Introduction
How To Put Trivet In Instant Pot: The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by simplifying the preparation of delicious and wholesome meals. One of its most essential accessories is the trivet, a versatile tool that unlocks new possibilities for your Instant Pot cooking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot enthusiast or just beginning your culinary journey with this fantastic appliance, understanding how to use a trivet is a skill that can take your cooking to the next level.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of placing a trivet in your Instant Pot, exploring the various types of trivets available, and discovering the numerous benefits they offer. Trivets are not just simple cooking tools; they are your gateway to elevating your Instant Pot repertoire, allowing you to create a wider range of dishes with ease.
From steaming vegetables and seafood to baking desserts and reheating leftovers, the trivet is your go-to accessory for achieving optimal results in your Instant Pot. We’ll delve into the fundamental techniques of trivet placement, ensuring your safety, and providing you with the knowledge needed to maximize your Instant Pot’s potential.
So, whether you’re looking to make healthier meals, experiment with new recipes, or simply make the most of your Instant Pot investment, mastering the art of placing a trivet is a crucial skill that will empower you in your culinary endeavors. Let’s begin our journey into the world of Instant Pot trivets and unlock a world of culinary possibilities!
What is a trivet in a instant pot?
An Instant Pot trivet is a stainless steel rack that holds food or food containers above the liquid in the inner pot. The instant pot trivet with handles has two metal hinges on the sides. They act as handles for you to lift the trivet with the cooked food or containers out of the Instant Pot.
A trivet, in the context of an Instant Pot, is a simple yet essential accessory that plays a crucial role in various cooking techniques. It’s a raised metal or silicone platform designed to be placed at the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner cooking pot.
The trivet serves multiple purposes, such as elevating food items above the liquid for steaming, preventing delicate ingredients from direct contact with the hot bottom, and enabling effective heat distribution for baking or roasting.
This versatile tool expands your cooking options, allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes, from steamed vegetables and seafood to cheesecakes and custards. Understanding how to use a trivet effectively can elevate your Instant Pot cooking game, making it an indispensable tool for both novice and experienced home chefs.
How is trivet used?
A trivet /ˈtrɪvɪt/ is an object placed between a serving dish or bowl, and a dining table, usually to protect the table from heat damage. Whilst tri- means three, and -vet comes from -ped, meaning ‘foot’ / ‘feet’, trivets often have four ‘feet’, and some trivets, including many wooden trivets, have no ‘feet’ at all.
A trivet is used in an Instant Pot to enhance cooking versatility and achieve specific culinary goals. To use a trivet effectively, you typically follow these steps:
Placement: Begin by ensuring that the Instant Pot’s inner cooking pot is in place. Depending on the recipe and the desired effect, you may need to add a certain amount of liquid to the pot. The trivet is then placed at the bottom of the pot, resting on the liquid or just above it.
Purposeful Elevation: The primary function of a trivet is to elevate food items above the liquid or directly off the bottom of the pot. This elevation is essential for various cooking methods such as steaming, baking, or roasting. For example, when steaming vegetables or seafood, the trivet keeps them above the water, allowing them to cook through the steam.
Safe Cooking: Using a trivet is crucial when cooking delicate foods like custards, cheesecakes, or dishes that require a gentle simmer. It prevents direct contact with the hot surface, minimizing the risk of burning or overcooking.
Optimal Heat Circulation: When baking or roasting, the trivet ensures proper heat circulation around the food, leading to even cooking and browning.
Why is it called trivet?
The original meaning of trivet was “three-legged stand,” especially one used under a cooking pot in a wood stove or over an open fire. It probably comes from the Latin word tripedem, “three-footed,” from tri, “three,” and pes, “foot.”
The term “trivet” originates from the Old English word “trefet,” which means “three-footed.” Historically, trivets were typically small, three-legged stands made of metal, ceramic, or other heat-resistant materials. These stands were used to elevate hot pots, pans, or kettles above a surface, preventing direct contact with countertops or tables and protecting them from heat damage.
Over time, the concept of a trivet evolved, and modern trivets can have various designs and features. In the context of an Instant Pot, the term “trivet” still holds its historical roots in the sense that it’s a platform or stand used to elevate food or cookware above the bottom of the pot, protecting delicate ingredients and promoting even cooking.
So, the name “trivet” persists because it captures the fundamental purpose of the accessory: to provide support and elevation in cooking, just as its historical predecessors did centuries ago, albeit with a modern twist in design and materials.
What is a trivet example?
Examples of trivet
If the cup is hot, the checker beneath it will act as a kind of trivet, keeping the heat of the cup from damaging the table. Then set in the fish with a trivet under the bag the same as if you were cooking without the plank.
An example of a trivet is a circular, metal or silicone stand with three or more feet that can be used to elevate a variety of cookware or food items in different culinary scenarios. In the kitchen, you might use a trivet to:
Steam Vegetables: Place the trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot or a saucepan, add water, and then set a steamer basket filled with vegetables on top. The trivet keeps the veggies out of the water, allowing them to steam evenly.
Bake a Cheesecake: When making cheesecake in a springform pan inside the Instant Pot, a trivet can be used to create a barrier between the pan and the water beneath, preventing water from seeping into the dessert during cooking.
Roast Meats: In a roasting pan, a trivet can be used to elevate a roast or chicken, allowing air to circulate around the meat for even cooking and crispier skin.
Keep Hot Dishes off the Table: Outside the cooking realm, trivets can also be used as tableware. Place a hot dish or teapot on a trivet to protect your table or countertop from heat damage.
These examples illustrate the versatility of trivets in the kitchen, whether for steaming, baking, roasting, or simply protecting surfaces from heat. Trivets come in various shapes and sizes, making them a handy tool for a wide range of cooking and serving needs.
What is the primary purpose of using a trivet in an Instant Pot?
The primary purpose of using a trivet in an Instant Pot is to elevate food or cookware above the liquid or the hot bottom of the inner cooking pot. This elevation serves several essential functions:
Steaming: Trivets allow you to steam vegetables, seafood, or other foods by keeping them above the water or broth. This prevents overcooking and helps retain the food’s texture and nutrients, resulting in healthier and more flavorful dishes.
Baking and Roasting: When baking cakes, custards, or roasting meats in the Instant Pot, a trivet acts as a platform, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing direct contact with the pot’s hot surface. This promotes consistent and well-cooked results.
Delicate Ingredients: For recipes where delicate ingredients, such as flan or cheesecake, require gentle cooking, a trivet creates a protective barrier. It prevents these items from direct contact with the hot pot, reducing the risk of scorching or curdling.
Simmering: Trivets are also useful when you want to simmer foods at a low, controlled heat. By slightly elevating the cooking vessel, you can maintain a gentle simmer without boiling over.
A trivet is a versatile tool that enhances the Instant Pot’s capabilities, enabling a wide range of cooking techniques and ensuring the best possible results. Whether you’re preparing healthy steamed dishes or indulging in decadent desserts, the trivet is a valuable accessory that contributes to successful and delicious Instant Pot cooking.
What are the various types of trivets available for use in an Instant Pot?
There are several types of trivets available for use in an Instant Pot, each designed to cater to specific cooking needs and preferences:
Wire Trivets: These are the most common trivets and usually come with the Instant Pot. They have a simple, raised design with three or more legs and can be used for steaming, baking, or elevating dishes above the liquid.
Silicone Trivets: Silicone trivets are flexible, heat-resistant mats with raised patterns. They are excellent for steaming as they can be easily folded to fit various pot sizes and shapes. Silicone trivets are also great for non-slip stability.
Stackable Trivets: Some trivets come in a set with multiple pieces of different sizes that can be stacked to accommodate different cooking needs. This design is handy when you need to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Elevated Trivets: These trivets have higher legs, providing more space between the food and the bottom of the pot. They are particularly useful for recipes that require a larger volume of liquid or when you want to prevent ingredients from being submerged.
How do you safely place a trivet in your Instant Pot before cooking?
Safely placing a trivet in your Instant Pot before cooking is essential to avoid accidents and ensure the trivet serves its purpose effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it safely:
Prepare the Inner Pot: Ensure that the inner pot of your Instant Pot is clean and ready for use. Depending on your recipe, you may need to add a certain amount of liquid to the pot.
Select the Right Trivet: Choose the appropriate trivet for your recipe. Consider factors like the trivet’s height, material, and design to match your cooking needs.
Position the Trivet: Carefully lower the selected trivet into the inner pot. Make sure it’s centered and sits flat on the bottom. Ensure that the trivet’s legs are evenly distributed for stability.
Add Ingredients: If your recipe requires it, place the food or ingredients that need to be cooked or steamed on top of the trivet. Ensure that the food is evenly distributed and does not touch the inner walls of the pot.
Can you provide examples of dishes or recipes that benefit from using a trivet in the Instant Pot?
There are numerous dishes and recipes that benefit from using a trivet in the Instant Pot. Here are some examples:
Steamed Vegetables: Trivets are perfect for steaming vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. Elevating the vegetables above the liquid ensures they cook evenly while retaining their nutrients and vibrant colors.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Placing eggs on a trivet above the water in the Instant Pot yields perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs with easy-to-peel shells.
Cheesecakes: Trivets help create a water bath by elevating the cheesecake pan above the hot water. This gentle and moist cooking method results in creamy, crack-free cheesecakes.
Artichokes: Cooking artichokes on a trivet allows them to steam to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful artichoke hearts.
Conclusion
The trivet is a small but mighty accessory that can significantly enhance your Instant Pot cooking experience. We’ve explored the various ways in which a trivet can be used to expand your culinary repertoire and make your Instant Pot an even more versatile kitchen companion.
From steaming and baking to reheating and keeping delicate ingredients from submerging in liquid, the trivet proves its worth time and time again. Its simple design belies its tremendous impact on the quality and variety of dishes you can prepare with your Instant Pot.
As you continue to explore the world of Instant Pot cooking, remember that understanding how to place a trivet correctly is fundamental. It not only ensures safety but also maximizes the potential of your Instant Pot, allowing you to create healthier meals and experiment with new recipes effortlessly.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, the trivet is an indispensable tool that opens up a world of possibilities. With a firm grasp of its use, you can confidently tackle a wide range of dishes and culinary techniques, impressing your family and friends with your cooking prowess.
So, don’t underestimate the power of this unassuming accessory. Embrace the knowledge you’ve gained here and make the most of your Instant Pot’s capabilities. With the trivet as your trusty sidekick, your culinary adventures are bound to be filled with delicious success. Happy cooking!
