Steam Rack Instant Pot

Must Try

Do You Have To Use The Metal Rack In An Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo Nova – Three Ways with the Steamer Rack

The old standby substitute for a trivet is the the metal lid of a large jar, but suitable substitutes can include stainless steel cookie cutters, a screen from the food mill, an upside down ceramic or stainless steel bowl, a steamer basket, and even a real trivet that is just the right size can go from the table and

How To Use A Steamer Basket In An Instant Pot

Fill the basket. First, youll need a steamer basket that actually fits in your Instant Pot. Then, youll add the food youre cooking to the basket.

There are many different types of food you can steam, from your favorite veggies to frozen foods!

There are many steamer baskets manufactured and sized specifically for electric pressure cookers, including stacked steamer baskets, collapsible steamer baskets, mesh steamer baskets, and silicone steamer baskets.

I own and use this mesh steamer basket, which Ive been super pleased with, but you can see a few popular steamer racks from Amazon below.

Add water. Once you have a steamer basket, youll just need to add some water to the insert pot of your Instant Pot. This cup of water is what will heat up and create the steam.

Lower the steamer basket. Youll place the basket into the insert pot. The contents of the basket should be up out of the water.

Steam. Program the steam time according to the recipe youre using and wait for the food to cook to perfection . So easy!

Wash. Be sure to follow the care instructions specific to your model, but washing with soap or water is generally all it takes to keep them clean.

Quick Instant Pot Steamer Chart

Here is a quick reference chart that you can pin for later with the different timings on it. That way if you want to steam in your Instant Pot then you have a quick reference to rely on:

Rather than struggling to print the image or jotting down all the info, we have a PDF version. You can download the PDF for free in our instant pot members area including lots of other instant pot printables, and free air fryer and slow cooker printables too.

Also Check: Thawing Ground Beef In Instant Pot

Don’t Miss: How To Clean Instant Pot After Use

Using A Stainless Steel Colander

Yes, you can also use a stainless steel colander for steaming your food items in an instant pot. But make sure it fits well inside your pot. It is usually used for rinsing veggies and fruits, but you can also place it inside your instant pot to steam cook your different eating stuff. Just add water into the pot, place your food inside the colander, put it inside the pot, and here you go.

After steaming, remove the colander with the help of its handles or make use of a claw to pull it up.

Im Not Sure I Can Blindly Steam My Food In The Instant Pot Whats The Traditional Way

2pcs Steamer Rack Instant Pot Stackable Egg Vegetable Pressure Cooker ...

Itâs completely understandable if youâd still prefer the old-fashioned way, since you canât check on the food while itâs steaming with the Steam button. Figuring out the right cook times without ruining the food can be frustrating if you donât have the patience for it, hereâs how to do it the traditional way, except still in the Instant Pot.

Please keep in mind that this method does require a glass lid that fits over the Instant Pot. It can be any glass lid you already have in the kitchen, but Instant Pot does sell its own glass lid if you need to buy one.

To use your Instant Pot as a traditional steamer, just pour in at least one cup of water into your liner. Then place the trivet at the bottom, and set a steamer rack or basket on top of the trivet. Place the food you want to steam inside the basket or rack, and then push . You can adjust the temperature of Sauté mode by pressing the More button after initiating Sauté. Then just wait for the water to start boiling to create steam, and then place the glass lid on top. Allow the food to cook, though you can lift the lid off to check up on the food periodically. Once the food has reached your desired doneness, push the Cancel button to stop cooking.

Like the traditional stovetop method, this does require a bit of babysitting, which is one reason why I prefer the Steam function.

Don’t Miss: How To Make Apple Cider Instant Pot

Best Instant Pot Steamer Basket Guide

I love steamed vegetables! Whether its broccoli, string beans, peas, or carrots, they are amazingly delicious when cooked in a steamer. In fact, this is one of the reasons why I love my Instant Pot so much – it makes some mind-blowing steamed veggies!

The steam trapped inside the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking and makes sure the veggies maintain their taste, texture, and color. They also retain nutrients and the fiber isnt damaged, which is the best part about eating vegetables.

However, you cant make properly steamed vegetables without a steamer basket.

What is this, you ask? Well, so did a lot of readers. Lately, Ive seen a lot of questions about steamer baskets and steaming in an Instant Pot in general, that I thought it best to dedicate an entire blog post to this topic.

So, if you want to know what is, how to use it, where to find such an IP accessory, keep reading. Ill start by answering some of the questions I had in my inbox and finish with a top 5 best steamer baskets .

Contents

Instant Pot Steam Rack With Handles 3

The Instant Pot® stainless-steel rack is great for all cooking styles. The raised platform for steaming preserves nutrients and colors.

The Instant Pot® stainless-steel 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 3-quart Instant Pot® Multi-Use Pressure Cookers and Air Fryer Lids
  • Raised platform for steaming, which preserves nutrients and colors
  • Long handles to lift and carry food
  • Durable, premium quality stainless-steel
  • Resists stains and does not absorb food odors or flavors
  • Dishwasher and preheated-oven safe

*All measurements are approximate.

One Year Limited Warranty

  • The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances.
  • 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.

    Product Registration

    Warranty Service

    Read Also: Can You Make Fries In An Instant Pot

    Using Trivet For Perfect Potatoes

    Baked potatoes are a thing of the past. Pressure cooked potatoes are in because the method is hands-off, the timing is quick, and the results are fantastic every time. The trivet works to keep them out of the water so the bottom of your spuds doesnt get soggy.

    You can use the trivet steaming method for potatoes with both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes. Check out these baby potatoes with butter and dill.

    You might also want to check out these 5 delicious ways to make Instant Pot potatoes.

    Can I Steam Vegetables Without A Steamer Basket

    Duo Nova 3 Ways to use your Steam Rack

    Yes.

    You can steam vegetables without using a steamer basket, just by placing the vegetables on the bottom.

    I did it a few times as a test, as you can see in my Instant Pot steaming vegetables recipe. Is was a great side dish, however as expected, the results are not the same.

    You can also use a homemade improvised steaming basket. Please note that steaming can be a dangerous job because, in an uncontrolled environment, there is the risk of burning your hands and/or face while handling an improvised steamer.

    So if you have an Instant Pot and a steamer basket there is no reason for you to do so.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Use Instant Pot Outside

    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.

    Cooking Multiple Instant Pot Recipes Together

    I frequently cook different foods that have approximately the same cooking time together. This is one of my favorite Instant Pot trivet hacks!

    • Add 2 cups of water and place a steam rack on the bottom of your Instant Pot.
    • Place a bowl containing the first food on top of the trivet.
    • Add a second steam rack on the bowl.
    • Place the second bowl of food on the top rack.

    Also Check: How To Cook Potatoes In The Instant Pot

    How Do I Use A Steamer Basket In My Instant Pot

    The concept is rather simple – the steamer basket goes directly into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. First, you have to add the required quantity of water so the IP can build pressure and create steam.

    Next, place the veggies or dumplings in the basket, close the lid, and set the timer. The last step is a bit tricky and requires a bit of trial and error because you cant sample the state of your veggies while steaming. The secret is to time the cooking according to the type of vegetables and their state . Also, if youre steaming dumplings, the time will be different.

    Lastly, you can add seasonings if you want, but I prefer adding them at the end after the steam has done its job.

    As a side note, the steaming function is not just for veggies and dumplings. You can also steam meat such as oysters, fish, or even chicken. The secret is to adjust the timing and the pressure according to each type of food.

    Do Cook Inexpensive Tough Cuts Of Meats

    How to Cook Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    With the pressure cooker function youll get tender, melt-in-your-mouth results in less than half the time youd need in the oven think 30-minute spare ribs, 45-minute pulled pork sandwiches and 40-minute beef stew. Or make it an all-day thing and braise them low and slow on the slow cooker function.

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

    Also Check: How To Cook Farro In Instant Pot

    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.

    When To Use A Steamer Basket In An Instant Pot

    Any good recipe will tell you exactly when to use a steamer basket . But just in case youre making a meal on the fly and wanted to double check, here are a few foods and dishes that always benefit from a lift.

    • Eggs: Because theyre so delicate, eggs benefit from being placed in a steamer basket in the Instant Pot. Since the eggs arent resting directly against the insert, theyre less likely to be jostled or damaged during cooking.
    • Tough or firm vegetables: The pressure cooker function on your Instant Pot is also a smart solution for cooking tough or firm vegetables in a flash. Use a steamer basket to prevent the vegetables from soaking up too much of the water in the bottom of the pot. This is especially important when making potatoes.
    • Meatloaf, whole chicken, and other meats: Using a steamer basket or rack to elevate meatloaf and whole chicken is a smart solution to prevent the food from getting soggy.
    • Bread and cakes: Yes, you can even make things like bread and cheesecake in your Instant Pot, but do cook them on a steamer basket or rack so theyre not resting in the water at the bottom of the insert.

    Instant Pot Recipes That Use a Steamer Basket

    You May Like: How To Make Paneer Instant Pot

    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

  • The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances.
  • 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.

    Product Registration

    Warranty Service

    How To Use Instant Pot Trivet For Pressure Steaming

    Instant pot steam basket Video, Great for eggs

    During pressure steaming, the trivet can reach temperatures as high as 233°F .

  • Fill the inner pot with at least 2 cups of water. Then adjust the trivet inside the inner pot.
  • Put the lid on the pot after placing your food on the trivet.
  • Turn the Venting Knob from Venting Position to Sealing Position.
  • Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button on yur instant pot and set the pressure cooking time according to the recipe.
  • After the pressure cooking cycle is complete and the timer goes off, release the pressure by turning the Venting Knob from the Sealing Position back to the Venting position. Remove the lid.
  • Don’t Miss: How Long To Cook Fava Beans In Instant Pot

    Do You Have To Use The Trivet In The Instant Pot

    A trivet is used to support the bottom of the pan while cooking. It is usually placed under the pan to prevent the bottom from burning. Trivets are available in different sizes and shapes. A trivet is very useful during cooking because it prevents the bottom of the pan from getting hot and burns easily.

    When Using A Steamer Basket Do You Put It In The Saucepan

    To check if the pressure cooker is working properly, you can try using the steam test feature. This feature allows you to see how well the cooker is sealing. To perform the test, place the lid on top of the cooker and turn the knob to sealing position. Wait about 10 minutes and then open the lid. If the lid does not pop back off easily, the cooker is not sealed correctly. It is important to note that the steam test only works when the cooker is set to sealing. If the cooker is set to any other mode, such as sauteing, the steam test wont work.

    Don’t Miss: How To Shred Chicken In Instant Pot

    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.

    How To Use An Instant Pot Steam Rack

    Steaming rack in Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Steam Rack is used to help you steam your food quickly. It is very useful for making different kinds of dishes such as soups, stews, risottos, pasta, rice, beans, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, desserts, breads, and even pizza. This is a great tool to help you save time and energy.

    Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Eggs In Instant Pot

    Does The Instant Pot Come With A Trivet

    Yes! If you have an Instant Pot, you have a trivet. Every Instant Pot model should include a stainless steel trivet rack that fits perfectly inside the liner. Since I have 8 or 9 Instant Pots, Ive found that the design of the trivet actually changes based on the size and model of your pot. No matter what it looks like, theyll all have the same function!

    Even if your electric pressure cooker isnt an Instant Pot brand, it will almost always come with one. If you dont have one or have lost one, you can always purchase a metal or silicone trivet for your Instant Pot separately.

    Watch my Instant Pot 101 series for everything you could possibly need to know about how to use your Instant Pot! This video series includes great tips for beginners to ensure you have success using your Instant Pot.

    Latest Recipes

    More Recipes Like This