I’m not talking about pressure steaming here, but simply using the Instant Pot as a countertop steamer. I know people that live in NYC, and they live in some tiny spaces. Some barely have kitchens, and some lack them completely. This is where the Instant Pot shines again, versatility. No stove, no stockpot, no problem. This post shows you how easy it is to steam vegetable on your countertop in 15 to 20 minutes flat.
Pour 2 cups of water into your Instant Pot. Set to saute, and adjust the heat level to ‘more.’ The water will reach a simmer in 5 to 6 minutes.
The water reached 203°F after 6 minutes without the lid on. The water will reach temperature a minute or so faster if you leave the lid on while preheating.
The optional Instant Pot glass lid has a small vent hole at the top that releases some steam. The power of the steam in the pot also causes the lid to rattle ever so slightly, the same way some slow cookers do.
What you need:
How you steam:
- Place your steamer basket and 2 cups of water into your Instant Pot
- Set Instant Pot to saute mode, and adjust the heat level to ‘more’
- Place the glass lid onto your Instant Pot to allow the water to reach a low boil / simmer
- Add your vegetables to the steamer basket and re-cover the pot with your lid.
- Steam to desired doneness!
