Steaming Basics: Tools For Perfect Pressure Cooker Steaming

Pressure cookers are a great addition to your kitchen, allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods. They are particularly useful for steaming, which is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients. You can steam just about anything in a pressure cooker, from vegetables to chicken, fish, potatoes, eggs, and fruit.

To steam in a pressure cooker, you'll need a steamer basket or a metal trivet. Simply add water to the bottom of the pot, place the steamer basket or trivet on top, and add your food. The amount of water added depends on the size of your cooker, but it should be enough to fill the cooker with steam without submerging the food.

Using a steamer basket is quite simple and mostly involves following the manufacturer's instructions. Some additional tips include boiling the water for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the cooker and always choosing the lowest pressure level unless otherwise instructed. It's also important to use the recommended cooking settings for seafood and fish to avoid overcooking.

So, the next time you want to cook a meal and steam veggies, consider using a pressure cooker with a steamer basket. It's a convenient and efficient way to prepare delicious and nutritious meals.

How to steam vegetables in a pressure cooker

Steaming vegetables in a pressure cooker is a great way to cook them quickly while retaining their nutritional value, colour and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

What You'll Need:

• A pressure cooker
• A steamer basket or trivet
• Fresh vegetables of your choice (e.g. broccoli, carrots, green beans, potatoes, corn, cauliflower, asparagus, etc.)
• Water

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Wash your chosen vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
• Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones.
• Pour 1-2 cups of water into the bottom of your pressure cooker. The amount may vary depending on the cooker size, but ensure there's enough to produce steam without reaching the vegetables.
• Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the pressure cooker, above the water level.
• Spread your prepared vegetables evenly in the basket or on the trivet, ensuring they don't overload and steam can circulate freely.
• Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, making sure the steam valve is in the correct position for cooking.
• Set the cooking time. Generally, 2-3 minutes for softer vegetables like spinach or kale, and up to 5 minutes for harder ones like carrots or potatoes. Adjust the time based on the type and size of your vegetables.
• After cooking, use the natural release method for about 5 minutes, then switch to quick release to expel any remaining steam. Be careful when handling the cooker to avoid steam burns.
• Open the lid away from your face and test a piece of vegetable for tenderness. If needed, close the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the vegetables promptly to prevent overcooking. Season with salt, pepper, or your favourite spices, or drizzle with a dressing of your choice. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the water level. Too little water may cause the cooker to burn dry, while too much might make your vegetables soggy.
• Steam in batches if you're cooking large quantities to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with different vegetables to find your preferred textures and cooking times.
• Remember, timing is crucial. Too much time and you'll end up with mushy veggies.
• Use the quick-release method for delicate vegetables to avoid overcooking.
• You can also season your vegetables with a bit of oil and your favourite seasonings before steaming to add extra flavour.

How to steam fish in a pressure cooker

Steaming fish in a pressure cooker is a great way to cook your fish evenly while retaining moisture and flavour. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Choose Your Fish

When cooking fish in a pressure cooker, opt for firm-fleshed varieties such as salmon, cod, halibut, or snapper. These types of fish will hold their shape well during the cooking process and have a rich flavour that pairs nicely with pressure cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather your desired seasonings, such as garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices. These will infuse the fish with flavour. You will also need a cooking liquid such as broth, wine, or coconut milk.

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 every bite of your fish is bursting with flavour.

Step 4: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Pour one cup of your chosen cooking liquid into the pressure cooker. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the cooker, ensuring it is elevated above the liquid level. You can use a metal or silicone steamer basket, or a bamboo steamer placed on a rack or aluminium foil balls.

Step 5: Place the Fish in the Cooker

Gently place the marinated fish fillets into the cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced to promote even cooking. Drizzle a thin layer of vegetable or olive oil over the fish.

Step 6: Seal and Cook

Securely lock the pressure cooker lid in place. Set the cooker to low pressure and adjust the time according to the thickness of the fish fillets. As a general rule, allow 2-3 minutes per centimetre of thickness.

Step 7: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method to prevent overcooking. Take the pressure cooker off the heat and move the pressure regulator from the lid to allow the steam and pressure to escape.

Step 8: Serve

Once all the pressure has escaped, open the lid and gently transfer the fish to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining cooking liquid over the fillets for an extra burst of flavour. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

How to steam eggs in a pressure cooker

Steaming eggs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook them, and the results are very consistent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs in a pressure cooker:

What You Need:

• A pressure cooker (you can use a traditional stovetop pressure cooker or an electric one like an Instant Pot)
• A trivet that fits inside your pressure cooker (most pressure cookers come with one)
• A pair of tongs or a long spatula
• Eggs (you can cook as many as you like, but make sure they don't fall into the water)
• Water
• Ice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

• Pour about 1-2 cups (240-470ml) of water into the pressure cooker. The amount of water will depend on the size of your cooker and the number of eggs you are cooking. Check your pressure cooker manual for the minimum water requirement.
• Place the trivet inside the pressure cooker. This will keep the eggs above the water level so they can steam instead of boil.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

• Place the desired number of eggs on top of the trivet, making sure they don't touch the water. You can stack the eggs in two layers if needed.
• Close the lid of the pressure cooker and seal the valve.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

• Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and adjust the timer depending on your desired level of doneness:
• For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 3-4 minutes
• For medium-boiled eggs, cook for 5-6 minutes
• For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 8-10 minutes
• The cooking time will depend on your preference and the model of your pressure cooker, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly.

Step 4: Release the Pressure

• Once the timer goes off, use tongs or a long spatula to carefully turn the valve to release the pressure. Make sure your hand is not over the valve to avoid the escaping steam.
• The release will be quick, usually less than 1 minute.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

• After the pressure has been released, you will hear a small click. Open the lid and use tongs to transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water for 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
• Peel the eggs and enjoy! You can store cooked and peeled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Tips:

• Always use a quick release after the eggs are done cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Egg size matters. This recipe assumes the use of large eggs. If using medium eggs, reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. If using extra-large eggs, add 1 minute.
• For easy peeling, use an ice bath or run the eggs under cold water after cooking. This will also stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
• If your eggs crack during cooking, make sure they are not touching the water and avoid stacking too many eggs. Investing in an egg rack can help minimize cracking.

How to steam fruit in a pressure cooker

Steaming fruit in a pressure cooker is a great way to preserve the nutritional value, colour and flavour of the fruit. It is also a quick and easy way to cook fruit, and you can steam a wide variety of fruits, from apples and pears to chopped fruit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam fruit in a pressure cooker:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

• Pressure cooker
• Steamer basket or trivet
• Water
• Fruit of your choice

Step 2: Prepare Your Fruit

• Wash all fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
• For whole fruit like apples and pears, you can place them directly on the trivet.
• For chopped fruit, place in a heatproof bowl on the trivet or in a steamer basket.

Step 3: Add Water to the Pressure Cooker

Pour about 1-2 cups of water into the bottom of the pressure cooker. The amount of water will depend on the size of your cooker, but ensure it is enough to produce steam without reaching the fruit.

Step 4: Insert the Steamer Basket or Trivet

• Place the steamer basket or trivet into the pressure cooker, ensuring it sits above the water level.
• Spread the prepared fruit evenly in the basket or on the trivet, avoiding overloading to ensure steam circulates freely.

Step 5: Close the Pressure Cooker Lid

• Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, turning it clockwise until it locks into place.
• Ensure the steam valve is in the correct position for cooking.

Step 6: Set the Cooking Time

• The cooking time will depend on the type of fruit you are steaming. For example, softer fruits like apples will take less time to cook than harder fruits like pears.
• In general, softer fruits like spinach or kale will take around 2-3 minutes, while harder fruits like carrots or potatoes can take up to 5 minutes.

Step 7: Release the Pressure

• After cooking, use the natural release method for about 5 minutes, then switch to quick release to expel any remaining steam.
• Handle with care to avoid steam burns and always open the lid away from your face.

Step 8: Check the Fruit for Doneness

Test a piece of fruit for tenderness. If it is not done, you can close the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Remove the Fruit

Remove the fruit promptly to prevent overcooking. Steamed fruit is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.

How to steam chicken in a pressure cooker

Steaming chicken in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook chicken while retaining its nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam chicken in a pressure cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Firstly, add water to the pressure cooker. The amount of water required will depend on the size of your pressure cooker and the amount of chicken you are cooking. As a general rule, you will need at least 1 cup (240-250ml) of water. You can also use chicken broth or stock instead of water to add more flavour to your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken in the pressure cooker. You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you are cooking frozen chicken, it will take longer to come to temperature, so plan for an extra 2-5 minutes. Arrange the chicken in a single, even layer, ensuring that it does not exceed the maximum fill level.

Step 3: Add Flavourings (Optional)

You can add flavourings to the water to infuse your chicken with extra flavour. Try adding salt, bay leaves, garlic, or other aromatic spices and vegetables. For example, ginger and green onion would work well if you plan to use the chicken on an Asian-style salad.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the pressure valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” program and adjust the time. For boneless chicken breasts and thighs, cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. If you are cooking a larger amount of meat (3-4 pounds), increase the cooking time to 15 minutes. For a smaller amount (1 pound or less), decrease the time to 8 minutes.

Step 5: Release the Pressure

When the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release by moving the pressure release knob from "Sealing" to "Venting". It will take a minute or two for the pressure to release completely.

Step 6: Check the Chicken is Cooked

Open the pot and use a digital thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe temperature. The thickest part of the chicken should be at least 165°F. If the chicken is not quite up to temperature, close the lid and cook for another minute or two.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a dish and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. You can shred, slice, or cube the chicken as needed. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions