Steaming Simplified: Pressure Cooker Techniques For Perfect Results

Steaming in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients. It is a healthy and gentle way to prepare food, where the food is cooked in a closed container with steam. The pressure cooker encloses steam for optimal cooking results, reducing cooking time compared to traditional methods. To steam in a pressure cooker, fill the pot with a minimum amount of water, add the food to be cooked, set the cooking stage, and allow it to cook.

How much water to add to the pressure cooker

The amount of water you add to your pressure cooker depends on the type of cooker you have. Older ""jiggle top" cookers need a minimum of one cup of water, while valve cookers need at least half a cup. However, you should always follow the instructions that came with your cooker, as every pressure cooker is different.

When adding water to your pressure cooker, it's important to make sure the unit is never more than two-thirds full of liquid, so the steam has enough space to accumulate. You should also add your food to the cooker before pouring in the water.

If you're using an Instant Pot, you'll want to pour 1-2 cups of water into the pot, depending on the quantity of food you're steaming. It's important not to let the water level rise above the food, as this will boil your meal instead of steaming it.

If you're cooking rice or pasta in your pressure cooker, you can place these foods directly into the steamer insert or a colander and put them into the pot.

The importance of a steamer basket

Steamer baskets are an essential accessory for any pressure cooker enthusiast. Not only do they enable you to cook a wider variety of foods, but they also help to elevate your dishes, literally and metaphorically! Here are some key reasons why a steamer basket is a must-have for your pressure cooker:

Delicate Cooking

A steamer basket allows you to cook delicate foods with ease. Eggs, for example, can be cooked without the risk of them rocking and breaking under pressure. The basket provides a stable platform, gently elevating your eggs above the water, ensuring they cook evenly and remain intact.

Versatility

With a steamer basket, you can cook a range of foods, from vegetables to fish, seafood, poultry, and even desserts! The basket keeps your food above the liquid, preventing it from soaking up too much water or becoming boiled instead of steamed. This is especially useful for tougher vegetables like potatoes, which benefit from the gentle steam without becoming waterlogged.

Multi-Level Cooking

Some steamer baskets are multi-level or compartmentalized, allowing you to cook several foods at once. The different levels ensure that each item cooks evenly, with the foods requiring the most time placed closest to the heat source, and quicker-cooking items placed on higher levels. This saves time and streamlines your cooking process.

Flavor Enhancement

While steam itself imparts minimal flavor, you can enhance your dishes by adding flavor to the steaming liquid. Try using broth, wine, or even tomato sauce, and then use the flavored liquid as a sauce for your meal. The steam will carry a hint of these flavors up into the basket, subtly infusing your food.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Steamer baskets are simple to use and often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. They are designed to fit various pressure cooker models and can be easily adjusted to fit the interior of your cooker. Additionally, they are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting investment for your kitchen.

So, whether you're a novice or a pro, a steamer basket is an invaluable tool for your pressure cooker, helping you create delicious, healthy meals with ease and versatility.

How to steam without a steamer basket

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that cooks food in a closed container with steam. Here are some ways to steam food without a steamer basket:

Using a Plate and Aluminium Foil

This method involves using a large pot, a heatproof plate, and some aluminium foil. First, roll three sheets of aluminium foil into balls about the size of a baseball or a golf ball. Place them at the bottom of the pot and pour in about half an inch of water. Then, place the plate on top of the foil balls and add the food you want to steam. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the food steam.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack

If you have an elevated wire cooling rack, you can use it instead of a steamer basket. Add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid, place the wire cooling rack inside, and put the food on top of the rack. Close the lid and steam until the food is cooked to your desired doneness.

Using a Disposable Aluminium Pie Pan

You can also use a disposable aluminium pie pan as a steamer basket substitute. Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan and place it upside down in a pot filled with about an inch of water. Place the food on top of the inverted pan, making sure it doesn't touch the water. Cover the pot and steam the food.

Using a Microwave

This method is suitable for steaming vegetables and requires a microwave-safe bowl and plastic wrap. Place the food in the bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes or until the food is fork-tender.

Using a Colander or Strainer

Fill a pot with about half an inch of water and place a metal colander or strainer inside, making sure it doesn't touch the water. If your strainer doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, you can hold it in place with an oven mitt or use a strainer with a heat-proof handle. Place the food in the strainer, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping. Check your food frequently to prevent overcooking.

The difference between steam and pressure cook settings

Pressure cookers are a fantastic kitchen appliance that can help you prepare a wide variety of dishes. They are incredibly versatile and can be used for steaming as well as pressure cooking. But what is the difference between these two settings?

Steaming is a gentle and healthy cooking method where food is cooked in a closed container with steam. Pressure cookers are excellent for steaming as they enclose steam for optimal cooking results. To steam in a pressure cooker, you fill the pot with a minimum amount of water, place the food in a perforated insert or a steamer basket, and set the cooker to the steam setting. This method does not build up pressure, so the pot can be opened at any time without prior steaming.

On the other hand, pressure cooking involves sealing the cooker tightly so that no steam escapes. The heat causes the water to boil, and the temperature at which water boils depends on the atmospheric pressure above it. By increasing the pressure, you can raise the boiling point of water, allowing more energy to be transferred to the food, resulting in decreased cooking times. Pressure cooking is an excellent option when you want to cook food quickly and efficiently.

So, which method is best? It depends on what you're cooking and your specific needs. If you're looking for a gentle cooking method that preserves nutrients and is suitable for a variety of foods, steaming is a great choice. If you need to cook something quickly and efficiently, pressure cooking may be the better option. Both methods have their advantages, and with a pressure cooker, you have the flexibility to choose the setting that best suits your needs.

It's important to note that some pressure cookers may not have a dedicated steam function. In such cases, you can still steam food by using the pressure cooking setting and being careful not to overcook the food.

How to steam meat

Steaming meat in a pressure cooker is a great way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Fill the pressure cooker with the minimum amount of water required, as indicated by the "Min" mark. This water will create the steam needed to cook the meat. You can also use stock instead of water for added flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

Cut the meat into the desired size. For larger cuts, such as a whole roast, you can cook it whole or cut it into chunks. If you're cooking ground meat, place it in a steaming basket or on a trivet inside the cooker. For other cuts of meat, you can sear or brown the meat using the Sauté function first to add flavour and colour.

Step 3: Set the Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the type and amount of meat you're preparing. As a general rule, cook meat at high pressure for 20 minutes per pound for larger cuts and 15 minutes per pound for small chunks. For ground meat, cook for 6 minutes at high pressure. Don't forget to allow extra time if your meat is frozen.

Step 4: Release the Pressure

After the cooking time is complete, it's important to release the pressure safely. For most meat dishes, a natural pressure release is recommended, which means turning off the heat and allowing the pressure to come down by itself for about 10-20 minutes. This prevents the meat from drying out and ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid and serve your steamed meat. You can also use the juices collected at the bottom of the cooker as a flavourful sauce or gravy.

Remember to always refer to your pressure cooker's instruction manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions. Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed meat!

Frequently asked questions