If you've had trouble cooking quinoa, you need to try this Instant Pot Quinoa recipe. My foolproof method yields fluffy quinoa for an easy side dish, meal prep, salads, and more! Ready in less than 30 minutes.
If you haven't already fallen in love with the Instant Pot for making quick work out of cooking grains and seeds (hellooooo Instant Pot rice), then you NEED to try this Instant Pot quinoa recipe.
It's completely hands-off, and results in perfectly fluffy quinoa every.single.time. Best of all? You won't have to anxiously watch a pot the entire time.
This easy method for pressure cooker quinoa is the biggest meal prep hack. I just know you're going to love it as much as we do!
Why You'll Love It:
- Perfect quinoa. Fluffy, nutty, and perfectly cooked.
- No pot-watching. If you're used to making quinoa on the stovetop, you're going to love this hands-off method using your Instant Pot.
- Great for meal prep. Whether you want to make a big batch of quinoa salad, or you're looking for side dishes for your chicken and veggies, this high-fiber seed is the perfect choice!
- High in protein. Since quinoa has all of the essential amino acids, it's considered a complete protein. It's a great way to add a little boost of satisfying protein to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: The most common type is white quinoa, but you can use tri-color, black, or red quinoa. Most packaged quinoa on the market has been pre-rinsed to remove the saponin (which can cause a bitter taste), but if you've purchased it in bulk bins or from the farmer's market you may need to rinse it first.
- Water: You will need 2 cups of water for this recipe (less water if you rinse the quinoa first). If desired, you can swap this for vegetable broth or chicken broth.
- Salt: A little bit of salt helps enhance the nuttiness of quinoa and prevents it from tasting "bland."
Tools:
- Instant Pot: I recommend using a 6-quart Instant Pot model. If you have an 8 quart model you can double the recipe to ensure the liquid level is adequate.
Top tip: Use Broth for Extra Flavor
If you want to add extra flavor and/or protein, you can cook your quinoa in broth instead! Try bone broth for protein, or vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly option.
How to Make Quinoa in an Instant Pot
- Add the quinoa to the Instant Pot, along with the water and salt.
- Stir well.
- Secure the lid and switch the valve to "sealing."
- Cook on manual high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pot to do a natural release (NPR) for 10 minutes.
- Flip the valve to "venting" and release all of the steam.
- Carefully open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Allow the quinoa to rest and release steam for 5 minutes before serving.
Ways to Serve Quinoa
This popular seed that cooks like a grain is easy to incorporate into all your favorite dishes. Quinoa is also high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- In salads
- As an easy side dish
- In place of rice or couscous
- Grain bowls (or quinoa bowls)
- Used to make veggie burgers, fritters, etc.
- For quinoa salads (like my Greek quinoa salad)
Instant Pot Quinoa Ratio
If you know the ratio of quinoa to water, you can have the perfect Instant Pot quinoa in nearly any quantity.
- 1 part quinoa : 1.5 parts water
- 3 minute cook time
- 10 minute natural pressure release + 5 minute fluff and rest
- Note: Add ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt for every 1 cup of dry quinoa.
Does quinoa need to be rinsed before cooking?
Most quinoa does not need to be rinsed before cooking. Nowadays, most quinoa is rinsed in processing, which removes the bitter flavor associated with its saponin content.
That being said, if you purchased quinoa that has not been processed (like from a Farmer's market or bulk bins), you may wish to rinse it first. This can be done by placing it in a fine mesh strainer and running it under cool water.
Note: If you rinse your quinoa, reduce the water by ¼ cup to account for the extra liquid.
Storing Leftovers
Allow your quinoa to cool briefly, then transfer it to an airtight storage container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat portions (as needed) in the microwave or a skillet with added water.
Can you freeze cooked quinoa?
Yes, quinoa can be frozen! This greatly lengthens the storage time and it can easily be reheated from frozen (or thawed first). Pack cooked and cooled quinoa into freezer bags, seal, and label. Freeze for up to 3 months.
If you loved this Instant Pot Quinoa recipe, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Instant Pot Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups dry quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth**
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the dry, unrinsed* quinoa to the insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Pour in 2 cups of cool or room temperature water, and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Stir well and secure the lid. Switch the valve to the “sealing” position.
- Set the pot to manual pressure and cook for 3 minutes.
- Once the pot beeps for the second time, indicating the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to do a 10 minute natural pressure release.
- Once 10 minutes are up, flip the valve to “venting” and allow all of the steam and pressure to release completely. If your model has a pin, once it drops, it’s generally considered safe to open the lid. (Please see your manual for safety information)
- Carefully open the lid, then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Allow the quinoa to rest for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ratio: 1 part quinoa : 1.5 parts water.
- Cooking time: 3 minutes
- Pressure release: 10 minutes + 5 minutes fluff and rest.
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