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This super moist and fluffy Instant Pot quinoa recipe is a foolproof method to cook quinoa hands-free in minutes. Your Instant Pot does all the work when you make pressure cooker quinoa!
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What is quinoa?
Quinoa is a seed, shaped like tiny beads with a mild nutty flavor and tender crunch. While not a grain, it's often compared to other grains as a healthier option with more protein and all eight essential amino acids. It also has relatively fewer carbohydrates than other grains. So, it's a pretty cool non-grain.
Why make quinoa in the pressure cooker
Quinoa is versatile but prone to under and overcooking on the stove. Enter the Instant Pot—a foolproof solution. This hands-off method ensures perfectly cooked quinoa every time. Ideal for meal prep, make a double batch in advance.
Ingredient notes
- Dry quinoa - Use white quinoa, red, black, or any combination of them. I'm using white quinoa for these photos.
- Water - Use plain water or any broth to make pressure cooker quinoa.
- Salt - optional and can be added before or after cooking.
How to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot
Add the quinoa, water, and (optional) salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Select “manual” or “pressure cook” and set the cooking time for 1 minute on high pressure. When the cooker beeps, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. Then, open the pressure valve to release any remaining steam. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid away from you. Fluff the quinoa with any utensil and serve!
Pressure cooker quinoa couldn’t be any easier. It’s terrific as a side, but you can also jazz it up in many ways. Be sure to check out my variations below.
The perfect quinoa-to-water ratio
When you make quinoa in the Instant Pot, every cup of dry quinoa requires 1 ¼ cups of cooking liquid.
How long does it take to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot?
Including coming to pressure and natural release time, this Instant Pot Quinoa recipe takes about 18 minutes, start to finish.
Instant Pot size matters
Whether you have a 3-quart, 6-quart, 8-quart, or 10-quart Instant Pot, the cooking process for quinoa remains the same. However, in 8 and 10-quart pots, ensure a minimum of 2 cups of water for proper pressurization, adjusting the recipe accordingly for these larger models.
Recipe variations
This quinoa recipe is a blank canvas for many other flavors. Here are some simple and tasty ways to switch it up:
- Substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the water.
- Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the Instant Pot before cooking.
- Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the quinoa before cooking.
- Top the cooked quinoa with crumbled feta cheese or Parmesan cheese.
- A squeeze of lemon and some freshly chopped parsley adds flavor and freshness.
Storage and freezer options
Cooked quinoa can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To freeze quinoa, cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container or ziptop bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months or longer if vacuum sealed.
Serving ideas
Use fluffy quinoa as a nutritious ingredient in various recipes like Asian slaw with quinoa, quinoa salad, quinoa zucchini fritters, or vegan Buddha bowls.
Serve this perfectly cooked quinoa like you would serve rice with entrees like air fryer whole chicken or seared pork chops.
I love this quinoa with butter or olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add cooked quinoa to soups or stews. Or, chill it and toss into this quinoa salad recipe.
More Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Instant Pot Yogurt
- How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast
📖 Recipe
How to Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot
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Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa, well-rinsed
- 1 ¼ cups Water, or broth
- ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt, optional
Instructions
- Add QUINOA, WATER, and (optional) SALT to the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to "Sealing".
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and set the cook time for 1 minute on HIGH pressure.Note: it takes about 7 minutes for the pot to pressurize and cook the quinoa.
- When the cook cycle completes, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR).
- Carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.
- Press "Cancel", open the lid, and fluff the quinoa with any stirring utensil.
- Serve warm.
- To store, allow to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- 9-inch fine mesh sieve if rinsing quinoa
- 6-quart Instant Pot or other brand pressure cooker
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Liz says
Most perfect and easy quinoa I've ever made! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Traci says
Yayy! You are so welcome. Thanks for sharing your experience here. Enjoy!
Lauren Michael Harris says
I had never thought to make quinoa in the instant pot, but this was so easy! I will definitely make it this way more often now.
Margaret says
Tried it and the quinoa turned out perfectly done.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! Yes quinoa in the Instant Pot wins every time for us 🙂 I'm so glad you gave it a go. Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!
Jeff says
So easy! I never liked quinoa until we started cooking it in the Instant Pot. It really is perfect and fluffy every time. I can say I actually like quinoa now! Thanks KG!