Steaming Eggs In A Pressure Cooker: Quick And Easy!

Steaming eggs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, nutritious meal. The pressure cooker's even heat distribution ensures that the eggs are cooked to perfection every time, with a silky smooth texture that is difficult to achieve by other cooking methods. This technique is particularly popular for Chinese steamed eggs, a savoury custard dish that is typically served with steamed rice.

To steam eggs in a pressure cooker, you will need a trivet, a bowl, foil, and a cup of water to add to the pressure cooker. The eggs are beaten and mixed with water or broth, strained to remove any foam, and then poured into the bowl. The bowl is then placed on the trivet inside the pressure cooker, covered with foil, and cooked for around 5-10 minutes. The pressure cooker's natural release setting can then be used to release the pressure gradually, and the eggs can be served hot with garnishes such as soy sauce, scallions, or sesame oil.

The ideal ratio of egg to broth is 1:2

When steaming eggs in a pressure cooker, the ideal ratio of egg to broth is 1:2. This means that for every 3/4 cup of whisked eggs, you need to add 1 and 1/2 cups of broth. This ratio is important to achieve the desired silky smooth texture.

To prepare the eggs, start by adding the eggs and broth to a large bowl and beating the mixture until smooth. It is important to use a whisk and beat until the mixture is smooth, as this will ensure a consistent texture in the final product. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it through a strainer into another bowl. This step is crucial, as it helps to remove any bubbles and creates an even smoother texture. If there are any remaining bubbles on the surface, be sure to deflate them.

The next step is to tightly wrap the bowl with foil. This is an important step as it prevents moisture from the pressure cooker from dropping onto the egg batter, which can cause overcooking. Place the bowl on the trivet inside the pressure cooker, ensuring that the bowl is completely sealed with foil. The pressure cooker should be set to low pressure and cooked for around 6 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure.

Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid and the foil from the bowl. The eggs can now be served. For an extra touch of flavour, consider adding a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and some fresh scallions. This classic Chinese dish is best served hot, and the silky smooth texture is sure to impress.

Use a steamer basket to avoid cracked eggs

Using a steamer basket is a great way to avoid cracked eggs when steaming eggs in a pressure cooker. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it's important to have the right equipment. You'll need a pressure cooker, a steamer basket (either metal or silicone will work), a trivet or steaming rack, and a pair of tongs or similar for removing the eggs. If your pressure cooker didn't come with a steamer basket, you can buy one separately. Just make sure to get one that fits your cooker and is made from a suitable material. Silicone steamers are a good option for electric pressure cookers with non-stick interiors, as they won't scratch the coating.

Now, let's get started with the cooking process:

• Prepare your pressure cooker by adding water to the inner pot. The amount of water will depend on your cooker's instructions, but generally, you'll want to add enough so that the water level is just below the steamer basket.
• Place the steamer basket inside the pressure cooker, on top of the trivet or steaming rack.
• Carefully place your desired number of cold eggs into the steamer basket. Try not to stack or wedge the eggs too tightly together, as this can cause cracking.
• Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the steam valve to the "sealed" position.
• Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and timer according to your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, aim for around 3-4 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, 8-10 minutes should do the trick.
• Let the pressure cooker come up to pressure. This usually takes around 5-10 minutes.
• Once the cooker has reached full pressure and the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release of about 5 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
• Using tongs, remove the eggs from the cooker and place them into a bowl of cold water or ice water to stop the cooking process.
• That's it! You now have perfectly steamed eggs with minimal cracking.

Remember, it's important to follow the instructions for your specific pressure cooker model, as cook times and pressure settings may vary. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling hot eggs and pressure cookers to avoid any accidents. Enjoy your delicious steamed eggs!

Seal the pot and set to high pressure

Now that you've prepared your pressure cooker, it's time to seal the pot and set it to high pressure.

First, close the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure that the steam valve is in the "sealed" position. This will ensure that steam builds up inside the pot, creating the high-pressure environment necessary for cooking your eggs.

Next, set the pressure to "high" and adjust the timer according to your desired level of doneness for the eggs. The timing will vary depending on whether you want soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs. For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks, set the timer for around 3-4 minutes. If you prefer medium-boiled eggs with partially hardened yolks, aim for 5-6 minutes. Finally, for hard-boiled eggs with fully cooked yolks, set the timer for 8-10 minutes.

Keep in mind that the pressure cooker will take some time to reach full pressure before it starts cooking. This can vary depending on your cooker, but it usually takes around 5-10 minutes. So, factor this into your total cooking time.

Once the timer goes off, it's important to let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes. This means you'll leave the lid on and keep the steam vent in the "sealed" position to allow the steam to escape gradually. After this initial natural release, you can then carefully switch the steam valve to the "venting" position to release any remaining pressure quickly.

Now, your eggs are almost ready! Open the lid and use tongs or a similar utensil to remove the eggs from the pressure cooker. Place them in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath to cool them down quickly and stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.

And that's it! You've successfully steamed your eggs in a pressure cooker. Enjoy your perfectly cooked eggs, whether you like them soft, medium, or hard-boiled.

Cook for 4-5 minutes for hard-boiled eggs

Cooking hard-boiled eggs in a pressure cooker is a great way to make fresh eggs easy to peel. The pressure cooker forces steam inside the egg's shell during cooking, causing it to separate from the egg white.

To cook hard-boiled eggs in a pressure cooker, you'll need to follow these steps:

First, prepare your pressure cooker by adding the required amount of water. The general rule is to fill your pressure cooker with the minimum amount of water specified by the manufacturer, usually around 1 cup or 250ml of cold water. Place a steamer rack or trivet in the bottom of the pot and put the desired number of eggs on top, being careful not to stack or crowd them too much as this can cause cracking.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the steam valve to the "sealed" position. Set the pressure to high and the timer for 4-5 minutes. The cooker will take about 5-10 minutes to come to full pressure and then begin the cooking process.

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes. After that, you can carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by flipping the steam valve to the "venting" position.

Open the lid and use tongs or an oven mitt to transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down. You can add ice to the water for more rapid cooling, but it's not necessary for making easy-to-peel eggs. Change the water as it warms until the eggs are completely cooled, which should take around 30 minutes.

Your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to be peeled and enjoyed! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if left unpeeled or up to 3 days if peeled.

Use tongs to release the pressure

Using tongs to release the pressure is an important step in the process of steaming eggs in a pressure cooker. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

After the cooking time is complete, it is crucial to carefully release the pressure inside the pressure cooker. The first step is to use a long spatula or a pair of tongs to move the valve to the release side. This action allows the steam to escape and reduces the pressure inside the cooker. It is important to ensure that your hand is not over the valve when doing this step to avoid any burns from the escaping steam.

The quick release of pressure should be done immediately after the eggs are done cooking. Leaving the eggs in the pot without releasing the pressure will cause them to continue cooking due to the residual heat, resulting in overcooked eggs.

Once you have safely released the pressure, you will hear a small click, indicating that it is safe to open the lid. Use a pair of tongs to carefully transfer the eggs into an ice bath or a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step ensures that the eggs don't overcook and helps achieve the desired texture.

The tongs used for this process should be long enough to keep your hands away from the steam and heat. Additionally, it is important to always exercise caution when handling hot items and releasing pressure from a pressure cooker to prevent any accidents or injuries.

By following these steps and using tongs to release the pressure, you can ensure that your steamed eggs turn out perfectly every time.

Frequently asked questions