steamed eggs are ready to be peeled and enjoyed!

Tips and Tricks

• If you are cooking a large number of eggs, you can stack them in two layers on the trivet, ensuring most of them do not touch the sides of the pot.
• Always use a quick-release for the pressure to prevent overcooking.
• For easier peeling, use an ice bath or run the eggs under cold tap water for 1-2 minutes after cooking.
• If you are cooking straight from the fridge, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks, aim for a cooking time of around 3 minutes.

Happy cooking!

How to steam Idlis in an instant pot

Idlis are round-shaped steamed rice-lentil cakes that are a staple food of South India and are popular across the country. They are made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (urad dal) and rice.

• If your Idli batter is in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature.
• Insert the inner pot into the Instant Pot.
• Add 1 to 1.5 cups of water.
• Plug in the IP, press SAUTE MODE-NORMAL and set the timer to 6 minutes.
• While the water is getting ready to boil, grease your Idli plates with sesame oil or ghee.
• Fill each groove with batter until it is 3/4 full.
• Insert an empty Idli plate at the bottom of your Idli plate stand. Carefully stack your filled Idli plates one over the other.
• Check if the water has begun to boil. You should be able to spot some steam rising up.
• When the water is ready, press CANCEL. Place the filled Idli plates into the inner pot.
• Cover with a clear pot lid. If you do not have a clear pot lid, ensure that the sealing ring has been fitted properly into the Instant Pot lid. Now, close the Instant pot with the lid.
• TURN THE VALVE TO VENTING. Your VALVE SHOULD NOT BE TURNED TO SEALING.
• Start a kitchen timer for 9 minutes. For every batch of 12 Idlis, a steaming time of 9 minutes is recommended. When the 9 minutes are up, wait for the pin to drop before attempting to open the lid.
• As soon as the pin drops, open the lid. Wait for 2 to 3 minutes before removing the steamed Idlis from the IP.

Tips:

• The idli stand does not come with the instant pot. You can buy it separately.
• The instant pot does not have a built-in timer. You will need to use a separate timer to monitor the cooking time.
• The idlis are ready when a toothpick inserted into them comes out clean.

How to steam fish in an instant pot

Steaming fish in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook fish that also prevents your kitchen from smelling like fish! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

First, pour about 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 mL) of water into the Instant Pot. Then, place a trivet at the bottom of the pot. The trivet will hold the food up over the water. You can also use a steamer basket if you have one.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Rinse your fish fillets and pat them dry. You can use any type of fish, such as salmon, sea bass, or white fish fillets. Season the fish with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also add ingredients like lemon slices, garlic, ginger, or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Step 3: Steam the Fish

Place the fish fillets on top of the trivet or steamer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. This will trap the pressure and steam inside the pot.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time

Press the Steam button on the Instant Pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the fish fillets. For example, salmon fillets will take about 3 minutes to cook, while sea bass fillets will take 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Release the Pressure

When the Instant Pot beeps to signal that the cooking time is complete, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Be very careful when doing this, as the steam will be hot and can burn your skin.

Step 6: Serve the Fish

Once the pressure has been released, open the lid of the Instant Pot and remove the trivet or steamer basket. Place the steamed fish fillets on a plate and serve immediately. You can also top the fish with a sauce or butter of your choice. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions