How Long To Steam In The Instant Pot
It can be difficult to get the steaming time just right in an Instant Pot, and you may need to use some trial and error to figure out the right setting for how you like your food steamed.
Check out the Instant Pot steam time estimates in the charts below to get started.
It is important to remember that the Instant Pot will begin heating the water and producing steam while it builds up pressure, and that the food will start steaming during this time.
This means that there are some foods that have a 0 minute cooking time because they steam quickly and so are fully cooked by the time the Instant Pot has reached full pressure.
Option : Pie Tin Steamer
This is a rather creative method but extremely easy to implement. You can quickly and efficiently make your steamer with just two reusable aluminum pie tins.
First, you need to make small holes in the base of both pie tins. Then flatten one of the pie tins using a rolling pin. You shouldnt make it completely flat just roll over the tin a few times with a roller.
Now, as usual, you will pour water into the pot. Then you would structurally sound the tin upside-down in the pot and continue to place the flattened tin on top of the first and then place the steamed food on top of the flattened tin.
Finally, please turn on the stove, wait for your food to be steamed, and enjoy it. In addition, you can ultimately make a steamer with more than two layers in the same way.
Using Aluminum Foil Balls
Using aluminum foil is an easy way to make steamers for your favorite veggies. All you need is some aluminum foil and about five minutes of preparation time. Start by wrapping one or two scrunched-up balls of aluminum foil at the bottom of your instant pot. Add a cup or two of water, place your favorite vegetables on top, and then secure the lid onto the pot. Cook as you would normally, choosing a cooking time that is appropriate for the kind of vegetable or fruit you are steaming.
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Silicone Pressure Cooking Sling
This tool is designed specifically for pot-in-pot cooking to help lift things out of the Instant Pot.
- Pros: I love that its FLAT along the bottom and feels sturdy. Its dishwasher safe.
- Cons: The hexes along the bottom are a little too large for vegetables or other small things, so its not a particularly multifunctional accessory.
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Mgq Usa Instant Pot Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set
The Instant Pot is ideal for cooking staples like rice, beans, lentils, and more. But it can be hard to keep all those cooking times straight. This magnetic cheat sheet can be placed directly on your Instant Pot or refrigerator, so you can reference it whenever you need to know cooking times and liquid ratios.
Forget searching the internet for the answers, this cheat sheet gives you everything you need to know for cooking pasta, grains, seafood, pork, beans, legumes. Vegetables, chicken, beef, and other meats in the Instant Pot. It comes with two magnetics: one smaller and one larger.
Buy It: MGQ USA Instant Pot Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set, $11
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Instant Pot Accessories That Are Worth It
Price: From $63. Buy at:, Best Buy, and Target.The air-fryer lid combines two of the most popular countertop appliancesmulti-cookers and air fryersinto a cooker that can do it all. The lid fits on top of the Instant Pot, turning it into a mini convection oven that adds roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating functions to the multi-cookers already long list of programs. But while it saves you from buying yet another space-hogging appliance, its not exactly compact: Its 11 inches wide and 7 inches tall. And its not compatible with all Instant Pot models, so be sure to check here before you buy.
The lid comes with an air-fryer basket that you slip into the Instant Pots stainless steel inner pot. The downside is that the 3.5-quart basket is quite small. It may not make sense for large families, but its just right for couples or people cooking for one, or if youre willing to do multiple batches.
Though you need the basket to crisp up fries, you can use the air-fryer lid with just the Instant Pots stainless steel pot to brown and bake. I pressure-cooked a whole chicken in the stainless steel pot and swapped out the lid for the air-fryer lid to crisp up the skin. The result was a tender, juicy chicken with golden-brown skin.
What Is The Rack In An Instant Pot For
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Instant Pots have started to become more and more popular, and it must be said that this popularity is earned. They are great appliances that pretty much anyone would love to have in the kitchen. They are easy to use and have all sorts of applications when it comes to cooking. Because of this, you mightve bought one of them for your kitchen as well. If youve recently bought an Instant Pot, you might notice that there are a lot of parts that you can attach and use with the pot. One of these parts is the rack which is actually a pretty convenient addition.
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How To Use Instant Pot Trivet For Pressure Steaming
During pressure steaming, the trivet can reach temperatures as high as 233°F .
Let Us Discuss Some General Aspects Of An Instant Pot And How It Works:
Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers that are designed to cook food quickly. It uses a combination of steam and pressure to cook food. These devices are very easy to operate and are available in different sizes. They are used for making soups, stews, sauces, gravies, casseroles, and other dishes.
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To Use The Instant Pot In Pot Method Follow The Procedure Below:
Place the ingredients into the Instant Pot and turn the dial to saute. Press the + button to select the desired sautéing mode high, medium, low. Select the desired sauté mode and press the Start button. The timer will start counting down. Once the timer reaches 0, the pressure will automatically lock off. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Open the lid carefully and remove the solids from the liquid using a slotted spoon. Serve immediately.
How To Place The Trivet Inside The Cooking Pot
Place the trivet inside the inner pot. Then pour enough water into the inner pot until the water level reaches above the trivet. Turn on the electric cooker and set the timer to 4 minutes. After 4 minute, turn off the electric cook. Remove the trivet from the inner pot. Drain any remaining water. Use a fork to remove the cooked food from the trivet.
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How Do You Use The Rubber Steamer Basket In The Instant Pot
Racks are used to hold ingredients while cooking. In a pressure cooker, racks are placed inside the inner pot. This allows the ingredients to stay submerged in the liquid while being cooked. Racks are available in different sizes and shapes depending on what you are cooking. For instance, if you are cooking pasta, you will need a larger rack than if you were making soup.
Aozita Multipurpose Stackable Egg Steamer
One of my favorite uses for the Instant Pot is making hard-boiled eggs. The shells practically fall off when you go to the peel them. But sometimes you’ll crack an egg or two as they roll around in the inner pot or on the trivet.
This stackable trivet is specially designed to hold eggs in place as they steam. It also gives you the ability to cook up to 18 large eggs in one six-quart Instant Pot.
Buy It: Aozita Multipurpose Stackable Egg Steamer, $18
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Homest Dust Cover With Pocket
If you don’t have much counter space to spare, you’re probably not going to be storing your Instant Pot on the counter full time. The alternatives, like pantries and cabinets, are often rife with dust. Even if you are keeping it on your counter, it’s bound to receive its fair share of grease splatters. Protect your beloved appliance from all the elements of your kitchen dust, dirt, grease, and more. This dust cover features an easy-to-clean aluminum liner and wide storage pockets .
Buy It: HOMEST Dust Cover with Product, $16
Instant Pot Accessory Set
This Instant Pot accessory kit includes multiple steamer baskets, trivets, egg mold, springform pan, and lots more.
If youre brand new to the Instant Pot and are planning on purchasing some accessories, make sure you look at this set to see if it has everything you need. You might save some money buying a set. It comes in different colors too.
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Metal Trivet With Handles
This is the official trivet for the Instant Pot that is shipped with most Instant Pots. It has handles that allow you to easily remove the food. It fits 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pots.
This is one of the most-used Instant Pot pressure cooker accessories that I own. This is the best Instant Pot trivet because it takes very little space in the dishwasher and it has handles.
Instant Pot Silicone Steam Rack
The perfect all-purpose silicone rack for steaming, dehydrating and more.
The Instant Pot® silicone steam rack is a versatile accessory that can be used to steam cook meat and veggies, to hold a bowl for bain marie heating, and can even be stacked for dehydrating.
- Compatible with all 6 and 8-quart Instant Pot® Multi-Use Pressure Cookers and Air Fryer Lids
- Raised platform promotes steaming, which preserves nutrients and colors
- Long cool-touch handles to lift and carry food safely
- Recessed rim to secure the silicone steamer basket
- Durable, highly heat-resistant silicone with reinforced platform
- Oven-safe up to 450 °F
- Resists stains and does not absorb food odors or flavors
- Dishwasher and preheated-oven safe
*All measurements are approximate.
One Year Limited Warranty
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, INSTANT BRANDS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE, USAGE, CUSTOM OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLIANCES OR PARTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR DURABILITY.
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The Steam Boss Steam Release Diverter
One of the biggest downsides to the Instant Pot that I have personally experienced is the steam valve. I always hold my breath when I have to quickly release the pressure, knowing the sputtering steam is about to get everywhere. But this steam release diverter from The Steam Boss is the perfect solution to your Instant Pot woes. It diverts steam away from your cabinets by simply placing the diverter over your steam valve.
Buy It: The Steam Boss Steam Release Diverter, $10
What Is The Rack In The Instant Pot For
People who have recently bought and used an Instant Pot for the first time tend to ask this question quite frequently. This is due to the fact that the actual manual that youll get when you purchase the pot doesnt say much about what the rack is for and how you can use it. Fortunately, it isnt anything too complicated. The rack isnt a vital part of the Instant Pot, but it is still a convenient addition which allows you to do multiple different things.
The main use of the rack is pretty straightforward. It is used to elevate the food that youre trying to cook inside of the Instant Pot. This is very helpful as it ensures that all the food inside of the pot is cooked as evenly as possible. It is also a great addition for anyone looking to eat healthier meals. This is due to the fact that the rack is capable of draining the fats, oil, and grease away from the food. It is also used by some people to hold the food directly above the water. This ensures that the food is only being cooked by the steam and doesnt come into contact with the water itself.
As you can see, there are a couple of different uses for the rack that comes with your Instant Pot. On top of being effective and convenient, the rack is also durable and safe to use. Even if it breaks, you can purchase a new rack separately at any time from select stores or through your browser. It is surely a great addition that most find very helpful.
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Option : Simple Pot Steaming
If you cant go for any of the 4 options above, the simple steamer method is undoubtedly worth trying.
In fact, this method is no different than boiling vegetables because foods cooked with these two cooking methods both taste similar.
First, you need to pour water into the pot, add the vegetables, cover, and cook until the vegetables are soft. Then, just like that, you can enjoy your food already.
However, we dont recommend this method because it tends to make the vegetables taste watery. Therefore, you should only apply it when cooking tough vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.
How To Steam In An Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is a great addition to any kitchen. They can be used to cook a variety of food items, but they are particularly well suited for steaming. Here are a few tips on how to steam in an Instant Pot whether you are cooking vegetables, chicken, or something more delicate like salmon.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my affiliate policy here.
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How To Use An Instant Pot Steam Rack
Grab the trivet with its handles and put it inside the pot. The trivet should be placed in an upended position such that the platform of the trivet is in close contact with the bottom of the inner pot and isnt standing on its legs.
Instant pot steam rack or trivet is made of stainless steel that serves as an anchor for the food and prevents the direct contact of food and the liquid in the instant pot. The two metal hinges of the trivet are used to grab and lift the trivet.
However, some trivets do not have these handles. This steam rack is very useful for steaming, pressure-steaming, and cooking with the Pot-in-Pot method.
Kitchen Deluxe Vegetable Steamer Basket
Extendable handle, silicone feet, and foldable legs are only a few of the features that made me place this basket first on my list! It also folds in a compact package that can be easily stored in a deeper drawer or on a shelf.
I love the way it blooms and adjusts to the size of the pot! This way, you can use it in almost any pot, and the silicone legs keep the bottom from getting scratched.
Its large enough to fit bigger veggies but it cal also be used for boiling eggs. So its versatile and easy to understand!
The basket is made from brushed premium quality stainless steel that can be cleaned in the sink or the dishwasher. Also, the handle is extendable so it can be adjusted to fit any type of pot . The handle is also useful when removing the basket from the pot as its easy to grab even with oven mitts.
The verdict: This is the ideal steamer basket for IP users as it will fit any size and it can withstand high temperatures.
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Stackable Egg Steamer Rack
With 4.8 stars on Amazon, this stackable egg rack and trivet is a hit. One reviewer illustrates the glory perfectly: I had a dozen new eggs and was anxious to try my new Aozita stackable egg steamer rack trivet. I had already had some egg failures and thought, What the heck, Ill put the whole dozen in. This time I didnt set it on Manual, which at least one source recommended. I set it on Steam and put the whole dozen in, leaving only the center spots free. I was a little cautious lowering the trivet and eggs into the Instant Pot, but there were no falls and no breakage. Not quite enough room for trivet plus fingers, so I dropped it in when my fingers couldnt reach any farther. No problems. I ended up with a dozen perfectly hard-boiled eggs. I probably should have taken them out before all the pressure was gone instead of falling asleep and remembering hours later, but they were great and super-simple to peel. Goodbye, old egg cooker. Youll be confined to the cupboard until I find something the Instant Pot cant do. The trivet was a great purchase.
