Steam Or Cook: Instant Pot Functionality Explained

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for steaming food in addition to pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. The Steam function on the Instant Pot is a preset for low pressure and is ideal for cooking delicate ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, eggs, and dumplings. Steaming food in the Instant Pot retains nutrients, enhances digestibility, maintains flavor and texture, and promotes weight loss by avoiding the addition of oils and fats.

To use the Steam function, follow these steps:

- Add water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. The amount of water depends on the recipe and the type of food being steamed.

- Place a steamer basket or rack in the inner pot to elevate the food above the water.

- Arrange the food on the steamer basket or rack, ensuring even distribution.

- Securely close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring proper alignment and sealing.

- Set the venting knob to the venting position to allow continuous steam release during cooking.

- Locate and press the Steam button on the control panel to activate the function.

- Adjust the cooking time using the + and - buttons according to your recipe and the type of food.

- Once the desired cooking time is set, press the Start button to initiate the steaming process.

- After the cooking cycle is complete, perform a natural release by allowing the pressure to release naturally, or a quick release by turning the steam release valve to the venting position.

- Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot away from your face to avoid steam burns.

How to steam in an Instant Pot with a steamer basket

Steaming in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam in an Instant Pot with a steamer basket:

Step 1: Add Water to the Instant Pot

Firstly, pour 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 ml) of water into the Instant Pot. 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, otherwise, the food will be boiled instead of steamed.

Step 2: Place the Trivet and Steamer Basket in the Pot

Place the trivet (the short rack that comes with the Instant Pot) at the bottom of the pot. This will help hold the food up and above the water. If you are using a steamer basket, place it on top of the trivet.

Step 3: Add Food to the Steamer Basket

Layer the food in the steamer basket according to cooking time. Place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom of the basket, and the quicker-cooking food at the top. Avoid overfilling the basket—leave a little space at the top to ensure the lid fits securely.

Step 4: Secure the Lid and Turn the Vent to the Sealing Position

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Check that the arrows on the lid and the pot are lined up. Then, turn the vent to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside the pot.

Step 5: Press the "Steam" Button and Adjust the Cooking Time

Press the "Steam" button on the Instant Pot control panel. Then, use the plus or minus keys to set the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the type of food you are steaming. Generally, most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, while seafood cooks in a similar timeframe.

Step 6: Release the Pressure and Remove the Lid and Steamer Basket

When 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 could burn your skin. Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and steamer basket, and your food is ready to serve!

How to steam in an Instant Pot without a steamer basket

Steaming in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam in an Instant Pot without a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Pour about 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 mL) of water into the Instant Pot. Use less water for a smaller quantity of food, but opt for 2 cups if you're steaming a whole basket of veggies or seafood. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. If the water level is above the trivet, scoop some out to lower the waterline.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time. Root vegetables take longer to steam than green veggies, and seafood cooks quickly. For instance, place potatoes at the bottom, carrots in the middle, and broccoli on top. Avoid overfilling your basket; leave a little space at the top so the lid will fit securely. If your basket seems overly full, consider cooking your meal in batches.

Step 3: Place the Food in the Instant Pot

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small colander or place the food directly on the trivet. Lift the food into the Instant Pot and place it on the trivet. Make sure the top of the basket or food is below the top edge of the pot so the lid will fit.

Step 4: Secure the Lid

Place the lid over the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until the lock clicks. Double-check that the arrows on the lid and the pot line up. Shift the vent switch to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside.

Step 5: Use the Steam Function

Push the "Steam" button on the control panel. Set the cooking time using the plus or minus keys. Generally, most veggies steam in 1 to 5 minutes, but root veggies take longer. Frozen veggies will need a longer steam time than fresh ones. Most seafood cooks in 1 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Listen for the beep that signals the food is done. Stay near your pot so you can manually release the pressure as soon as the beep sounds. Cover your hand with an oven mitt or towel and push the steam release handle to open the vent. Be careful as the steam will rush out and could burn your skin.

Alternative Method: Using the Sauté Function

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Here's how:

• Press the sauté function on the control panel.
• Adjust the time if necessary using the plus or minus keys.
• Wait for the water to boil.
• Toss in your desired veggies.
• Place a clear pot lid on top of your Instant Pot to trap the steam.
• Check your food periodically to see if it’s done.
• Push “Cancel” when the timer goes off or the food is done.

How to steam in an Instant Pot without the steam button

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for steaming, even if your model doesn't have a designated steam button. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam in an Instant Pot without the steam button:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

• Pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Use less water for a smaller quantity of food, and more water if you're steaming a large batch of vegetables or seafood. Ensure that the water level is below the food to avoid boiling it instead of steaming.
• Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. The trivet will help elevate the food above the water.
• If you're using a steamer basket, place it on top of the trivet. You can also use a small colander or simply put the food directly on the trivet.
• Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time, with longer-cooking items at the bottom and quicker-cooking items on top. Avoid overfilling the basket; leave some space at the top to ensure the lid fits securely.

Step 2: Set Up for Steaming

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot by turning it clockwise until it locks into place. Ensure the arrows on the lid and the pot are aligned.
• Close the vent by shifting the vent switch on the lid to the sealing position. This will trap the steam and pressure inside the pot.
• Press the "Sauté" or "Manual" button on your Instant Pot. If using the "Sauté" function, adjust the time as needed.

Step 3: Steam Your Food

• Place your desired food on the trivet or in the steamer basket. Be careful when placing items in the pot, as the water and pot will be hot.
• Cover the pot with a clear pot lid to trap the steam inside. You can also use the Instant Pot lid, but make sure the sealing ring is fitted properly.
• Check your food periodically to see if it's done. Remove the lid to check the texture with a fork.
• When your food is cooked to your desired doneness, press "Cancel" to turn off the Instant Pot.
• Release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Be careful when doing this, as the steam can burn your skin.
• Open the lid and remove your steamed food. Enjoy!

Tips for Steaming in an Instant Pot:

• Use the Instant Pot's handy guide or online resources to determine the recommended steaming time for your food.
• Frozen veggies will take longer to steam than fresh veggies, and root vegetables generally take longer than green veggies.
• You can also steam Idlis, dumplings, eggs, and other foods that can be steamed in a conventional steamer.
• Always add sufficient water to the inner pot before steaming, and allow the water to boil before adding your food.
• If your Instant Pot doesn't have a steam basket, you can use a colander, a tall trivet, or an egg rack for steaming.

Instant Pot steam vs pressure

Instant Pot's steam function is a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently while retaining its nutrients. It is a versatile function that allows you to cook a variety of foods ranging from vegetables and seafood to eggs and chicken. Here's a detailed comparison between Instant Pot's steam and pressure functions:

• The steam function on the Instant Pot is a preset for high pressure for ten minutes, whereas the pressure function uses high pressure for faster cooking times.
• The steam function is ideal for delicate ingredients that require gentle cooking, such as vegetables, seafood, and eggs. On the other hand, the pressure function is suitable for robust ingredients like potatoes and carrots, which can withstand higher pressure levels.
• The steam function cooks food with low pressure, resulting in a slower cooking process compared to the pressure function.
• The steam function is perfect for preserving the nutrients, flavours, and textures of ingredients. In contrast, the pressure function may result in overcooking or mushy food if not timed correctly.
• The steam function is available on most Instant Pot models, including the Duo Crisp. However, the pressure function may not be available on all models, and adjustments may be needed depending on the specific model.
• The steam function is excellent for reheating leftovers quickly and evenly, while the pressure function is typically used for cooking rather than reheating.
• The amount of water required for the steam function depends on the recipe and the cooking cycle. In contrast, the pressure function usually requires a minimum amount of water, as indicated in the Instant Pot manual, to ensure proper pressure buildup.
• The steam function is ideal for stacking or using separate containers to steam multiple foods simultaneously. On the other hand, the pressure function may require a single layer of food to ensure even cooking.
• The steam function is a healthier option compared to the pressure function as it doesn't require oil or fats, resulting in lower-calorie meals.
• The steam function is a more convenient option for steaming food compared to traditional stovetop methods as it is faster and doesn't require constant supervision.
• The steam function is perfect for preparing soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, as you can adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.

In conclusion, both the steam and pressure functions have their unique advantages and use cases. The steam function is ideal for delicate ingredients, nutrient retention, and gentle cooking, while the pressure function is suitable for faster cooking and robust ingredients. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the type of food being prepared and the desired cooking results.

Instant Pot steam times

The Instant Pot is a great addition to your kitchen, as it can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. It is particularly well-suited for steaming, which is a quick and easy way to cook food while retaining its nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the steam function on your Instant Pot:

• Step 1: Add 1 to 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Measure out your water and pour it into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Use less water for a smaller quantity of food, but go ahead and add the full 2 cups if you’re steaming a whole basket of veggies or seafood.
• Step 2: Set the trivet on the bottom of the Instant Pot. The trivet is the short rack that came with your Instant Pot. Place it at the bottom of your pot to help hold the food up over the water.
• Step 3: Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time. Check the cooking times in your recipe or Instant Pot cooking guide before you load multiple foods into your steam basket. Place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom, closer to the water. Top the basket with your quickest cooking food.
• Step 4: Place the steam basket into the Instant Pot. Lift the basket into the Instant Pot and place it on top of the trivet. Make sure the top of the basket is below the top edge of the pot so your lid will fit.
• Step 5: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Place the lid over the top of the Instant Pot. Then, turn the lid clockwise until the lock clicks. Double-check that the lid is secure by making sure the arrows on the lid and the pot line up.
• Step 6: Turn the little handle near the vent to seal it off. Look on the top of the lid to find the vent switch. Shift it in either direction to close off the vent. This traps the pressure and steam inside the Instant Pot.
• Step 7: Push the "Steam" button to turn on the Instant Pot's steam function. Check the lower right area of the control panel for the "Steam" button. Watch for the screen to light up and a standard cook time to appear.
• Step 8: Set the cooking time using the plus or minus keys. Set the actual cook time without worrying about preheating. Times vary for each type of food, so double-check the recommended time the first time you steam a food. Use the time listed in your recipe, if you have one, or use Instant Pot's handy guide.
• Step 9: Listen for the beep that signals the food is done cooking. Stay near your pot so you are there when the timer goes off. It’s super important that you manually release the pressure as soon as you hear the beep. Otherwise, your food may overcook and get mushy.
• Step 10: Release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Cover your hand with an oven mitt or towel to protect your skin from the steam. Then, push the steam release handle to either the left or the right to open the vent. This releases the pressure inside the Instant Pot so your food stops cooking.
• Step 11: Open the lid and remove your steam basket. Twist the lid to unlock it, then carefully lift it off the Instant Pot. Next, grip the handle of the steam basket and lift the basket out. Set the basket on a plate or kitchen towel. Dinner is served!
• Asparagus, whole or cut: 1-2 minutes
• Fresh beans (green, yellow, wax): 1-2 minutes
• Brussels sprouts (whole): 2-3 minutes
• Butternut squash (slices): 5-7 minutes
• Corn (kernels, frozen): 2-3 minutes
• Corn on the cob (fresh): 3-4 minutes
• Frozen mixed vegetables: 3-4 minutes
• Potato/ sweet potato cubes: 5-7 minutes
• Potatoes (whole, small): 10-12 minutes
• Potatoes (whole, large): 15-20 minutes
• Apples (slices, chunks): 3-4 minutes
• Chicken breast (boneless): 6 – 8 per 1lb/ 450g
• Turkey, breast (boneless): 7 – 9 per 1lb/ 450g
• Fish fillet (frozen): 3-5 minutes
• Shrimp/ prawns (fresh): 3-5 minutes

Frequently asked questions