LPT: Use the steamer basket when making bone or scrap broth in an Instant Pot or similar appliance

Submitted by AmandaMarsh t3_z7vws7 in LifeProTips

I love to make bone broth and vegetable scrap broth in my Instant Pot, because it only takes two hours on high pressure versus many more in a slow cooker or stovetop. However, the worst part is straining out all the little bits of bones and scrap. Instead, fill the large drop-in steamer basket (third-party stainless steel with the circular holes is better than the IP mesh) with all your bones and scraps, cover with water, then cook on high pressure for two hours. After a natural release, just lift the basket, toss your scraps in the trash or compost, and have wonderful, rich broth that you don't have to strain left behind.

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keepthetips t1_iy8by8h wrote

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GratefulPhish42024-7 t1_iy8d4j6 wrote

Out of curiosity how would a person go about making some knuckle bone broth avenue?

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dupattaluella t1_iy8ekfm wrote

You can use cheesecloth too if you don't have a steamer basket. It's similar to making am herb sachet for soups and stews, but on a larger scale. We've used cheesecloth before when making stock and broth on the stove and it works great.

Also, anything with bones is stock, not broth. Stock is thicker and tends to be less flavorful, while broth and thinner and tends to be more flavorful. Stock is also better when needing to thicken something, like gravy.

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twotall88 t1_iy8if78 wrote

Or you could just purchase a mesh strainer of an appropriate size and pour the liquid through it and not risk burning your fingers or leaving small bits behind.

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AmandaMarsh OP t1_iy8rjga wrote

Replying to twotall88 (#766,423)

That's what I was doing beforehand and the mesh was getting clogged and was difficult to clean. Small bits are not left behind with this method, nor are fingers at risk if you wear a pot holder while lifting by the handle. Also less splashing versus pouring the liquid through the mesh strainer.

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djcat t1_iy8ubuv wrote

I’ve been saving veritable scraps in the freezer. Never thought to do it in the instant pot! Thanks for your tip!

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