If you love quinoa, there’s no easier way to make it than in the Instant Pot. In just a few minutes, it’s perfectly tender and fluffy, ready to be put into a bowl with your favorite toppings.
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The Instant Pot method for making quinoa is absolutely fool proof. This popular seed turns out fluffy and pretty much perfect, without the need for soaking or cooking for a long time on the stove.
If you haven’t cooked your quinoa this way, you’re doing yourself a disservice. I’m not kidding when I say it’s the fastest, easiest way to make perfect quinoa every time. In fact, it takes just 2 minutes of cook time.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced: KEEN-wah) is a seed that is popular in many vegetarian dishes. It’s high in fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a good option for vegetarians and vegans. There are three main types of quinoa : white, black, and red.
Although many people think of quinoa as a grain, it’s not actually. But it does cook similarly to a grain and it has a similar texture and consistency to barley or rice. It’s become a really popular choice for things like bowls and stir fries that were usually made with rice.
Quinoa is naturally gluten free and you can easily find organic brands. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids. One serving has calcium, iron, and six grams of protein. It’s also a good replacement for rice when you need a lower glycemic alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Quinoa – You can cook any type of quinoa you want with this recipe: white, black or red. I like to use a blend.
- Water – You can also use broth, but it doesn’t add a lot more flavor.
- Salt – A little bit of salt will add great flavor to your quinoa.
What to Know Before You Start
There are three things to keep in mind:
- Rinse = Be sure to rinse the quinoa to remove bitterness on the outside of the quinoa, caused by natural saponins.
- Water to Seed Ratio = You need 1 part quinoa to 1.5 parts water
- Cook Time = 2 minutes (go with 1 for more firm, and 3 for super tender)
- Release = 10 minute natural release then release any remaining pressure
How to Make Instant Pot Quinoa
There’s very little to this recipe. It’s going to be the fastest, easiest thing you’ve ever made in your Instant Pot… maybe even easier than rice.
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh colander for 30 seconds.
- Combine the quinoa, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Stir to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
- Lock on the lid and set the vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure. Open the lid, stir to fluff, and serve.
Why Use An Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.
If you don’t have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot for more information.
- Don’t Have an Instant Pot Yet? This guide can help you choose the right one.
- See reviews and prices for Instant Pots on Amazon.
- Learn some great Instant Pot Tips & Tricks.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Instant Pot.
Additional Notes & Tips
- We think that cooking for 2 minutes is perfect. However, everyone’s preferences are different. If you like slightly firmer quinoa, cook for 0 to 1 minute. Some Instant Pots don’t allow for zero minutes, but one is very similar outcome. For softer quinoa, cook for 3 minutes.
- Make sure you let out remaining pressure and unlock the lid after 10 minutes or the quinoa can become soggy and overcooked.
- You can use water or vegetable or chicken broth for more flavor. Use low-sodium broth or don’t add extra salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to rinse quinoa?
Quinoa has a protective coating called saponin that tastes bitter. Rinsing helps remove this bitterness. You just need to run it under water for about 30 seconds. However, some packaged quinoa has been pre-rinsed, so you’ll want to check the package to see if it requires rinsing or not.
How do I store left over quinoa?
It’s easy to store any left overs you might have. That’s great news because you can make a large batch once and use it for many different meals, or for meal prep for lunches. To store, just allow it to cool completely then put it in an air tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Do I need to toast the quinoa first?
Some recipes will call for you to lightly toast the seeds in a pan with light oil for a few minutes to give it extra roasty nutty flavors. This is certainly something you can do, but it’s not at all necessary.
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Simple Instant Pot Quinoa
Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh colander for 30 seconds.
- Combine the quinoa, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Stir to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
- Lock on the lid and set the vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure. Open the lid, stir to fluff, and serve.
Notes
- For slightly firmer quinoa, cook for 1 minute. For softer quinoa, cook for 3 minutes.
- You can use water or vegetable or chicken broth for more flavor. Use low-sodium broth or don’t add extra salt.
Nutrition
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Laura spends a lot of her time cooking and creating recipes to share. She loves traveling and learning about new foods around the world to bring into her own recipes at home.