How To Use Instant Pot Steamer Basket

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Using The Steam Function

3 EASY Instant Pot Recipes to Make in a Steamer Basket – Perfect for Beginners
  • 1Secure 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.XResearch source
  • If the lid isnt sealed, the steam can escape. If this happens, your food wont cook correctly.
  • 2Turn 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.XResearch source
  • If you dont put the vent in the sealing position, the steam escapes out of the vent and your food wont cook right.
  • 3Push 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.XResearch source
  • If you cant find the right button, check the instructions that came with your Instant Pot or look up the online guide.
  • 4Set 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.XResearch source
  • You can find Instant Pots time guide here: .
  • How To Make Instant Pot Yogurt Cups

    Yogurt cups are a convenient way to portion out your yogurt into individual or smaller servings. After adding the starter culture to the pasteurized or warm milk, carefully pour the milk into your yogurt cups and seal them tightly. Clean the inner pot thoroughly and place the steam rack/trivet on the bottom of the inner pot. Place the sealed yogurt cups on the steam rack and add water to the inner pot until the cups are submerged halfway. Follow steps in Fermenting Yogurt above.

    Steaming Veggies With The Saute Function

  • 1Find a clear pot lid that fits your instant pot. Dont use your Instant Pot lid when youre using the saute function, since youre not pressure cooking. Instead, use a regular pot lid to trap in steam. This way, youll be able to check your food while it cooks so you can turn off the Instant Pot when your meal is done.XResearch source
  • Normally, you dont need to use a lid at all when youre using the saute function. However, youll need a lid to steam your veggies.
  • 2Press the saute function. Look for the button on the lower-left side of the control panel. This allows you to heat the water up to create steam. However, the Instant Pot wont pressure cook your veggies.XResearch source
  • Normally, youd use this function to heat sauces, toss veggies or meat in oil, or season cooked food.
  • 3Push + or – to adjust the time if necessary. Check the recommended steam time for the veggies youre cooking. Then, set the timer on the Instant Pot. You can set the time for up to 30 minutes while in the saute function.XResearch source
  • If youre using a recipe, use the recommended steam time listed on the recipe. Otherwise, check the recommended steam time for the type of veggie youre cooking.
  • Its okay to set the time high as long as you stay with the Instant Pot. When youre happy with the texture of your veggies, hit cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.
  • The preheating time wont count toward your cooking time, so dont worry about that.
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    Is There A Steamer Basket For A 3

    Most Instant Pot steamer baskets wont fit in the smaller 3-quart Instant Pot mini pressure cooker.

    However, there are some steamer baskets that have been specifically designed to fit in the 3-quart Instant Pot, such as this stainless steel basket and this silicone basket.

    Be sure to double-check sizes before purchasing to ensure the selected steamer basket will fit within the circumference of your model!

    Instant Pot Steamer Basket Giveaway

    How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot

    717 Industries have generously given me the chance to give one of my fabulous readers a brand new Instant Pot Steamer Basket! Heres what you need to do to be eligible:

    • Leave a comment on this post with the top 3 things youd use the steamer basket for.
    • In your comment, also tell me what or who youre thankful for, and why. Be genuine.
    • If youre feeling generous, please share this post on your Instagram story or Facebook. Not necessary, but I always appreciate when you share my posts. It helps so much.
    • Be a good, kind, nice, giving person. Im like Santa Ill know!

    *Giveaway ends 12/01/2019 and I will contact the winner directly through email.

    And may the odds be ever in your favor, my friends! Lisa

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    Best Handles: Instant Pot Steamer Basket

    If you’re looking for a top-notch silicone steamer basket with some great locking handles, then the Instant Pot one is the choice for you. One of the greatest parts about this basket is the interlocking handles that create one singular handle. Since they’re able to move out of the way easily, they won’t block the lid from sealing tight, and it will keep all the steam in to thoroughly cook your food. There are also raised feet on the bottom of the basket to help prevent food from cooking too long.

    It is dishwasher safe as well, so you pop it out of the pot, serve your food, and put it right into the dishwasher. This basket is a tight fit for a six-quart Instant Pot, but you will still be able to lock the lid on tight. Also, the handles will make it much easier to get it out of that tight squeeze.

    Steaming Carrots In The Instant Pot :

    Steaming carrots is a great way to preserve nutrients, flavor, and texture. It also keeps the carrots a bright, vibrant orange. The Instant Pot uses steam under high pressure to practically flash cook the vegetables. It will take anywhere from less than 1 minute to 3 minutes for your carrots to steam.

    You do have to wait for the water to boil before the Instant Pot builds up pressure. But you also have to wait for the water to boil when you steam your carrots on the stovetop. This method is:

    • Fast.
    • Easily customizable with glazes and spices.
    • Excellent for freezing and meal prep.

    Carrots are naturally sweet and they go with a lot of flavors. Try our honey sage carrots, mustard dill carrots, or our cilantro lime carrots for some great flavor inspiration.

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    Read Also: How Long To Cook Pre Cooked Ribs In Instant Pot

    Ways To Use The Instant Pot Trivet

    Learn how to use the Instant Pot trivet with this handy guide-post. From making cakes to steaming vegetables to pot-in-pot cooking, we show you 7 different ways for how to utilize this accessory for cooking delicious food with a pressure cooker.

    When you first unbox your Instant Pot, youll find a few additional items that come with it. One of those key accessories is the trivet or the metal insert with collapsible sides. In the example of the Instant Pot, it is designed to keep ingredients out of the water.

    While pressure cooking, it is necessary to use 1-2 cups of water for every recipe. However, you dont always want it mixing with your food. Could you imagine a soggy cheesecake? Gross. This is where the trivet comes in handy, and no its not just good for dessert! Theres a reason why it comes with the Instant Pot.

    Here are some of our favourite ways to utilise the Instant Pot trivet that will inspire you to cook more and step outside of the box.

    New to Instant Pot? Check out our Instant Pot beginner series. Learn how this pressure cooker actually works here, settings and buttons lowdown here, learn how to make perfect rice, creamy mashed potatoes, Tuscan chicken pasta or easy pork shoulder and gravy with our step-by-step recipes.

    Tall Trivets Without Handles

    The best Instant Pot steamer basket–Instant Pot Accessories

    Tall trivets come in different heights. These long-legged racks are useful for elevating the foods above the level of a larger quantity of liquid in the Instant Pot.

    I use these trivets mainly for pot in pot cooking when I want to cook two foods together and the first food is directly in the inner pot and the second food is in a separate container on the steam rack. The height of the trivet allows the second food to sit well above the first food.

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    Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

    Pressure cooker spaghetti squash is sooo amazing because like sweet potatoes, it usually takes a long time to bake in the oven. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze to get a healthy vegetable in a snap.

    You could cook the spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot steamer basket whole, or cut in half! It is so great to do it this way so then you dont have to deal with spaghetti squash spilling out or dropping it with tongs.

    Silicone Trivet Without Handles

    This silicone trivet is made by the Instant Pot company and fits 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pots.

    This silicone trivet is very easy to clean because its made of silicone and is dishwasher safe. The design allows steam to circulate and liquid to cover the bottom of the inner pot which helps prevent the Burn Message and the food to cook evenly.

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    A Perfect Fast And Healthy Side To Any Meal

    So if youre looking for a healthy side for your entrée, then look no further than steamed cauliflower. In my opinion, it tastes delicious by itself, but you may want to add salt, pepper, garlic, butter, or whatever suits your fancy! Either way, its a perfect addition to any meal!

    Most of the time we eat our cauliflower plain. Once in a while though, when we want to indulge, we make this amazing loaded mashed cauliflower. Its definitely a treat!

    Cauliflower is a common side dish at our house, and now that we make it in the Instant Pot, its so much easier and faster to get it on the table.

    Kitchen Prep Tools, Utensils & Appliances

    Here is a list of the kitchen prep tools, utensils, and appliances I used to make this recipe.

    Prep Tools & Utensils

    These are the items youll need to prep and make this recipe:

    Appliances & Cookware

    This recipe will work in the 3-quart, 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pots.

    Serving Platters & Dishes

    Ill usually use a salad bowl similar to this beautiful salad bowl when serving my cauliflower.

    Instant Pot Accessories

    Make sure to check out my post on Must-Have Accessories for the Instant Pot. Youll find a complete list of all the top accessories that can be used with your Instant Pot.

    How Long To Steam Cauliflower Instant Pot

    How to Cook Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    The total time for steaming cauliflower in an instant pot is very less compared to steaming instant pot baby potatoes, instant pot green beans, instant pot carrots, etc.
    cooking cauliflower in a pressure cooker is very less time-consuming and has zero monitoring. You can even do the same with steamed cauliflower in the instant pot but today I steam fresh cauliflower.

    Recommended Reading: How To Cook Frozen Hamburger Meat In The Instant Pot

    Whole Head Steamed Cauliflower

  • Cut the bottom leaves off and part of the stem so the cauliflower rests flat. *OPTIONAL Drizzle the head with 2 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and pepper.
  • Add 1 cup of water to the instant pot and, if your steamer basket is large enough place the head in there. If it is not, place the trivet inside the pressure cooker and place the cauliflower on top of that.
  • Cook on High, 2 minutes followed by a quick release.
  • Submerge in an ice bath and enjoy it! *If you drizzled with olive oil prior to cooking, do not submerge.
  • If desired, spritz with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place it under the broiler for 30 seconds to a minute to give it that charred taste and texture.

    • Category:healthy, instant pot, keto friendly, vegetarian
    • Cuisine:healthy, keto friendly, vegetarian

    Grab your favorite pressure cooker and whip up healthy and delicious steamed cauliflower in just one minute under pressure! Enjoy this low carb healthy vegetable made in no time!

    • 1 whole head of cauliflower, leaves removed and cut into florets
    • 1 cup of water

    Does The Instant Pot Come With A Steamer Basket

    No, unfortunately the Instant Pot does not come with a steaming basket.

    However, it does come with a trivet, which you could use for steaming some foods, if youre careful.

    For instance, Ive used my trivet to steam eggs in my Instant Pot and also to steam quartered potatoes for Instant Pot mashed potatoes.

    The trivet wont work for small pieces of food that could fall through the rack into the water.

    Its also a little tricky to lift the trivet out without spilling the food. So while it can be done, a proper steaming basket definitely makes things easier.

    Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Frozen Pork Loin In Instant Pot

    Kaviatek Stainless Steel Steamer Basket

    If you want a steamer basket for Instant Pot Mini, you cant go wrong this durable stainless steel option. It is designed for 3-quart pressure cookers and is meant to be rust free for its entire lifespan.

    The silicone covered handle makes it easy to lift out of your pressure cooker without having to use a hot pad to protect your hands. It uses only food grade parts, so it is completely safe for cooking with and will not seep any components into your food.

    I like how the basket is reinforced on all sides to ensure stability and durability. Keep in mind that this is a smaller basket designed for smaller pots, so it may not work for your larger pot.

    The mesh strainer can be a little bit difficult to clean, and thats really the only drawback this steamer basket has. I dont think youll be able to find a better quality steamer basket for the smaller 3-quart pots, so this is my top recommendation for that size of Instant Pot.

    Dont Add Too Much Water

    3 EASY Instant Pot Steamer Basket Recipes – Pressure Cooker Recipes

    First things first, the most important component of steam cooking is the water. Of course, adding the right amount of water is where the key lies.

    When you are using a steam basket on the stove, youll want to start by adding about one or two inches of water to the pot. You do not want the water to go above the steamer basket once it is placed in the pot, as this is one of the fastest ways to ruin the meal.

    However, you do not want to put too little water, as this could lead to you burning the pan if the water boils up before you are done cooking your food.

    Recommended Reading: What To Do If Your Instant Pot Says Burn

    Tips For Cooking Instant Pot Corn On The Cob:

    • You can fit up to 6 ears of corn in a 6 quart Instant Pot and up to 9 ears of corn in an 8 quart Instant Pot.
    • Remember to arrange the layers of corn in opposite directions in your Instant Pot, as shown in the photo.
    • Trim the stalks if the cobs are too long to fit in the pot.
    • Quick release the pressure as soon as the cook time ends to keep the corn from over-cooking.
    • Serve your corn with butter, salt and pepper, or as desired.

    Steam Cauliflower In Instant Pot

    Add around one cup of water to the inner pot and place the steamer.

    Add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket. Close the lid and turn the venting knob to the sealing position.

    Turn on the instantpot to steam mode and set the time for 1 minute and do a QR. You can do a natural release after 5 minutes if you want little mushy cauliflower in the instantpot.

    If you want crunchy stir fry kind of cauliflower do it in steam mode for 1 minute and do a QR immediately after the steam completes.

    After doing QR takes off the cauliflower instantpot immediately and leave it on for few minutes before you make any cauliflower curry or cauliflower instantpot recipes.

    You can even wash the cauliflower florets in running water after taking them out from the pressure cooker to stop the further cooking process.

    Today I did this recipe for my toddler so I did 1 minute and QR after 5 minutes to get a little mushy and I chopped the cauliflower into small pieces and seasoned it in my cast iron with some salt, turmeric, and black pepper powder.

    PRO Tip: Do you know adding turmeric powder and black pepper powder will boost kids immunity and is one of the best ways to introduce spices to toddlers.

    Enjoy your instant pot steamed cauliflower with your family and friends.

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    Cauliflower has really stepped into its own as a front and center vegetable!

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