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Are you looking to up your vegetable game in the easiest and healthiest way possible? Or are you even vegan/vegetarian like us and just eat a lot of veggies? Regardless, your Instant Pot has so many capabilities that you haven’t even thought about yet (and we’re here to teach you)! Ever wanted to try canning? It can do that. This versatile kitchen gadget isn’t just for whipping up hearty stews or tender meats; it’s also an excellent tool for perfectly steamed vegetables. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to steam vegetables in your Instant Pot like a pro, locking in flavors and essential nutrients and living a more wholesome, more natural life.
How to Steam Vegetables in the Instant Pot
Choose the Right Vegetables
Start by selecting your favorite fresh vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Make sure to wash and chop them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking. You want them basically ready to eat as soon as they come out of the pot.
Prep Your Instant Pot
Ensure your Instant Pot is clean and ready for action. Attach the trivet that came with your pot; this keeps the vegetables elevated above the water, preventing them from becoming mushy. Here’s our favorite steamer basket to keep things super simple
Add Water
Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is the essential element that generates steam, cooking your veggies to perfection. Remember, you’re steaming, not boiling, so you don’t need a lot of water.
Arrange the Vegetables
Place the chopped vegetables on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. You can stack them, but avoid overcrowding. The goal is to allow the steam to circulate and cook each piece evenly. If you’re using different types of vegetables, consider adding those with longer cooking times first and adding quicker-cooking ones later.
Set the Timer
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer based on the type of vegetable you’re cooking. As a general rule, start with 1-2 minutes for more delicate vegetables like green beans and 3-5 minutes for denser veggies like carrots and broccoli. Remember, you can always release pressure and check the doneness, then return to the pot if needed.
Quick Release and Enjoy
Once the timer goes off, carefully do a quick pressure release to stop the cooking process. Remove the vegetables from the Instant Pot using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid burning your fingers.
Season and Serve
Now comes the fun part – seasoning! Drizzle your steamed veggies with a little olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs. The natural flavors of the vegetables will shine through, and you’ll have a nutrient-packed, delicious side dish ready to be enjoyed. Honestly, the options are endless. I even add a little bit of liquid smoke to some of my dishes to make them tasty like they’re right off the grill (even though they were healthily steamed)
Steaming vegetables in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy individuals who want to incorporate more veggies into their diets. This method retains the vibrant colors, flavors, and vital nutrients that can be lost through other cooking methods. Plus, it’s quick and hassle-free!
Remember, experimentation is key to finding your perfect steaming time for each vegetable, but with a bit of practice, you’ll become a pro at creating a medley of perfectly steamed, nutrient-packed goodness with your Instant Pot. Let us know what you did in the comments below!
