This recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa require minimal measuring and is super simple. The result is fluffy and flavorful quinoa that’s perfect every time with just 1-minute cook time!
Table of Contents
In the past, I’ve shared with you my method for making perfect rice in the Instant Pot, but today I thought I’d let you know how I’ve adapted those same principles for making Instant Pot quinoa.
I love this fool-proof method because it’s super quick and easy.
You only need 1-minute of cook time to make this these fluffy grains. So it’s perfect for putting together last minute meals and for meal prep!
Plus, it freezes and reheats well. I’ve got the method for that below.
So, let’s get started!
Check out my Rice Cooker Quinoa recipe if you’re looking for more easy and hands-off ways of cooking your favorite grain.
🛒 Ingredients Needed
- Quinoa – White quinoa, black quinoa, brown, red quinoa, or tri-color quinoa.
- Water
- Spray Cooking Oil – Or, use a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Salt
📋 How to Make It
- Rinse the quinoa. It gets rid of any bitterness.
- Spray the pressure cooker liner with oil. It cuts down on foaming and prevents sticking.
- Use less water. There’s less evaporation with the Instant Pot, so we need to account for this.
- Add a pinch of salt to flavor your quinoa right from the get go.
✔️ Tips for Making PERFECT Instant Pot Quinoa
This recipe is simple, but there are a couple changes from how you would make quinoa on the stovetop:
Water Ratio
While I generally use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.
The reason for the reduced water is that the Instant Pot is more “sealed” than a traditional cooking pot, meaning less evaporation of water during the cooking process.
Rinsing the Quinoa
One step that may seem trivial, but that you definitely should not skip is rinsing your quinoa before placing it into the Instant Pot.
This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water is clear.
Cooking Spray
Before adding the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot, I like to spray the liner with a bit of cooking spray. This not only prevents the quinoa from sticking to the pot, but it also cuts down on the foaming a bit so that your Instant Pot doesn’t sputter and spit.
Salt
Just like with my Instant Pot perfect rice, I always add in a pinch of salt for each cup of quinoa that I’m cooking, to flavor it right from the get-go.
Total Cook Time
This quinoa takes just 1 minute to cook in the Instant Pot on high pressure.
However, you also need to account for the time it takes for the pressure to build (about 5 minutes) and release (10 minutes).
In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish.
🌟 Adding Flavor to Instant Pot Quinoa
If you’d like to add even more flavor and nutrition to your quinoa, you could cook it in bone broth instead of water. I love to make bone broth in either my slow cooker or instant pot. All you need is some leftover meat bones and veggie scraps.
The result is perfect quinoa that’s never mushy, and always flavorful.
You can make as little or as much as you’d like. I’ll often double or triple the recipe. There is no need to adjust the cook time. Cooked quinoa will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. Or, you can make big batch and freeze some for later.
❄️ Freezing Quinoa
Once it’s finished, I like to portion the quinoa into freezer bags or an airtight container to have on hand for when I’m needing some cooked quinoa – especially handy when I get a craving for these Quinoa Burrito Bowls or Blueberry & White Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Cookies.
🕕 Reheating Frozen Quinoa
Just thaw the quinoa in the fridge overnight, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a tablespoon of water and covering the bowl or pan. It will take about a minute in the microwave. On the stove, heat on low until heated through.
ℹ️ Recipe FAQs
You definitely should not skip is rinsing your quinoa. This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water is clear.
There are a few key tips. First, rinse your quinoa to get rid of any bitterness.
Second, use the proper amount of water. Too much can mean mushy quinoa. Too little can result in your quinoa not fully cooking. Third, add a pinch of salt to flavor your quinoa right from the get go.
Compared to white rice, quinoa has 2x the amount of protein and 5g more fiber. It also has less calories and carbohydrates than white rice.
1 cup of dry quinoa will yield about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
While I generally use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.
The reason for the reduced water is that the Instant Pot is more “sealed” than a traditional cooking pot, meaning less evaporation of water during the cooking process.
🥣 How to Use It
You can stir your cooked quinoa into soups or stews, or use it in one of these yummy recipes:
- 35+ Quinoa Recipes
🍴 More Instant Pot Staples
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Full Recipe
Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Spray cooking oil
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- Spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking oil and add the rinsed quinoa (still damp), water and salt.
- Lock the lid and set the steam valve to its “sealing” position.
- Select the “MANUAL” button and cook for 1 minute on high pressure. It will take about 5 minutes for the pressure to build, then the countdown timer will start.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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