Steaming Simplified: Pressure Cooker Techniques For Perfect Results

Steaming food in a pressure cooker is a great way to cook vegetables, fish, and other delicate foods. It is also a more efficient and faster method than traditional stovetop cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam using a pressure cooker:

First, add water to the pressure cooker. The amount of water depends on the size of your cooker and the quantity of food. Generally, 1 to 2 cups of water is sufficient. Then, place a trivet or steam basket inside the cooker. If using a trivet, it's important to ensure the water doesn't go over the top.

Next, layer your food in the basket or on the trivet. It's crucial to arrange the food according to cooking time, with longer-cooking items at the bottom and quicker-cooking items on top. Make sure not to overfill the basket, leaving space for the lid to fit securely. Secure the lid, ensuring it is properly sealed, and turn the vent to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam.

After that, select the “Steam” function on your pressure cooker, or use the “Pressure Cook” button if there is no dedicated steam button. Set the cooking time according to the type of food, referring to a cooking guide or recipe for specific timings. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position, being cautious of the escaping steam. Finally, open the lid and remove your steamed food.

Additionally, you can steam without a basket by using the sauté function and a clear pot lid. This method allows you to check on your food while it cooks, but make sure to wear oven mitts or use a kitchen towel to protect your hands from the steam. With this method, you'll need to manually check the food's texture and turn off the pressure cooker when it's done to your liking.

Use 1-2 cups of water for steaming

When steaming with a pressure cooker, it's important to add enough liquid to bring the cooker to pressure. The amount of liquid required will depend on the size of your pressure cooker. For example, a 3-quart Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of water or another liquid, while an 8-quart Instant Pot requires at least 2 cups. As a general rule, you should add at least 1 cup of water or another liquid to your pressure cooker. However, you should not fill your pressure cooker more than halfway with liquid, as this can lead to soggy food and the burn message.

When steaming with a pressure cooker, it's also important to use a steamer basket or trivet to hold the food above the water. The food should not be submerged in the water, as this will boil the food instead of steaming it. Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the pressure cooker, add the food to the basket or trivet, and secure the lid on the cooker. Make sure the vent is in the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside. Then, turn on the pressure cooker and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Layer food in the basket according to cooking time

Layering food in the basket according to cooking time is essential for ensuring that all your food is cooked to perfection. Here are some tips to help you master this technique:

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that different foods have varying cooking times. For instance, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots generally take longer to steam than green vegetables such as broccoli. Similarly, seafood cooks much faster than most vegetables. Therefore, when layering your food, place the items that require a longer cooking time at the bottom of the basket, closer to the water. Conversely, the quickest-cooking foods should go on top. For example, you could layer potatoes at the bottom, followed by carrots, and finally, broccoli on top.

It is also important not to overfill your steam basket. While it is acceptable to layer food, always leave some space at the top of the basket to ensure the lid fits securely. A snug lid is essential for maintaining the pressure inside the cooker, which is vital for optimal cooking. If the lid is loose or cannot seal properly, your food may be undercooked. If your basket is too full, consider cooking your meal in batches to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the size of the food pieces matters. When steaming, opt for medium to large-sized pieces, as smaller pieces tend to get overcooked and mushy. For instance, when steaming broccoli, choose medium-sized florets instead of breaking them down into tiny pieces.

Lastly, always refer to a cooking guide or your recipe to determine the recommended cooking times for each food item. This will help you layer your food correctly and avoid overcooking or undercooking. Remember, you can always adjust the cooking time based on your preferences, increasing or decreasing it slightly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Seal the lid and vent

Sealing the lid and vent is an important step in the pressure-cooking process. It ensures that steam and pressure are trapped inside the cooker, which is necessary for pressure cooking. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

First, make sure that the rubber seal inside your lid is properly placed. The sealing ring should fit snugly and tightly inside the lid. This creates a good seal, ensuring that moisture and pressure are retained.

Next, lock the lid in place by sliding it from left to right. You should hear a beeping sound from the pressure cooker, indicating that the lid is closed properly.

Now, locate the vent on the lid. It usually looks like a lever or a knob. Turn the vent to the "sealing" position. This step is crucial as it ensures that the pressure cooker holds the pressure created inside. If the vent is in the "venting" position, the steam will escape, and your food will not cook properly.

By sealing the lid and vent correctly, you are helping to build and maintain the pressure needed for your pressure cooker to function effectively. This simple yet crucial step will ensure that your pressure cooker can reach and maintain the desired pressure for cooking.

Remember, it is normal for the venting knob to be loose when it is not in use. It will only be locked into place when set to the sealing position during cooking.

Use the 'Steam' button

Using the steam button on your pressure cooker is a great way to cook vegetables, fish, and other delicate foods. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the steam button:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Pour 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 mL) of water into the pressure cooker. The amount of water will depend on the quantity of food you are cooking. Make sure not to overfill the cooker, as you want to steam, not boil, your food. Place the trivet that came with your cooker at the bottom of the pot. The trivet will hold the food above the water.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

If you are cooking multiple foods with different cooking times, layer them in the steam basket according to their cooking times. Place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom of the basket, closer to the water, and the quicker-cooking foods on top. Make sure not to overfill your steam basket, leaving a little space at the top to ensure the lid fits securely.

Step 3: Steam the Food

Place the filled steam basket on top of the trivet inside the pressure cooker. Secure the lid on the cooker, turning it clockwise until you hear a click. Find the vent switch on the lid and close it off by shifting it to the left or right. This step is crucial to trap the pressure and steam inside.

Step 4: Use the Steam Button

Locate the "Steam" button on the control panel of your pressure cooker. It is usually found in the lower right area. Press the button, and the screen should light up, displaying a standard cook time. Adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys according to the type of food you are cooking. Most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, but root vegetables and frozen veggies may take longer.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Serve

Listen for the beep that signals the end of the cooking cycle. It is essential to manually release the pressure as soon as you hear the beep to avoid overcooking your food. Cover your hand with an oven mitt or towel, and then switch the vent to the venting position to release the pressure. Finally, open the lid and remove the steam basket. Your food is now ready to be served!

Steam meat and eggs

To steam meat and eggs in a pressure cooker, you will need a steamer basket or a metal trivet. The process is the same for steaming meat and eggs.

First, add 1 to 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Then, place the trivet at the bottom of the pot. If you are using a steamer basket, place it on top of the trivet. Make sure the water does not go over the trivet or basket. Next, place the food in the basket or on the trivet. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and turn the vent to the sealing position. Set the timer for the desired cooking time, depending on the type of food. When the timer goes off, release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Finally, open the lid and remove the basket or trivet with the food.

For steaming eggs, it is recommended to use the "5-5-5" method. This involves putting the eggs in a steamer basket and sealing them in the pressure cooker with a cup of water. It takes about 5 minutes for the cooker to come to high pressure, 5 minutes to cook the eggs, and then 5 minutes of natural pressure release. You can adjust the cooking time to your preference. For example, you might prefer the texture of 4-minute eggs better than 5-minute eggs.

When steaming meat, it is important to use natural release for most recipes. This will slowly bring down the temperature of the meat and prevent the juices from evaporating, leaving the meat dry and tasteless.

Frequently asked questions