Steaming Accessories: Baskets For Pressure Cookers Explained

A steamer basket is an indispensable accessory for pressure cooker owners. They are used to prepare fruit, vegetables, fish, and even eggs. They are usually made from stainless steel or silicone and are dishwasher-safe. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, including stackable, collapsible, and bamboo. The basket is placed in the pressure cooker above the water level, allowing food to be steamed rather than boiled. This helps food retain more flavour, nutrients, and texture.

Steamer baskets can be used to cook multiple foods at once

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods, from vegetables to seafood to dumplings. They are also a healthy cooking option as they don't require the use of oil or fat, which can add extra calories and unwanted trans fats. Additionally, steaming helps food retain nutrients, moisture, and natural flavour.

One of the benefits of using a steamer basket is that you can cook multiple foods at once. This is especially useful if you are short on time or want to reduce the amount of cleanup afterwards. Here are some tips for using a steamer basket to cook multiple foods simultaneously:

• Use a multi-level or compartmentalised steaming basket: These baskets allow you to cook several foods at the same time. Place the items that require the most cooking time at the bottom, closest to the heat source, and put the foods that need less cooking time in the upper baskets.
• Layer your ingredients: If you are using a single steamer basket, you can still cook multiple foods by layering them. Place the ingredients that take longer to cook at the bottom of the basket and the quicker-cooking items on top. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket and cook in batches if needed.
• Use different steaming liquids: You can add flavour to your food by steaming it in liquids such as broth, wine, or tomato sauce instead of water. You can even save the steaming liquid and use it as a sauce for your meal.
• Add herbs and spices: To enhance the flavour of your dishes, you can add herbs and spices to the steaming liquid. This way, you can cook multiple foods with different flavours at the same time.
• Use multiple pots: If you have more than one steamer basket, you can cook different foods in separate pots simultaneously. This is a great option if you want to avoid mixing flavours or if the foods have different cooking times.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your steamer basket and cook multiple foods at once, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

They can be used to cook eggs

Steamer baskets can be used to cook eggs in a pressure cooker. They are particularly useful for cooking hard-boiled eggs, as they make the eggs easier to peel. The steam from the pressure cooker permeates the egg shell, creating a separation between the egg white and the shell. This makes the shell easier to remove.

To cook hard-boiled eggs in a pressure cooker with a steamer basket, first fill the pressure cooker with the minimum amount of water specified by the manufacturer. Place the eggs in the steamer basket above the water. Seal the lid and bring the pressure cooker up to low pressure. Cook for around 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, and 12-15 minutes for cooked-through hard-boiled eggs. After cooking, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to drop for 5 minutes. Then, use the quick-release method to open the pressure cooker and transfer the eggs to ice water to cool them down.

If you are using a stovetop pressure cooker, you may want to try a quicker 3-4 minute cook time, as stovetop pressure cookers can reach a higher pressure than electric cookers. It is also important to note that very fresh eggs can be harder to peel, so you may want to leave them on the counter for a few days before cooking.

They can be used to steam vegetables

Steamer baskets are an indispensable accessory for pressure cooker owners. They can be used to steam vegetables, fruit, fish, eggs, and even meatloaf!

When cooking vegetables, a steamer basket is particularly useful for tougher vegetables, such as potatoes, which require a longer cooking time. The basket elevates the vegetables above the liquid, preventing them from soaking it all up.

When purchasing a steamer basket, it is important to ensure it is the correct size for your pressure cooker. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert, but there are many other types available, including compartmentalized and multi-level baskets, which allow you to cook multiple foods at once. If your pressure cooker does not come with a basket, it is recommended to invest in a collapsible stainless steel steamer, which opens and closes like a flower. These are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and available in multiple sizes.

When using a steamer basket, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some additional tips include allowing the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker, and always choosing the lowest pressure level unless otherwise instructed. You can also flavour the steaming water with vinegar, wine, herbs, broth, or tomato sauce, and use it as a sauce for your vegetables.

They can be used to steam fish

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook fish, as they allow you to cook a variety of foods that are elevated, rather than sitting directly on the surface of the inner pot. They are also usually dishwasher-safe, so you don't have to worry about excess cleanup.

When cooking fish in a steamer basket, it is important to grease or brush the basket slightly to prevent the fish from sticking. Additionally, when steaming fish, it is best to use the lowest pressure setting on your pressure cooker unless otherwise instructed.

You can steam just about any kind of fish, but for this steamed fish recipe, it is recommended to choose white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, sea bass, hake, or snapper. The fish should be about 5/8″ (1.5 cm) thick so it steams fast and evenly. Freshness is also important when steaming fish, as it is a delicate cooking method and older fish may not taste as good.

Ingredients:

• Two 3/4 pound (340 g) fish fillets (any type of fish can be used)
• 1 small red chili, sliced
• 1 tablespoon (6 g) of freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (32 g) of hoisin sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil and lemon juice for serving

Instructions:

• Fill a pot with water and place it on the stove. Turn the burner to high and place a lid on the pot.
• Sprinkle both sides of the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
• Place the fillets on a heat-proof plate and lay the lemon, chili, and ginger over them.
• Put the plate into the steamer basket and set it on the pot of boiling water.
• Steam the fish over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked throughout.
• Transfer the fish to a serving platter and pour the hot vinegar sauce over it.
• Drizzle the fish with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with coarse salt before serving.

They are available in multiple sizes

Steamer baskets are available in multiple sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your pressure cooker. If you're looking for a steamer basket for an Instant Pot, there are several options available that are designed to fit 6-quart and 8-quart models.

When selecting a steamer basket, it's important to consider the size and type of your pressure cooker. For example, if your pressure cooker has a non-stick interior, it's recommended to use a silicone steamer basket to avoid scratching the surface. On the other hand, if you have a stainless steel pressure cooker, you can opt for a stainless steel or metal steamer basket.

Additionally, you may want to choose a steamer basket with a removable center stem or shaft, especially if you plan to cook larger items. This allows for more flexibility in the size and shape of the food that can be steamed.

Some steamer baskets are also designed with multiple tiers or compartments, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously. This can be especially useful if you're preparing a variety of dishes with varying cooking times.

When purchasing a steamer basket, pay attention to the dimensions listed in the product specifications to ensure it will fit properly in your pressure cooker. It's worth noting that some steamer baskets may require minor modifications, such as removing the handles, to fit into specific models of pressure cookers.

Frequently asked questions