Power Cooker Steaming Hacks: Alternatives To Steamer Baskets

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook food, but they're not the only option. If you're looking for alternatives to using a steamer basket in your power cooker, there are several options to consider. You can use a simple hack with a large pot, a heatproof plate, and some aluminum foil. Roll up three sheets of aluminum foil into balls and place them at the bottom of the pot, add water, place the plate on top, and you're ready to steam. Another option is to use a wire cooling rack, which can be placed inside a pot with water, creating a similar effect to a steamer basket. You can also get creative and build a pie tin steamer by poking holes in aluminum pie tins and placing them in a pot with water. A strainer or colander can also be used in place of a steamer basket. Finally, if you're in a pinch, you can even steam food in the microwave by adding a small amount of water and covering the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap.

Using a plate and some foil

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a plate and some foil to steam food in your power cooker. First, you need to find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Then, make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of your pot. Next, add water to the pot and place the plate (with ingredients) on top of the aluminium foil balls. Finally, cover the pot and heat until your food is steamed.

This method is simple and effective, and it has the added benefit of making cleaning easier as you can keep the food on the plate when you serve it. It's important to note that the lid of your pot should not touch the food when it is covered, as this could affect the cooking process.

When using this method, be sure to use caution when handling hot dishes and plates to avoid burns. Additionally, make sure that the plate you are using is heat-proof and slightly smaller than your pot to ensure that it fits properly and can withstand the heat.

By using a plate and some foil, you can easily steam food in your power cooker without the need for a steamer basket. This method is not only convenient but also allows you to steam a variety of foods, from vegetables to proteins, with minimal equipment.

Steaming in the oven

Steaming Vegetables

To steam vegetables in the oven, first preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your vegetables by spreading them out on a grate, a steaming pan, or a colander. Chop up any large vegetables, such as peppers and onions, into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. However, there is no need to peel the vegetables unless you prefer to eat them without the skin.

Next, boil some water in a kettle or pot on the stove. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully pour about half an inch (1.3 cm) of water into an oven-safe pot or pan. Place the grate or steaming pan with the vegetables inside the pan, ensuring that the hot water does not touch the veggies. Cover the pot with foil to seal in the steam and trap the heat.

Place the pot in the oven and let the vegetables steam for about 3-8 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable. For example, cauliflower, broccoli, and asparagus will need 5-6 minutes, while beans and peas only require 3-5 minutes. The vegetables are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork but are not mushy.

Remove the pot from the oven and let the vegetables cool on a plate for a few minutes before serving. You can season them with salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.

Baking Bread

Steaming is an important step when baking bread in the oven, as it helps achieve a better rise and a crispier crust. To add steam to your oven, there are several methods you can try:

• Using a Dutch oven: Place your loaf inside a Dutch oven for the first 15-20 minutes of baking. This creates a steamy chamber that traps the moisture released by the dough, helping it rise evenly.
• Using a pressurised sprayer: Pump a hand-pressurised sprayer and spray a continuous jet of steam into the oven as you load the loaf and shut the door.
• Using a roasting tray: Place a roasting tray at the bottom of the oven. As you load your loaf, pour a cup of hot water into the tray. This creates a burst of steam, so be careful to avoid burns.
• Adding lava rocks or nuts and bolts to the roasting tray can enhance the steam effect.
• Throwing ice cubes into the oven: This method creates steam but can lower the oven temperature. Preheat your oven to a higher temperature (240°C) and then lower it to 220°C when you close the door.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your oven and avoid getting steam on a glass oven door or the oven light, as it may shatter. Also, ensure that you only add steam for the first 10-20 minutes of baking, as the crust needs to harden and caramelise afterward.

Steaming Fish

To steam fish in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line an oven-safe skillet or baking dish with aluminium foil, large enough to wrap the fish with some extra room for air. Season the fish with lemon, salt, pepper, or other spices to taste. You can also add vegetables to the skillet for extra flavour.

Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water to the fish to create steam. Wrap the foil around the fish to create a tent, leaving a small opening for the steam to escape. Place the skillet in the oven and cook the fish for 15-20 minutes for average-sized fillets or 30-40 minutes for a whole fish.

Remove the fish from the oven and let it cool before serving. You can add more seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice, to taste.

Using a strainer or colander

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a strainer or colander to steam food in your power cooker. Here's what you need to do:

Firstly, you'll need to fill your power cooker pot with water—around half an inch should be enough. Next, place a metal colander or strainer inside the pot, ensuring there's enough room so that the boiling water won't touch the strainer. If your strainer doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, you may need to hold it in place with a heat-proof handle or oven mitts.

Now you're ready to add your food. Place it in a single layer in the strainer, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so it's barely bubbling. Cover the pot as much as possible to prevent steam from escaping. Remember to check on your food regularly to prevent over-cooking, as steaming times will vary depending on what you're cooking.

Repurposing a cooling rack

If you're looking for a substitute for a steamer basket, an elevated wire cooling rack can be an excellent alternative. Simply add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid, place the cooling rack inside, add your food, and steam until your desired level of doneness is achieved.

But that's not all a cooling rack can be used for. Here are some creative ways to repurpose a cooling rack:

Crafting Station Organizer

Attach multiple cooling racks together with zip ties and secure desktop organizers to the wires. Mount this setup on your wall to create a handy crafting station with easy access to all your essential supplies.

Simple Wire Shelving

By joining cooling racks with zip ties, you can create lightweight wire shelving perfect for organizing lightweight items like toys or snacks in your closet or pantry. Just make sure to secure the structure to the wall to prevent accidental tipping.

Storage Bin

You can assemble an open-cube storage bin by connecting cooling racks with zip ties. This type of bin is ideal for storing items that need extra airflow, such as outdoor toys or pool equipment. The open design prevents water pooling and mildew formation.

Hanging Mug Storage

Make the most of your small kitchen by mounting a cooling rack underneath your cabinets. This creates a clever space to hang mugs and other kitchen items, maximizing your storage capacity.

Mounted Spice Rack

Bend a cooling rack into a trough shape using pliers and secure the ends with wire. Mount it on the wall using hooks, and you'll have a unique and functional spot to store your spices and herbs.

Jewelry Display

Mount a cooling rack on a wall or the back of a door and use it to hang your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. You can paint or frame the rack to match your style and create a stylish and organized display for your jewelry.

These ideas showcase the versatility of cooling racks, which can be used for cooking, storage, and even decorative purposes. So, get creative and make the most of this simple yet functional item!

Building a pie tin steamer

Materials:

• 2 reusable aluminium pie tins
• A knife, skewer or scissors
• A rolling pin

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Tins

Poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. This will allow the steam to vent through the tin. One tin will remain structurally intact, while the other will be flattened. Therefore, the holes in the flattened tin are not necessary but can be added for convenience.

Step 2: Flatten One Pie Tin

Use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins. This step is important as it creates a platform for the food to be steamed on, with the intact tin acting as a stand in the water. Don't worry about getting the tin perfectly flat; a few passes with the rolling pin should be sufficient.

Step 3: Assemble the Steamer

Place the structurally intact tin upside down in a pot with a little water. The water level should reach about halfway up the pie tin. Then, rest the flattened tin on top of the intact tin. The edges of the flattened tin should be supported by the walls of the intact tin.

Step 4: Prepare the Food

Place the food you wish to steam on top of the flattened tin. It is recommended to coat the food with a small amount of cooking oil before steaming. For an added flavour boost, try using sesame oil for a nutty, toasted taste.

Step 5: Steam the Food

Cover the pot with a lid and turn on the heat. Steam the food until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For dumplings, it is recommended to ensure that the water is producing steam before adding them to the steamer. This ensures even cooking and prevents the dumplings from becoming too mushy.

Frequently asked questions