Instant Pot Quinoa

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This super-moist and fluffy Instant Pot quinoa recipe is a foolproof way to cook quinoa hands-free in minutes. Pressure cooker quinoa is a game-changer for weekly meal prep!

Why You'll Love Instant Pot Quinoa

Once you know how to cook quinoa on the stove, you think it can't get any easier. Oh, but it actually does! Enter the Instant Pot. This hands-off method ensures perfect quinoa every time: just add the ingredients to the pressure cooker, close and lock the lid, press the button, and enjoy perfectly fluffy, hands-free quinoa. Ideal for meal prep, make a double batch in advance.

Ingredient notes

• Dry quinoa - Use any color quinoa for this recipe.
• Water - Use plain water or 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.

Instant Pot Quinoa Water Ratio

When you make quinoa in the Instant Pot, 1 cup of dry quinoa requires 1 ¼ cups of cooking liquid.

How long does it take to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot?

Including time for pressure cooking and natural release, this Instant Pot Quinoa recipe takes about 18 minutes from start to finish.

Adjust Liquid Amount For Instant Pot Size

Whether you have a 3-quart, 6-quart, 8-quart, or 10-quart Instant Pot, the cooking process for quinoa remains the same. However, the 8-quart and 10-quart pots require at least 2 cups of water to pressurize properly, so keep this in mind when planning how much you'll use.

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 zip-top 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 recipes such as 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 such as 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 it into this quinoa salad recipe.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
• Brown Rice
• Instant Pot Yogurt
• How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
• Black Beans
• Shredded Chicken Breast

📖 Recipe