Steaming With The Gowise Pressure Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

The GoWISE pressure cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used for steaming various dishes. It comes in different sizes, ranging from 6 quarts to 14 quarts, allowing you to cook for multiple people or meal prep for days. The pressure cooker has multiple presets for quick cooking, including a Steam preset, which can be used for preparing steamed meals.

To steam in the GoWISE pressure cooker, follow these steps:

- Clean your pressure cooker with warm soapy water and let it dry.

- Place the trivet inside the cooker. The trivet is a metal stand that keeps the food elevated above the water level.

- Pour in enough water to create steam but ensure it doesn't touch the trivet when boiling.

- Choose your ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, or poultry.

- Prepare the ingredients by washing and trimming them or cleaning your meat and seafood.

- Add spices, seasonings, or herbs to enhance the flavor (optional).

- Place the ingredients in a heatproof dish or a stainless steel/silicone steamer basket and put it on the trivet. Ensure the cooker is not more than two-thirds full.

- Securely attach the pressure cooker lid, following the manufacturer's instructions.

- Set the cooking time using the settings provided, considering the density and size of your ingredients.

- Place the pressure cooker on the stove over medium heat or select the desired setting on an electric cooker.

- Allow the pressure to build up until the required level is reached, and steam starts to escape from the vent.

- Lower the heat to maintain a steady flow of steam and cook for the recommended time.

- Perform a quick pressure release as per the instructions, being cautious as the cooker will be hot.

- Once the pressure is released, open the lid away from your face to prevent steam burns.

- Carefully remove the dish or steamer basket using oven mitts or tongs and place it on a heatproof surface or serving dish.

- Serve your steamed creation while it's still hot, adding sauces or dressings as desired.

Prepare the pressure cooker

Preparing your GoWISE pressure cooker is a simple process, but it's important to ensure your cooker is ready before use. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your GoWISE pressure cooker for steaming:

Firstly, always ensure your pressure cooker is clean. Wash your cooker with warm soapy water to remove any lingering odours or residues, then dry it thoroughly before use. This is an important step to maintain good hygiene and ensure your food tastes its best.

Next, place the trivet inside the pressure cooker. The trivet is a metal stand that comes with your GoWISE cooker. It keeps your food elevated above the water level, so it is crucial for the steaming process. Place the trivet inside and then pour in the water. Ensure you have enough water to create steam, but not so much that it touches the trivet once the water boils. You can refer to your GoWISE manual for the recommended water level.

Now your pressure cooker is prepared, and you can move on to choosing your ingredients. Select the ingredients you wish to steam—this could be vegetables, seafood, poultry, or even desserts. Wash and prepare your ingredients, and place them in a heatproof dish that fits inside the cooker, or use a stainless-steel/silicone steamer basket.

At this point, you can add spices, seasonings, or herbs to enhance the flavour of your dish. This step is optional but can really elevate your meal.

Carefully place your dish or steamer basket on the trivet, ensuring it is stable and that the cooker is no more than two-thirds full to allow for steam circulation.

Now, seal your pressure cooker by attaching the lid securely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the lid is locked in place correctly.

Finally, set the cooking time. This will depend on your ingredients and recipe, so refer to your recipe book or manual for guidance. Remember that cooking times will vary based on the density and size of your ingredients.

Your GoWISE pressure cooker is now prepared and ready for use!

Choose your ingredients

When it comes to choosing ingredients to steam in your GoWISE pressure cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best ingredients for a delicious and nutritious meal:

Choose Fresh, Nutritious Vegetables:

Select a variety of fresh vegetables that are rich in nutrients and suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include broccoli, carrots, green beans, asparagus, pumpkin, cauliflower, and potatoes. These vegetables retain their nutritional value when steamed and can be cooked to perfection without becoming mushy.

Consider Starchy and Cruciferous Vegetables:

Starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, as well as cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, are excellent choices for steaming. They can be easily cooked in the pressure cooker by adding a cup of liquid, placing the veggies in a steamer basket, sealing the lid, and letting the cooker work its magic.

Opt for Lean or Tougher Cuts of Meat:

If you're steaming meat in your GoWISE pressure cooker, consider using leaner cuts of meat or tougher cuts that require tenderizing. Pressure cooking is an excellent method for breaking down tough connective tissues in meats, making them tender and juicy. You can steam meat with a small amount of liquid, using a steamer basket or rack to keep it above the water.

Experiment with Different Ingredients:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and create your own unique combinations. Try mixing and matching various vegetables, or even adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Remember to cut your ingredients into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Prepare Your Ingredients Properly:

Before placing your chosen ingredients into the pressure cooker, make sure they are thoroughly washed and prepared. Cut them into the desired sizes, keeping in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones. You can also season your ingredients with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices before steaming to add extra flavor.

Remember to always refer to your GoWISE pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding ingredient preparation and cooking times. Happy cooking!

Prepare the ingredients

Preparing your ingredients is a crucial step in the pressure cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Wash and Prepare Your Ingredients:

Before placing any food into the pressure cooker, it is essential to ensure that your ingredients are clean and ready for cooking. Wash your vegetables, meat, or seafood thoroughly. You can also trim and cut your vegetables into desired sizes or pieces.

Choose Your Ingredients:

The beauty of pressure cooking is that you can cook a variety of dishes. Select the ingredients you wish to steam. This can include vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or potatoes, seafood like fish or shrimp, poultry like chicken or turkey, or even desserts like cakes and puddings.

Add Spices and Seasonings:

To enhance the flavor of your dish, consider adding spices, seasonings, or fresh herbs. This step is optional but can truly elevate your meal. For example, you could add rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to your chicken or cinnamon and nutmeg to your dessert.

Use a Heatproof Dish or Steamer Basket:

Place your prepared ingredients in a heatproof dish that fits comfortably inside your pressure cooker. Alternatively, you can use a stainless steel or silicone steamer basket designed for use in pressure cookers. Ensure that your dish or basket is not too large and fits securely inside the cooker.

Know Your Pressure Cooker's Capacity:

Do not overfill your pressure cooker. As a general rule, your pressure cooker should not be more than two-thirds full. This allows for adequate steam circulation and even cooking. Check your pressure cooker's manual for specific guidelines and capacity information.

Follow the Recipe:

When preparing your ingredients, be sure to follow the recipe you are using. Different recipes will have varying preparation requirements, cooking times, and pressure settings. Always read through the recipe before beginning to cook, so you know what to expect and can prepare your ingredients accordingly.

Add spices and seasonings

Spices and seasonings are essential components of cooking, and when using a GoWISE pressure cooker, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for adding spices and seasonings:

Choosing the Right Spices and Seasonings

Before starting, decide on the type of dish you want to prepare. Different cuisines and recipes call for distinct combinations of spices and seasonings. For instance, if you're making an Indian curry, you might use spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. In contrast, an Italian dish might feature oregano, basil, and thyme. Knowing the flavours you want to achieve will guide your spice and seasoning selections.

Preparing Spices and Seasonings

Some spices and seasonings may require preparation before adding them to your pressure cooker. For example, you might need to chop, crush, or grind certain spices to release their flavours fully. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or rosemary may need to be chopped or minced before being added to your dish. Dried herbs, on the other hand, can typically be added whole.

Timing of Addition

The timing of when you add spices and seasonings to your GoWISE pressure cooker is crucial. For dishes that require a long cooking time, such as stews or curries, it's generally best to add the spices at the beginning of the cooking process to allow their flavours to infuse into the dish. For dishes with shorter cooking times, like steamed vegetables, you may want to add the spices towards the end to retain their freshness and avoid overcooking.

Quantity and Combination

Finding the right balance of spices and seasonings is essential. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase to your desired taste. Remember that you can always add more but taking away is more challenging. Additionally, consider the combinations of spices and seasonings you use. Some spices complement each other, while others may clash. For example, pairing sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg often works well, but combining strong spices like cumin and cloves may overwhelm the dish.

Layering Flavours

Building flavours in layers can enhance your dish. Start by sautéing aromatic spices and seasonings like garlic, ginger, or cumin in your pressure cooker before adding other ingredients. This process will infuse your cooking oil or butter with flavour and create a flavour base for your dish. You can then add other spices and ingredients, building complex and layered flavours.

Experimenting and Adjusting

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Try creating your spice blends or modifying recipes to suit your taste preferences. Taste your dish as it cooks, and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that flavours can intensify or mellow as the dish cooks, so make adjustments accordingly.

Seal the pressure cooker

Sealing your GoWISE pressure cooker is a crucial step to ensure the appliance functions properly and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to seal your GoWISE pressure cooker:

Understanding the Sealing Process

Before using your GoWISE pressure cooker, it is important to understand how it works. A pressure cooker is a sealed pot with a valve that controls the steam pressure inside. As the pot heats up, the liquid inside forms steam, which builds up pressure. This pressure helps to cook food faster and more efficiently.

Inspect the Sealing Ring

The sealing ring, also known as a gasket, is a critical component of your GoWISE pressure cooker. It is responsible for creating an airtight seal between the lid and the body of the cooker. Over time, the sealing ring may wear out, become stretched, or develop an odour. Therefore, it is important to inspect it regularly and replace it when necessary. GoWISE offers replacement sealing rings in various sizes, ensuring a proper fit for your cooker.

Lock the Lid into Place

To seal your GoWISE pressure cooker, begin by filling the cooking pot with the desired amount of water. Then, lock the lid into place by aligning the handles of the lid and the cooker unit. Ensure that the lid is securely locked, as this is essential for maintaining pressure during cooking.

Set the Regulator Knob

On top of the lid, you will find the regulator knob. Turn this knob to the "pressure" setting. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the cooker can build up pressure during the cooking process.

Plug in the Unit and Set the Timer

With the lid locked and the regulator knob set, it's time to plug in your GoWISE pressure cooker. Depending on the model, you may need to press the "pressure time +" button at the bottom of the cooker to set the desired cooking time. For example, pressing the button until "10" appears on the screen sets the cooker for 10 minutes.

Observe the Cooking Cycle

Once you have set the timer, the unit will start building up pressure. After it reaches the desired pressure, the timer will begin counting down. During this entire cooking cycle, it is important to observe the unit for any steam escaping or error codes.

Releasing the Pressure

When the timer beeps, indicating the end of the cooking cycle, you have two options for releasing the pressure:

• Quick Release: Turn the knob on the lid to "steam," which will quickly release the steam and pressure through the knob. Be cautious, as the steam will be very hot.
• Natural Release: Allow the pressure to decrease naturally, which may take more than 15 minutes.

Opening the Lid

After ensuring that the pressure has been released, it is now safe to open the lid. Twist the lid open and proceed with caution, as the contents of the cooker will be hot.

Remember to refer to your specific GoWISE pressure cooker model's instructions for any additional or model-specific steps to ensure a proper seal.

Frequently asked questions