How to Use a Pressure Cooker Steaming Basket
By Fissler US | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a pressure cooker steaming basket for perfectly steamed vegetables and fish. Get step-by-step instructions and tips for choosing the right steamer insert.
Quick Answer
To use a pressure cooker steaming basket, place the basket in the pot with water or stock, add your food, close the lid, and cook at low pressure for the recommended time. Use a steamer insert for gentle steaming or a cooking basket with tripod for more versatile cooking.
Why Use a Steaming Basket?
A pressure cooker steaming basket keeps your food out of the liquid, allowing steam to circulate freely. This is ideal for delicate items like fish and tender vegetables that can easily overcook when submerged.
Using a basket also lets you cook multiple foods at once—like potatoes below and fish above—saving time and energy.
Choosing the Right Basket
Steamer inserts with fine perforations are best for gentle cooking, as they allow steam to rise evenly without letting food fall through. Cooking baskets with a tripod are more versatile, ideal for browning or multi-level cooking, and can handle heartier foods.
Consider what you cook most: if you mainly steam vegetables and fish, a steamer insert is a simple, effective choice. If you want to brown and then steam in the same pot, a cooking basket with tripod offers more flexibility.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the basket: Place the steaming basket inside the pressure cooker pot. If using a cooking basket with tripod, ensure the legs are stable on the bottom. Check that the basket fits snugly and doesn't wobble.
- Add liquid: Pour water or stock into the pot until it reaches just below the basket's bottom. Do not submerge the basket. Too much liquid can cause food to boil instead of steam.
- Add food: Arrange your food in a single layer on the basket. Leave space between pieces for steam to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
- Close and cook: Lock the lid, bring to low pressure, and cook for the recommended time for your food type. Start with less time; you can always cook longer.
- Release pressure: Use natural pressure release for delicate foods like fish, or quick release for vegetables to stop cooking immediately. Natural release prevents overcooking.
Fissler Steaming Baskets
- Pressure Cooker Steaming Basket with Tripod: The special perforation in the bottom of the steaming insert allows steam from water or stock to circulate freely inside the pot. This ensures even, gentle cooking for fish and tender vegetables without them becoming waterlogged.
Pressure Cooker Steaming Basket with Tripod - Pressure Cooker Cooking Basket with Tripod: This cooking basket is designed for demanding home chefs and works with Fissler pressure cookers that offer four precision cooking settings. It supports multiple cooking methods like steaming, searing, and multi-level cooking, making it a versatile addition to your pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker Cooking Basket with Tripod
