Using A Steamer Basket In A Pressure Cooker: A Quick Guide

A pressure cooker steamer basket is a handy accessory for your pressure cooker. It is used to steam vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, and even desserts!

The steamer basket is placed inside the pressure cooker, and food is placed inside the basket. The basket ensures that the food is not in direct contact with the water or liquid at the bottom of the cooker, allowing the food to be cooked with the steam.

When using a steamer basket, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage and timing. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the basket is made of a heat-resistant material and fits properly inside your pressure cooker.

Using a steamer basket is a great way to cook a variety of foods and elevate your pressure cooking experience!

How to steam vegetables

Firstly, it is important to prepare your vegetables. For most vegetables, you will want to cut them into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. However, some vegetables, such as asparagus, are better left whole.

Next, you will need to add water to the bottom of your pressure cooker. The amount of water required will depend on the size of your cooker, but generally, you will want to add enough so that there is a thin layer—approximately half an inch to one inch—of water in the pot.

Now, you can place your steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. If your pressure cooker did not come with a basket, you can use a wire mesh basket, a colander made from heat-proof material, or a collapsible stainless steel steamer, which can be purchased separately.

If your pressure cooker has multiple pressure settings, choose the lowest one. Once the water is boiling, place your vegetables inside the basket, ensuring they are elevated above the water. If you are cooking multiple types of vegetables, place those that require the most time to cook at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker. The time required to steam your vegetables will depend on the type of vegetables you are cooking. For example, carrots can be cooked in an instant pot in 2 minutes if left whole, or 1 minute if cut into 1-inch pieces.

Finally, when your vegetables are tender, release the pressure and carefully remove the steamer basket. Season your vegetables as desired, and enjoy!

How to steam meat

Steaming meat in a pressure cooker is an effective way to cook your meat, but it is not clear if there are any benefits to steaming meat over other cooking methods.

Firstly, you will need a steamer basket. Most modern pressure cookers will come with a simple steamer basket insert, but there are many other types of baskets to choose from, including compartmentalized and multi-level baskets. These types of baskets can be used to cook multiple foods at once.

When steaming meat, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to use the steamer basket and for how long. Here are some additional tips to get the most out of your steamer 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.
• Grease or brush the basket slightly to prevent your meat from sticking to the basket.
• If your pressure cooker does not have its own perforated insert, then you should consider investing in a collapsible stainless steel steamer.
• If your pressure cooker came with a perforated insert, it most likely also came with a trivet, which should always be used in conjunction with the steamer basket.

Flavouring the Steam:

The liquid used to create the steam can be flavoured with wine, herbs, and vinegar. Alternatively, you can use broth or tomato sauce. If you choose to flavour the water, you can then use the steaming liquid as a sauce for your meat.

Cooking Multiple Foods:

If you are cooking multiple foods that require different cooking times, the food that requires the most time should be placed at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source, and items that require less time should be placed at the top of the basket.

How to steam eggs

Steaming eggs is a great way to cook them gently and make them easier to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs using a pressure cooker and a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker and Steamer Basket

Fill the pressure cooker with the minimum amount of water specified by the manufacturer, usually around 1-2 cups. If you are using a steamer basket, make sure the water level reaches just below the basket. Place the steamer basket inside the pressure cooker.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Carefully place the desired number of eggs into the steamer basket. For best results, arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Seal the lid of the pressure cooker and turn on the heat. Bring the pressure cooker to low pressure. The cooking time will depend on how soft or hard you want your eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for around 6 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, cook for around 10 minutes. For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cool the Eggs

Once the desired cooking time is reached, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to drop for a few minutes. Then, carefully open the pressure cooker using the quick-release method. Use an oven mitt or spoon to transfer the hot eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool them down completely. This step is important to stop the cooking process and ensure the eggs are easy to peel.

Step 5: Peel and Serve

After the eggs have cooled, gently tap the shells to crack them all over. Then, peel the eggs under a thin stream of running water to ensure a divot-free peel. Your steamed eggs are now ready to be served!

Steaming eggs is a simple and effective way to cook them, and it also makes the peeling process much easier. By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time to your preference, you can achieve perfectly steamed eggs every time.

How to flavour the water

When using a pressure cooker steamer basket, you can flavour the water with various ingredients to add extra taste to your food. Here are some ways to do this:

Use Aromatic Ingredients

You can add spices, vegetables, or aromatic herbs to the water in your pressure cooker. This will impart a subtle flavour to your food as it steams.

Choose a Flavoured Liquid

Instead of plain water, you can use broth, wine, or tomato sauce as the steaming liquid. This will add more flavour to your food than plain water. If you use a flavoured liquid, you can even use the leftover steaming liquid as a sauce for your food.

Boil the Water First

Before adding the steamer basket and closing the cooker, bring the water to a boil for a few minutes. This will help to generate more steam and ensure your food cooks evenly.

Use the Right Amount of Liquid

Different pressure cookers have different minimum water requirements based on their size. Check your cooker's manual to ensure you're using the right amount of water. It's usually around 1 cup (250ml).

Use a Steamer Basket

Using a steamer basket is important as it keeps your food out of the water, ensuring it steams rather than boils. This will also help retain nutrients and prevent overcooking.

Adjust the Pressure Settings

If your pressure cooker has multiple pressure levels, choose the lowest setting. This will help prevent overcooking, especially with delicate foods like fish and seafood.

Grease the Basket for Succulent Foods

When cooking foods with a high-fat content, like fish, brush or grease the steamer basket lightly to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

Remember, the flavour imparted by the steam is minimal, so choose your steaming liquid carefully for the best results.

How to choose the right steamer basket

When choosing a steamer basket for your pressure cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to ensure that the basket actually fits inside your pressure cooker. Different pressure cookers have different sizes, so it's important to measure the inner pot of your cooker and choose a basket that will fit comfortably inside.

Another important consideration is the type of material the basket is made of. Steamer baskets are commonly made of mesh, silicone, or stainless steel. If your pressure cooker has a non-stick interior, it's best to opt for a silicone steamer basket to avoid scratching the coating. On the other hand, if you have a stainless steel pressure cooker, you have more options and can choose from a variety of materials.

You may also want to consider the design of the steamer basket. There are several types available, including stacked baskets, collapsible baskets, and sectional steamers. Stacked baskets allow you to steam multiple foods at different levels, while collapsible baskets can be adjusted to fit different pot sizes. Sectional steamers have compartments or levels, allowing you to cook different foods at the same time.

Additionally, some steamer baskets have features like handles or stilts, which can make them easier to use. Handles can be helpful for removing the basket from the pressure cooker, especially if it's hot. Stilts or legs on the basket can help keep the food elevated above the water, ensuring it doesn't touch the liquid.

Finally, you may want to think about the types of food you'll be cooking and choose a basket that suits your needs. For example, if you plan on steaming a lot of vegetables, a basket with larger holes or a mesh design might be preferable. If you want to steam dumplings or other small items, a basket with smaller holes could be a better option to prevent them from falling through.

By considering these factors—size, material, design, features, and intended use—you can choose the right steamer basket for your pressure cooker, enabling you to prepare healthy and delicious meals with ease.

Frequently asked questions