instant pot has revolutionized the way we cook our meals, providing convenience, speed, and versatility. But did you know that there are several accessories available that can enhance your instant pot cooking experience? From racks and steamer baskets to silicone molds and sealing rings, these accessories can take your culinary creations to the next level. In this article, we will discuss some of the best instant pot accessories on the market and provide you with three delicious recipes to try using them.
1. Silicone Egg Bites Mold:
If you love making perfectly cooked egg bites for breakfast or a quick snack, then this accessory is a must-have. The silicone egg bites mold easily fits into your instant pot and allows you to make fluffy and customizable egg bites in no time. Simply mix your desired ingredients such as eggs, cheese, vegetables, or meat, pour them into the mold’s compartments, seal it with the lid provided, place it in the instant pot with water at the bottom, and let it cook for a few minutes on pressure cook mode. Once done, release the pressure and enjoy delicious egg bites right out of the mold.
Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Egg Bites
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
2. Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture evenly into each compartment of the silicone egg bites mold.
4. Cover the mold with its lid or aluminum foil.
5. Pour one cup of water into your instant pot insert.
6. Place trivet inside instant pot and rest silicone egg bites mold on top.
7. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
8. Once done, carefully release the pressure manually, remove the mold from instant pot, and let it cool for a few minutes before removing the egg bites from the mold.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
2. Stainless Steel Steamer Basket:
A steamer basket is an essential accessory if you want to cook tender and healthy vegetables, seafood, or dumplings in your instant pot. The stainless steel steamer basket fits perfectly inside your instant pot and allows steam to circulate evenly around your food items, resulting in deliciously cooked dishes without losing nutrients.
Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Place the stainless steel steamer basket inside your instant pot.
2. Add one cup of water to the bottom of your instant pot insert.
3. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the steamer basket.
4. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
7. Once the instant pot cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure manually.
8. Open the lid and transfer cooked shrimp from steamer basket onto a plate or serving dish.
9. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over cooked shrimp.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with lemon wedges.
3. Tempered Glass Lid:
The tempered glass lid is perfect when you want to use your instant pot as a slow cooker or keep your food warm without using the pressure cooking function. It also comes in handy when you want to monitor your cooking progress without releasing pressure.
Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 cup carrots, chopped
– 1 cup celery, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, rice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the instant pot insert.
2. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
4. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
5. Once done, carefully release the pressure manually.
6. Open the lid and remove the cooked chicken breasts.
7. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
8. Place the tempered glass lid on top of the instant pot and switch to “Keep Warm” mode.
9. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
10. Stir in heavy cream before serving.
These three recipes are just a glimpse of what you can create using these fantastic instant pot accessories. Whether you are a seasoned instant pot user or a beginner eager to explore its capabilities further, investing in these accessories will undoubtedly enhance your cooking experience and allow you to create more flavorful dishes in no time!
