Mastering The Art Of Stacked Steaming With Food Network's Pressure Cooker

The Food Network Pressure Cooker Accessory Stacked Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, from rice and vegetables to chicken and fish. It comes with two stackable steamers that fit neatly into pressure cookers of 6 quarts and larger, allowing you to cook your main and side dishes simultaneously. The stainless steel handles make it convenient to lift, and its durable construction ensures long-lasting use. With its modern design and functionality, the Food Network Stacked Steamer is an excellent choice for those seeking a practical and stylish addition to their kitchen.

How to steam eggs

Step 1: Gather your equipment and ingredients

You will need the following:

• Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer
• Trivet that comes with the pressure cooker
• Pair of tongs
• Eggs (large or medium-sized)
• Water
• Ice (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the pressure cooker

Place the trivet inside the pressure cooker and add one cup of water. The water level should be just below the trivet.

Step 3: Prepare the eggs

Place the desired number of eggs on top of the trivet, ensuring they don't fall into the water. You can stack the eggs in two layers if needed. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the eggs to crack.

Step 4: Cook the eggs

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and seal the valve. Set the pressure to high and the timer according to your desired doneness:

• Soft-boiled eggs: 3-4 minutes
• Medium-boiled eggs: 5-6 minutes
• Hard-boiled eggs: 8-10 minutes

The cooking time remains the same regardless of the quantity of eggs.

Step 5: Release the pressure

Once the timer goes off, use tongs to carefully turn the valve to release the pressure. Ensure your hand is not over the valve, as the steam will be hot. The release will take less than a minute.

Step 6: Cool the eggs

After the pressure has been released, open the lid and use tongs to transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold tap water for 1-2 minutes until they are cool enough to handle.

Step 7: Peel and serve the eggs

The eggs should now be easy to peel. Enjoy them as they are, or season with salt, pepper, or your favourite spices.

Note: Always use a fast release after cooking eggs in a pressure cooker to avoid overcooking them.

How to cook rice

The Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer is a great tool for cooking rice. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook rice using this appliance:

Firstly, it is important to note that the Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer is designed to fit neatly into pressure cookers that are 6 quarts or larger. It comes with two steamers, allowing you to cook both your main and side dishes simultaneously.

Now, for cooking rice, the following steps should be followed:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Water

Combine the rice and water in the pressure cooker. The ideal rice-to-water ratio is 1:1, meaning for every cup of rice, you should add one cup of water. For example, if you are cooking 2 cups of rice, use 2 cups of water.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. For white rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice, pressure cook for 3 minutes. For brown rice, wild rice, or other types, the cooking time will be longer, ranging from 22 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release

After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally. This is an important step to ensure the rice is fully cooked. The pressure release time can vary, but on average, it takes 9-12 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the float valve drops.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. You can add some salt to taste at this point. Serve the rice immediately while it's warm, or let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.

By following these steps, you can easily cook delicious, fluffy rice in your Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer. Enjoy your perfectly cooked rice as a side dish or in grain bowls, curries, or stir-fries!

How to steam vegetables

The Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables using this cooker:

Before You Start:

Ensure your Food Network Pressure Cooker is 6 quarts or larger, as the stacked steamer is designed to fit neatly into these cookers. The steamer comes with two tiers, allowing you to cook your main and side dishes simultaneously.

Step 1:

Prepare your vegetables of choice. You can steam a variety of vegetables such as spinach, green beans, broccoli, or carrots. Cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2:

Add water to the pressure cooker. The amount of water will depend on the type of vegetables you are steaming and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, start with about 1 cup of water for every 4 cups of vegetables.

Step 3:

Place the steamer basket(s) into the pressure cooker. The Food Network Stacked Steamer comes with two steamer baskets that can be stacked on top of each other, allowing you to cook multiple types of vegetables at once.

Step 4:

Arrange the vegetables in the steamer basket(s). Ensure that the vegetables are not overcrowded and have enough space for the steam to circulate.

Step 5:

Secure the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure it is properly sealed. Turn on the cooker and set the timer according to the cooking time recommended for the type of vegetables you are steaming.

Step 6:

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the lid, being cautious of the escaping steam.

Step 7:

Using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, carefully remove the steamer basket(s) from the pressure cooker. Serve the steamed vegetables immediately.

Note:

Always refer to the Food Network Pressure Cooker instruction manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions. Each model may have slightly different instructions, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular cooker.

How to cook chicken

The Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken using this appliance:

Preparing the Chicken

You can choose to cook a whole chicken or individual pieces such as chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. If you're cooking a whole chicken, start by cleaning it and patting it dry. You can add flavour by stuffing the chicken with onion and lemon or by applying a seasoned rub to the skin. For individual pieces, you can simply season the chicken with salt or any other desired spices.

Using the Pressure Cooker

Place a cup of chicken broth or water at the bottom of the pressure cooker. Lower the steamer basket into the cooker. Place the prepared chicken into the steamer basket. If using a whole chicken, lower it into the basket. For individual pieces, arrange them in a single, even layer to ensure even cooking. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set the cooking time.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you are cooking. For a whole chicken, a good rule of thumb is to allow 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking for a 3-pound bird. Add 6 minutes of cooking time for each additional pound. For boneless chicken breasts and thighs, 10 minutes at high pressure should be sufficient for a batch of 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. Increase the cooking time to 15 minutes for a larger batch of 3 to 4 pounds.

Releasing Pressure and Serving

Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release by moving the pressure release knob from "Sealing" to "Venting". After the pressure is fully released, open the pot and check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F. If the chicken needs more time, cook for an additional minute or two. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, shredding, or cubing it as per your desired use.

Tips and Variations

You can also cook chicken in a sauce by first browning the meat, then sautéing aromatics, and finally adding the cooking liquid and chicken back into the cooker. Another option is to submerge and cook the chicken pieces in a liquid marinade, allowing it to absorb more flavour. Remember to always use the steamer basket for crispy skin and to avoid washing away any seasoning on the chicken.

How to cook fish

The Food Network Pressure Cooker Stacked Steamer can be used to cook a variety of foods, including fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook fish using this appliance:

Step 1: Choose the Right Fish

Select firm-fleshed fish such as salmon, cod, or halibut. These types of fish hold their shape well under pressure and have a rich flavour. You can opt for fresh or frozen fish, but fresh fish generally yields better results as frozen fish can become mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather your desired seasonings and ingredients. Some common options include garlic, lemon, herbs, spices, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different flavours, such as soy sauce, lime juice, or harissa paste.

Step 3: Season and Marinate the Fish

Coat the fish fillets with your chosen seasonings and allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures that the flavours are well-infused into the fish.

Step 4: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Pour one cup of your preferred cooking liquid into the inner pot of the pressure cooker. This can be broth, wine, or even coconut milk. Place a trivet inside the pot.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Place the marinated fish fillets onto parchment paper, adding any additional ingredients you desire. Wet the parchment paper, then wring out the excess moisture before placing the fish inside. Securely lock the pressure cooker lid and set the timer. As a general rule, allow 2-3 minutes of cooking time per centimetre of fish thickness. For example, if your fish is 2 centimetres thick, cook it for 4-6 minutes.

Step 6: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method to prevent overcooking. Gently transfer the fish to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining cooking liquid over the fillets for extra flavour. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions