Steaming Instant Pot: What's Normal And What's Not?

Instant Pots are a great addition to any kitchen and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. One of its many functions is steaming. The Instant Pot can be used to steam large quantities of food, and it is particularly well-suited for steaming vegetables, fruits, dumplings, eggs, and meat.

To use the Instant Pot as a steamer, add 1 to 2 cups of water to the inner pot, place a trivet or steamer basket inside, add the food, secure the lid, turn the vent to the sealing position, and press the Steam button. The Steam function is preset to 10 minutes on low pressure, but the time can be adjusted. It's important to note that the vent should be in the sealing position when using the steam preset mode to retain steam and cook food quickly and evenly.

Instant Pot steaming basics

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking functions, including steaming. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started with steaming in your Instant Pot.

Almost anything that can be steamed or boiled on a stovetop can be steamed in an Instant Pot. This includes:

• Vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• Chicken
• Fish
• Potatoes
• Eggs
• Fruits

Add Water:

Before steaming, make sure to add enough water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your Instant Pot, but it is typically between 1 cup and 2 cups (240ml to 480ml). You can also use stock or broth instead of water to add more flavour to your food.

Use a Steamer Basket or Trivet:

To steam food, it is important to keep the water level below the food. The easiest way to do this is by using a steamer basket or the metal trivet that comes with your Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot, and then add your food on top.

Close the Lid and Set the Vent to "Sealing":

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. Make sure the arrows on the lid and the pot are lined up to ensure a proper seal. Set the vent to the "Sealing" position to trap the pressure and steam inside the pot.

Select the "Steam" Function and Adjust the Time:

Press the "Steam" button on your Instant Pot to activate the steam function. You can then adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys, depending on what you are cooking. Most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, while root vegetables and seafood may take longer.

Release Pressure and Open the Lid:

Once the timer goes off, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to the "Venting" position. Be careful when doing this, as the steam will rush out and can burn your skin. After releasing the pressure, you can safely open the lid and remove your steamed food from the pot.

Steaming Without a Basket:

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still steam food in your Instant Pot. Here's how:

Use a Clear Pot Lid:

This method uses the sauté function on your Instant Pot, so you will need to use a regular pot lid to trap the steam inside. This will allow you to check on your food while it cooks.

Press the "Sauté" Function:

Look for the "Sauté" button on the control panel and press it to activate this function. This will heat up the water and create steam without pressure cooking your food.

Adjust the Time:

Use the plus or minus keys to adjust the time as needed, depending on what you are cooking. You can set the time for up to 30 minutes while using the sauté function.

Wait for the Water to Boil:

Stay near the Instant Pot and monitor the water. When you see steam rising from the bottom of the pot, the water is boiling and you can add your food.

Add Your Food:

Carefully place your food on top of the Instant Pot rack or directly into the water if you are using a steamer basket. Be careful, as the water and pot will be extremely hot.

Place the Clear Pot Lid on Top:

Once the food is in the pot, place the clear pot lid on top to trap the steam inside. Make sure to use an oven mitt or a kitchen towel when handling the lid to protect your hands from the steam.

Check Your Food Periodically:

Remove the lid after a couple of minutes to check on your food. Use a fork to check the texture, and if your food is not quite cooked, replace the lid and let it cook a little longer.

Press "Cancel" When Done:

When your food is cooked to your desired doneness, press the "Cancel" button to turn off the Instant Pot. Remember that the "Cancel" button will turn off your Instant Pot, even if there is still time left on the clock.

What foods can be steamed in an Instant Pot?

Instant Pots are a great addition to your kitchen, and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited for steaming. Here are some foods that can be steamed in an Instant Pot:

Vegetables

Whether you are cooking fresh or frozen vegetables, steaming is the best way to cook them. This method retains the flavour and nutrients much better than boiling them in water. Artichokes, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, butternut squash, snap peas, Brussels sprouts, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens like spinach and kale all steam well in the Instant Pot.

Chicken

Steaming chicken breast in the Instant Pot is quick and convenient. It is perfect for making shredded chicken for sandwiches or recipes that require pre-cooked chicken. Just be mindful of the cooking duration to avoid drying out the chicken.

Fish

Fish can be tricky to cook in an Instant Pot. If cooking it in water, it is easy to overcook, so gently steaming it is a better approach. Fish fillets, shrimp, scallops, and mussels are all excellent choices for steaming. The quick cooking time helps to lock in the delicate flavours and prevent overcooking.

Dumplings

Whether you prefer store-bought or homemade dumplings, steaming them in the Instant Pot results in perfectly cooked dough and fillings.

Eggs

Steaming eggs in the Instant Pot is a great way to cook them. Soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs take just a few minutes.

Tamales

Steaming tamales in the Instant Pot is a convenient and mess-free way to achieve perfectly cooked results.

Corn

Steaming cobs of corn in the Instant Pot yields juicy and flavorful kernels.

Potatoes

Steaming is the best approach to cooking potatoes in the Instant Pot as it is a more gentle cooking method. Baby potatoes are a nutritious and versatile side dish. You can enjoy them plain, mashed, or tossed with your favourite herbs and seasonings.

Fruit

You can steam whole fruit like pears and apples directly on the trivet, or chopped fruit in a heatproof bowl on the trivet or in a steamer basket.

Tips for Instant Pot steaming

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking functions, including steaming. Here are some important tips to get the best results when steaming with your Instant Pot:

• Add sufficient liquid: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you'll need between 1 cup (240ml) and 2 cups (470ml) of liquid to build up enough pressure for steaming. You can use water, broth, or stock to add flavour to your dish.
• Use a steamer basket: A steamer basket is essential for keeping your food out of the boiling water and allowing it to cook in the steam. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal trivet or rack that comes with the Instant Pot, a colander, or even a heat-proof bowl.
• Layer food according to cooking time: Place foods that take longer to cook at the bottom of the steamer basket, closer to the water, and quicker-cooking foods on top. For example, root vegetables take longer to steam than green vegetables.
• Don't overfill the basket: Leave some space at the top of the steamer basket to ensure the lid fits securely. This is important for maintaining the necessary pressure and steam inside the pot.
• Seal the vent: Make sure to close the vent by turning the handle to the sealing position. This traps the steam and pressure inside, ensuring your food cooks properly.
• Adjust the cooking time: The "Steam" function on the Instant Pot is preset for high pressure for 10 minutes. You can adjust the time using the "+" and "-" buttons, depending on what you're cooking. Most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, while root vegetables and frozen vegetables may take longer.
• Release pressure when done: When the cooking time is up, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Be careful when doing this, as the steam can burn your skin.
• Save your cooking liquid: If you're steaming foods with lots of flavour, like salmon, save the cooking liquid (stock) for use in another recipe, such as a soup or sauce.
• Experiment with different foods: The Instant Pot is great for steaming a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruits. You can even steam dumplings, Idlis, or Mochi dough!
• Print a cooking time chart: Keep a cheat sheet of common steaming times for different foods nearby for quick reference. This will help you determine the right cooking time for your dishes.

Step-by-step guide to Instant Pot steaming

Instant Pots are a great addition to your kitchen and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming with your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need your Instant Pot, a steamer basket or trivet, and the food you want to steam.

Step 2: Add water to the Instant Pot

Fill the inner pot of your Instant Pot with 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 mL) of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the quantity of food you are steaming. Make sure the water level is below the food, as you want to steam rather than boil your ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the steamer basket or trivet

If using a steamer basket, place it inside the Instant Pot. If your steamer basket does not have its own stand, you will need to place the Instant Pot's trivet at the bottom of the pot first and then place the steamer basket on top.

Step 4: Add food to the steamer basket

Place the food you want to steam into the steamer basket. If you are steaming multiple foods with different cooking times, layer them in the basket accordingly, with the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom.

Step 5: Secure the lid

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Make sure the arrows on the lid and the pot are lined up, indicating that the lid is secure.

Step 6: Close the vent

Find the vent switch on the top of the lid and close it by shifting it to the "Sealing" position. This will trap the pressure and steam inside the Instant Pot, ensuring your food cooks properly.

Step 7: Select the "Steam" function

Press the "Steam" button on your Instant Pot to activate the steam function. If your Instant Pot does not have a "Steam" button, you can use the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function instead.

Step 8: Set the cooking time

Adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys on your Instant Pot. Refer to the Instant Pot's guide or your recipe for the recommended cooking time for your specific ingredients. Most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, while root vegetables and seafood may take longer.

Step 9: Wait for the beep

Stay near your Instant Pot and listen for the beep that signals the end of the cooking cycle. It is important to manually release the pressure as soon as the beep sounds to prevent overcooking.

Step 10: Release the pressure

Cover your hand with an oven mitt or kitchen towel to protect it from the steam. Then, switch the vent to the "Venting" position to release the pressure inside the Instant Pot. Be very careful when performing this step, as the steam can burn your skin.

Step 11: Open the lid and remove the steamer basket

Once the pressure has been released, twist the lid to unlock it and carefully lift it off the Instant Pot. Remove the steamer basket by gripping the handle and lifting it out. Your steamed food is now ready to be served!

Tips for successful Instant Pot steaming:

• Always add enough water to the inner pot before steaming.
• Allow the water to boil before adding your steamer basket and food.
• Use a steamer basket with moderate holes to allow the food to breathe and cook evenly.
• If steaming a whole meal, stack the ingredients in the correct order. Place the hardest-to-cook items at the bottom of the steamer basket and the quicker-cooking items on top.
• Set the valve to "Sealing" to bring the Instant Pot to pressure and cook your food efficiently.

Instant Pot steaming times

Instant Pots are a great addition to your kitchen and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited for steaming. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use the Instant Pot as a steamer, including steaming times.

How to Steam with an Instant Pot:

• Add 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 ml) of liquid to the Instant Pot. This can be water, broth, or stock.
• Place a trivet or steam basket in the pot. If using a basket, ensure it has legs or place it on a trivet.
• Put the food you want to steam inside the basket or on top of the trivet.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the "sealing" position.
• Select the Steam function and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• When the cooking time is up, release the pressure and open the Instant Pot.

The steaming time will depend on the type of food being cooked. Here are some general guidelines for common foods:

• Vegetables: 1 to 5 minutes for most veggies, longer for root vegetables.
• Frozen vegetables: Longer than fresh veggies.
• Seafood: 1 to 5 minutes.
• Chicken breast: 6-8 minutes per 1 lb (450g).
• Fish fillet: Steaming time depends on the type and thickness of the fish.
• Eggs: 5 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
• Fruits: Sliced apples can be steamed for a few minutes.

Remember that these are just estimates, and you may need to adjust the times based on your preferences and the specific model of your Instant Pot. Always refer to the user manual for detailed instructions and safety guidelines.

Frequently asked questions