Steaming Simplified: Electric Pressure Cooker Techniques

Electric pressure cookers are a great way to cook food quickly and easily. They can be used to steam food, as well as pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and even bake.

When steaming food in an electric pressure cooker, it is recommended to use a steamer basket. This will ensure that your food doesn't end up waterlogged. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert, but there are many different types of baskets to choose from, including compartmentalized baskets and multi-level baskets, which can be used to cook multiple different foods at the same time.

To steam food in an electric pressure cooker, simply fill the pressure cooker with 2 to 3 cups of water, put the trivet in the pot, place the steaming basket on top, fill with your desired food, cover, and cook under pressure for the recommended cooking time.

It is important to note that the foods that require the most cooking time should be placed at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source, while items that require less cooking time should be placed at the top. Additionally, if your pressure cooker offers several pressure levels, always choose the lowest one unless otherwise instructed.

Use a steamer basket to steam veggies, eggs, fish, and more

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook vegetables, eggs, fish, and more in your electric pressure cooker. Here's a guide on how to use a steamer basket to cook a variety of foods:

Vegetables

When steaming vegetables, it's best to use light vegetables with a high water content, such as spinach, carrots, beans, cauliflower, or cabbage. First, cut the vegetables into your desired size. For every 350 to 500 grams of vegetables, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water to the pressure cooker. Place the steamer basket inside the pressure cooker, add the vegetables and a pinch of salt to taste, and secure the lid. Allow the cooker to steam until you hear two whistles, then carefully release the pressure. This will ensure your vegetables are perfectly steamed and retain their colour and nutrition.

Eggs

Steaming eggs in an electric pressure cooker is a great way to make soft- or hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel. First, add a steamer basket and 1 cup of water to your electric pressure cooker. You can then add anywhere from 3 to 12 eggs, depending on your preference. Secure the lid, turn on the pressure cooker, and set it to low pressure. Set the timer depending on your desired level of doneness: 3 to 4 minutes for soft-boiled, 5 to 7 minutes for medium-boiled, and 8 to 9 minutes for hard-boiled. Once the timer goes off, manually release the pressure and immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

Fish

Steaming fish in an electric pressure cooker is a convenient way to cook flaky, tender fish with minimal prep work. You can use either a steamer basket or a trivet/steam rack to cook your fish. First, add 1.5 cups of water to the pressure cooker and place the trivet/steam rack at the bottom, ensuring it's not touching the water. Place your fish fillets on the rack and season with olive oil, salt, and spices. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 2 to 3 minutes for fresh fish, or 3 to 4 minutes for frozen fillets. Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure and enjoy your perfectly cooked fish!

Use a trivet to keep the basket raised above the water

Using a trivet to keep the basket raised above the water is a great way to steam food in an electric pressure cooker. This method ensures that your food doesn't end up waterlogged and allows you to create pressure-cooked baked goods. Here's how to do it:

• Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Start by filling your pressure cooker with 2 to 3 cups of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your cooker and the food you're preparing. Place the trivet inside the pot, positioning it in the center.
• Add the Steamer Basket: Place the steamer basket on top of the trivet. Make sure the steamer basket is large enough to fit your food and has enough holes or slots to allow steam to circulate. If you're using a collapsible steamer basket, open it up and place it securely on the trivet.
• Prepare the Food: Fill the steamer basket with the food you want to cook. This method works well for vegetables, seafood, eggs, and even desserts like cheesecakes, puddings, and custards. Ensure that the food is placed in a single layer and doesn't overcrowd the basket, allowing steam to circulate effectively.
• Cover and Cook: Once your food is in the basket, cover the pressure cooker with the lid. Set the cooker to the recommended cooking time and pressure level. If your cooker offers multiple pressure levels, choose the lowest one unless specified otherwise in the recipe instructions.
• Release Pressure: When the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure through the valve, following the instructions for your particular pressure cooker model. Be cautious when releasing the pressure, as the steam can be very hot.
• Remove the Steamer Basket: After releasing the pressure, remove the steamer basket from the pressure cooker immediately. This step is crucial to prevent overcooking your food, especially for vegetables, as they can quickly turn soggy.
• Serve and Enjoy: Your steamed food is now ready to be served! Season or garnish as desired and enjoy the perfectly cooked meal prepared in your electric pressure cooker.

Using a trivet to keep the basket raised above the water is a simple and effective technique for steaming in an electric pressure cooker. It ensures even cooking, prevents waterlogging, and expands your cooking options. Remember always to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific pressure cooker model and to exercise caution when handling hot steam.

Flavour the water with wine, herbs, or vinegar

When steaming with an electric pressure cooker, you can flavour the water with wine, herbs, or vinegar. This will impart a small amount of flavour to your food. You can also use broth or tomato sauce, which can then be used as a sauce for your dish.

To steam with an electric pressure cooker, you will need to use a steamer basket insert. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert, but there are many different types of baskets to choose from, including compartmentalized and multi-level baskets. These types of baskets can be used to cook multiple different foods at the same time.

When using a steamer basket, the foods that require the most time to cook should be placed at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source. Items that require the least amount of cooking time should be placed at the top of the basket.

• When using water to steam your foods, allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid.
• If your pressure cooker offers several pressure levels, always choose the lowest one unless otherwise instructed.
• When preparing seafood or fish, always use the recommended cooking settings to avoid overcooking the food.
• When cooking succulent food or fish, grease or brush the basket slightly to prevent your ingredients from sticking to the basket.
• If your pressure cooker does not have its own perforated insert, consider investing in a collapsible stainless steel steamer. This type of steamer insert opens and closes like a flower and is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. Choose the largest one that will fit your pressure cooker to maximise the amount of flat surface available for cooking.
• If your pressure cooker came with a perforated insert, it likely also came with a trivet. Always use the trivet in conjunction with your steamer basket to keep it raised out of the steaming liquid.

Use the leftover steaming liquid as a sauce

When cooking with an electric pressure cooker, you can use the leftover steaming liquid as a sauce. This is a great way to save on food waste and get creative with your cooking. Here are some tips and ideas on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to note that steaming is a relatively short process, so you will not get a strong flavour from your liquid. Therefore, it is best to use a liquid with a volatile flavour, such as garlic, aromatic spices, citrus, lemongrass, or aromatic herbs. You could also try adding vegetables like fennel for a subtle flavour.

If you are using a steamer basket, it is recommended to let the water boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker. This will help to build up some flavour in the steam. You can also grease or brush the basket to prevent ingredients from sticking to it.

Now, here are some ways to use the leftover steaming liquid as a sauce:

• Gravy: Combine the leftover liquid with flour, butter, salt, and pepper to make a delicious gravy. Whisk the ingredients together over medium-low heat until you reach your desired consistency.
• Marinade: Mix the leftover liquid with barbecue sauce or tomato sauce to create a marinade for chicken or pork. This will add moisture and flavour to your meat and caramelize during cooking.
• Salad Dressing or Dip: Use the leftover liquid as a base for a salad dressing or dip. Get creative and add herbs, spices, fruits, nuts, olive oil, sour cream, or cottage cheese to create a unique flavour.
• Baste: Use the leftover liquid to baste a roast. It will add flavour and moisture to the meat and help keep it juicy.
• Broth: Create a broth by adding vegetables, herbs, and spices to the leftover liquid. This can be used as a base for soups, stews, or any dish that calls for broth.
• Seasoning: Use the leftover liquid to season your recipes, such as stews, soups, or chilis. It will add extra flavour and nutrients to your dish.
• Smoothie: Add the leftover liquid to a smoothie for an extra boost of flavour and nutrients.

Remember, you can store the leftover liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to three months.

Choose the right pressure setting for your desired 'veggie done-ness'

When it comes to steaming veggies in an electric pressure cooker, choosing the right pressure setting is crucial to achieving your desired level of doneness. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get the perfect results:

Firstly, it's important to understand the different pressure settings available on your electric pressure cooker. Most cookers offer at least a Low and High pressure setting, and some may also have a No Pressure option for steaming. The Low setting is ideal for more delicate cooking, usually providing half the heat of the "High" setting. The No Pressure setting, if available, allows for steaming without building up any pressure.

Now, let's talk about choosing the right setting for your desired veggie doneness:

• For tender vegetables: Use the High Pressure setting. This is perfect for cooking veggies until they are tender but still packed with flavour. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and your cooker's specifications, but it typically ranges from 3 to 5 minutes.
• For al dente vegetables: Opt for the Low Pressure setting. This will give you a more delicate texture, perfect for those who prefer their veggies with a bit of bite. Again, adjust the cooking time according to the specific vegetable and your cooker's instructions.
• For crunchy vegetables: If you like your veggies crunchy, the No Pressure setting is the way to go. Not all cookers have this option, but if yours does, it's perfect for steaming veggies without applying any pressure.

Remember, these settings can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you're not sure, it's always a good idea to start with the recommended cooking times and then adjust by a minute or two to customise the results to your liking. Additionally, different vegetables have different cooking times, so be sure to refer to the user guide or a reliable cooking guide for specific instructions.

Lastly, regardless of the pressure setting you choose, always use the Normal or Quick release option to release the pressure at the end of the cooking time. This will prevent your vegetables from overcooking in the residual heat.

Frequently asked questions