Is learning how to steam vegetables and making boiled veggies the same?

Not quite. Boiled veggies are fully immersed in the hot water and soak up some of the liquid as they cook. Steaming of vegetables keeps them separate above the water, and they cook in the moist, hot steam from the hot water.

How can you steam vegetables without a steamer basket?

You can make steamed vegetables in the Instant Pot using a Pyrex or heat-proof bowl. However, I found that the doneness of the vegetables was uneven. I much prefer a steamer basket like this one .

Can I make steamed frozen vegetables?

This recipe uses fresh vegetables. If you choose to steam frozen vegetables from frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Since most frozen veggies are blanched before freezing, they’ll likely need less time for steaming.

How to Steam Vegetables | Easy Instant Pot Method (+Video)

How to Steam Vegetables in the Instant Pot

Looking down into an instant pot with a steamer basket holding broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots. Text overlay reads "Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables"

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Learn how to steam vegetables in the Instant Pot for the EASIEST side dish for dinner! This steam vegetables how to method works for all your favorites: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and more!

Author: Tiffany
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 3-6 Cups 1x
Category: Sides
Method: Instant pot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1-2 cups raw baby carrots (220g)
1-2 cups raw cauliflower florets (248g)
1-2 cups raw broccoli florets (180g)
1 cup of water (237g)

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Instructions

Add water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot and add the carrots and cauliflower.
Place a glass lid on top and cook on the “steam” function, setting the timer for 15 minutes.
When the timer goes off, CAREFULLY lift the lid and use caution as the hot steam will escape quickly! Check for doneness by piercing the vegetables with a fork. They should be *almost* easy to pierce. Add additional cooking time, one minute at a time ONLY if necessary.
Add the broccoli and replace the lid. Set the timer for one minute.
When the timer goes off, remove the lid again and pierce the broccoli to check for doneness. Again, ONLY if necessary, add additional cooking time one minute at a time.

Notes

Store any leftover steamed vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within a few days. They won’t freeze well so I don’t advise making a large batch during meal prep.

Find it online: https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/instant-pot-steamed-vegetables/