Steaming Vegetables In Instant Pot

Steaming At Zero Minutes

I steam these vegetables for zero minutes and immediately release the pressure. Just the pressure-building phase is enough to cook them perfectly.

Heres my method.

• Prep the vegetables .

• Rinse the vegetables .

• Set up the Instant Pot: use a steamer basket made for the Instant Pot or use a trivet with a conventional steamer basket on top of the trivet. The steamer should not sit on the bottom of the Instant Pot.

• Pour 1-1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot.

• Pile the vegetables into the basket and lock the lid.

• Turn the knob to sealing, press Steam, and lower the minutes to 0 .

• When the cooking is done, usually in about 5 minutes, immediately move the knob to venting.

• Once the steam is released and the tiny pressure valve drops , remove the lid and lift out the vegetables .

Vegetable Heavy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot vegetables make a quick and easy side dish for with any meal! If youre looking for some delicious vegetable heavy Instant Pot recipes, here are a few of my favorites. These recipes make great meals that the whole family will enjoy. You can also add them to your meal prep plan to make life in the kitchen even easier!

How Long Does It Take To Steam Vegetables In An Instant Pot

Although this recipe tells you to set the pressure cooking time to zero minutes, the actual cooking time is about 10 to 15 minutes.

This is because the vegetables are being steamed as the pressure cooker is building pressure.

For this reason, the volume of the vegetables in the Instant Pot is also important.

In my experience, it should be filled to at least 1/2 to 3/4 of the capacity. Otherwise, the pressure cooker will come to pressure too quickly, and the vegetables wont cook through.

Also Check: What Can You Cook In An Instant Pot

Why Is The Cooking Time For Steamed Veggies Zero

Raw veggies, especially ones that have been cut into smaller pieces, will cook pretty quickly using steam. Because Instant Pot takes the time to build up pressure, its already steaming while its doing that.

So, by the time it reaches full pressure, the veggies have already finished cooking. Neat, isnt it?

Serving Storing And Reheating

Steamed veggies are lightly seasoned so they will pair nicely with any main dish. I highly recommend to prep veggies but coo kthem last minute because fresh is best with Instant Pot steamed vegetables.

Serve on the side of:

• Chicken: With seasoned, coated in almond flour and crispy almond chicken or healthy fried chicken for a nice balance. Steamed veggies will also pair nicely with spicy saucy chicken curry served over plain rice.
• Beef & lamb: Try freshly cooked veggies with sirloin tip roast, air fryer lamb chops, or boneless leg of lamb roast.

Store: Once cooled completely, these will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Upon thawing, however, you may find them very mushy.

Reheat: To reheat steamed veggies there are a few different ways. You could toss them in the oven at a low temperature to warm them through, pop them in the microwave, or heat them on the stovetop, using a bit of oil or butter.

Read Also: How To Cook Spaghetti In An Instant Pot

Seasoning For Steamed Vegetables

Some popular flavor combinations include a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill.

You can also add some grated cheese or a sprinkling of toasted nuts for extra texture and richness. No matter how you season your vegetables, the key is to let their natural flavors shine through.

What Veggies Are Best To Steam

Basically, any that will hold its shape and remain sturdy when steaming. Asparagus, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans are all great choices.

Dark leafy greens are also great for steaming, but as we know they dont take much time at all, and can usually wilt in the residual heat. Check out my grilled lettuce recipe, you will be blown away!

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How Long To Cook Vegetables In Instant Pot

Instant Pot is a multipurpose pressure cooker that allows you to cook many different types of food. It also saves your time and energy, and it is easy to use. One of the best things about Instant Pot is that you can cook many different types of food in it. With the right manual and recipe, Instant Pot is one of the best kitchen tools for cooking vegetables. In this article, we will show you how long to cook vegetables in Instant Pot. Here are the different types of vegetables that you can cook in your Instant Pot.

How Long To Steam Veggies In Instant Pot

The best way to steam vegetables in the instant pot is to use the saute function instead of the cook setting. This will allow you to get the nutrients and vitamins out of the vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Let the steam release for 5-10 minutes to get the most nutrients out of your vegetables. Add your vegetables to the instant pot and add enough water for them to cover them. Turn the instant pot to saute and the steam will release.

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What Is The Difference Between Steam And And Pressure Cook On An Instant Pot

Steam function is when you just cook your food with steam. Pressure cooking with a steamer basket though is the same cooking mechanism except for the addition of pressure to the mix.I choose to use pressure cook every time, just my preference.

• you can seriously air fry everything to make it nice and crispy if you prefer it that way
• Here are a variety of other ways to cook brussel sprouts so you can find the one you really love.
• we have oven directions for baked brussels sprouts and more

You can print recipe below and have it handy, or come back and refer back and let us know what you think below!

Want to see a few of my favorite things that I am totally obsessed with?? Take a peek and see how many you might already havetwinsies!

How To Use Instant Pot To Cook Vegetables

You dont have to cook your vegetables by hand, you can cook them in an instant pot and not have to use any oil, salt, or even seasonings. The instant pot gives you time to get to the other things you need to do in the morning and it lets your vegetables get tender instead of mushy. All you need to do is put all of your ingredients in the pot, set the timer for 4 to 8 minutes, and youre done. In order to get your vegetables cooked up fast, youll need to adjust the time based on the size of the vegetables. Remember that the large vegetables will be cooked for longer and take longer to cook. For the instant pot to cook all the vegetables correctly, the steam level needs to be adjusted. This video explains how to use the instant pot to cook vegetables.

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Get Your Instant Pot Ready Its Time To Cook

Start by cutting up all of the vegetables.

Cut the carrots into 1 inch lengths .

Then cut the red and yellow peppers into small bite-sized pieces.

Next is the broccoli, these well need to be cut into small chunky pieces or whatever size you prefer.

Then, you will need to put all of the vegetables into the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Next, add in a cup of water. Make sure it is at least a cup otherwise you can get the BURN notice appearing on the Instant Pot.

After you have poured in the water, place the lid on and turn it to lock it. Also, be sure to turn the valve to the SEALING position.

Once the lid is all set, press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button and set the timer for 1 minute! Dont worry the veggies will be cooking the whole time the Instant Pot is coming up to pressure as well.

After the timer runs out you will need to do a quick release by turning the valve to the VENTING position.

When the pressure has all been released, open the lid and using a slotted spoon move the vegetables into a serving dish and season with garlic salt and rosemary to your taste and enjoy!

If you have a hard time getting your kids to eat their veggies, consider making up this creamycheese sauce by Spend with Pennies, and pour it over top. Everyone loves things covered in cheese and vegetables are no exception!!

How To Steam Broccoli In The Instant Pot

• Wash and cut broccoli into uniform pieces. Make sure they arent too small, otherwise they may overcook . Its important to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

• I use the 3lb bag of broccoli florets from Costco. Some pieces are really large, so I cut them down .

• Transfer the broccoli to a steamer basket or net. Although you dont need one in order to make this recipe, it certainly makes it easier!

Before I had my basket, I would simply layer the broccoli on top of the trivet and hope it didnt fall through.

I love using it for sweet potatoes, salt potatoes, hard boiled eggs, ribs, mashed potatoes, artichokes, corn on the cob, spaghetti squash, as a colander for my No-Mold Berry hack, and all other veggies!

Add ¾ cup of water to the Instant Pot liner for a 6 quart pot. Dont do more than 1 cup!

You can read why you dont want to add extra water to delicate foods in my Instant Pot Bacon Green Beans post.

• Place the steamer basket filled with broccoli florets in the liner.

• Lock the lid, turn the knob to sealing.

• Press the Manual Cook on manual high pressure for 0 minutes. Yup, you heard me right. Press the adjust button until you hit 0 minutes.

Instant Pot broccoli time is 0 minutes because the pressure cooker essentially preheats while it comes to pressure. The steamed broccoli cooks while the Instant Pot is pressurizing. This process takes about five minutes, which is all the broccoli needs to reach the perfect texture!

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Why Broccoli And Why Steamed Broccoli

Firstly, it is tasty. I love broccoli as a side along with my meal. Other than that, broccoli has great nutritional benefits.

Broccoli, part of the Brassica family, is considered a cruciferous vegetable. Broccoli is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-detoxification capabilities, which have disease fighting capabilities.

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Broccoli is also low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

A ½-cup portion of steamed broccoli contains 31 calories, 6 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of protein and no fat.

Because it has such little fat, carbohydrates and calories, broccoli is often considered a free food, which means you can consume an unlimited amount of it and not feel guilty. Isn’t that great?

Broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw, however I am not a big fan of eating raw broccoli.

If you cook it, the cooking method will determine how much of the broccoli’s nutrient content is maintained. The next best is quick-steaming broccoli, so that is what we are going to do here.

Should You Quick Release Or Naturally Release The Pressure For Vegetables In The Instant Pot

It depends on the vegetable! Delicate veggies, like asparagus and peppers should be quick released. Hearty veggies like potatoes and squash should be naturally released for at least a short amount of timeI usually do 5-10 minutes. Allowing more time for hearty vegetables in the Instant Pot allows them to finish cooking and come out perfectly cooked.

As I mentioned above, there will be a bit of a learning curve based on your Instant Pot and your preference when it comes to vegetables. I always tend to cook on the low side and know that I can put the top back on and let the veggies sit and steam some more, or even set my times again for a few more minutes.

Its definitely a little bit of trial and error! Instant Pot steamed vegetables is not a science its going to depending on how you like your veggies as well.

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What If My Broccoli Is Mushy

If you follow this method and youre still getting mushy broccoli, consider these troubleshooting ideas:

• Cut your broccoli pieces larger next time.
• Use the Low Pressure setting
• While prepping your broccoli, add the water to the Instant Pot and turn it to High Saute. This will get the water hot and your broccoli will cook much quicker. After you put the broccoli in the Instant Pot, hit Cancel to stop Saute mode. Then, follow the steps as listed

How To Use This Recipe For Meal Prep

• Cook the vegetables ahead of time to reheat later. Steamed vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them as needed.
• Prep and chop the vegetables ahead of time, store the fresh veggies in the refrigerator, and steam as needed. This way, you will always have freshly steamed vegetables and dont need to worry about reheating them.
• Cut and chop the vegetables and place them into the Instant Pot. Use the Delay Start function or turn on the pressure cooker before setting the table for dinner. You can leave the fresh vegetables in the Instant Pot for up to 8 hours.

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Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

These Starbucks egg bites are incredible and they are so easy. You can freeze them and reheat them in the microwave whenever you need a quick hot breakfast on the go. I love to make these for the whole family. They are healthy but also budget friendly. That means you can enjoy these as often as you want without worrying about spending tons of money!

How To Cook Cauliflower In Instant Pot

Now on to how to steam cauliflower in the instant pot. Just like broccoli in the Instant Pot, cauliflower cooks perfectly in zero minutes.

If you are new to the instant pot, check out this quick setup guide.

The best way to steam cauliflower in the Pressure Cooker is by using a Steamer Basket. I just found a steamer basket in my kitchen which fit perfectly in the instant pot, so I did not purchase one. However if you are looking to purchase a steamer rack, here is a recommended one on .

Add a cup of water to the instant pot insert and place the steamer basket with the cauliflower florets in the insert.

Pressure cook for 0 minutes at high pressure. Yes, zero minutes is a thing with the instant pot ? The cauliflower is cooking in the time the pressure cooker takes to come to pressure and then we will release the pressure manually , so it does not get overcooked. Basically the time to cook cauliflower is the time it takes to come to pressure, which is less than 10 minutes.

Remove the steamer basket carefully as it is hot. You can place this basket under cold water for 2-3 minute to stop the cooking , give a ice bath or just eat the cauliflower right away.

Season with salt, pepper and enjoy.

Also Check: Is Instant Pot An Air Fryer

Can I Use Any Steamer Basket In Instant Pot

You can make this recipe with or without a steamer basket.

Any steamer basket that is all metal or silicone will work in a pressure cooker. Check the label on any product to ensure it is compatible. I recommend this steamer basket. You can read more about how much I love it in my article Best Instant Pot Accessories to buy .

I also have a blog post sharing 12 Ways to Use an Instant Pot Steamer Basket.

The Ultimate Guide To Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables

September 6, 2022 . By Meeta Arora . | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Along with all of the amazing meals and desserts you can cook in the Instant Pot, there are tons of simple things you can do with it as well. Whether it be carrots, asparagus, green beans, or pumpkin, you can perfectly steam almost any vegetable in the Instant Pot!

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From Steaming Veggies To Instant Pot Super User

So many people leave their Instant Pot in the box for a month or six months or even a year before they get it out. Its just one of those appliances that intimidate people. Really, setting up an Instant Pot isnt that hard, and my kids even show you how to do it.

My funny story is that I got an Instant Pot as a free product review sample. I should have been so excited to dig into it, because it was really new, getting some good buzz, but definitely nowhere near as big as it is now. Many people hadnt even heard of it.

I was busy.

Im easily overwhelmed by new appliances.

I dont like reading directions.

And I didnt want to mess it up. I knew that with pressure cooking, there were some safety issues, so I was nervous.

Then along came summer and a huge birthday party for all four of my kids and 30 or 40 family members. The night before the party, I was trying to plan how I would keep everything warm and have everything cooked for this cool baked potato bar we were serving.

I was running out of burners, slow cookers, and options.

I remembered that I had that Instant Pot in the basement. I ran down and grabbed it, quickly skimmed the directions for how to steam broccoli, and packed it up to take to my in-laws house the next day.

Im sure I did not set up the Instant Pot right and definitely didnt run a cycle without food in it. Im so embarrassed to admit this. I completely overcooked the broccoli because I didnt read the instructions well at all. But nothing exploded.