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    Home / Recipe Archives

    How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot

    Published: Jan 18, 2023 / Updated: Jan 18, 2023 by Amy / Leave a Comment

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    The Instant Pot makes perfect quinoa that turns out light and fluffy every time. Never have mushy quinoa again with this fail-proof method. Ready in less than 20 minutes!

    A bowl of quinoa.

    Quinoa is a delicious side dish that can be eaten hot or cold which makes it perfect to add to salads or served alongside a main dish. The pressure cooker makes cooking quinoa easier than ever!

    How to make quinoa in the instant pot

    So how do you make the best, most fluffy quinoa possible? It's all about the ratio of quinoa to water! 

    • The Perfect Ratio: 1 part dry quinoa: 1 ¼ parts water.
    • Rinse Quinoa: Make sure to rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh colander until the water runs clear before adding it to the pot.
    • Prevent Sticking: Spray the pot liner with cooking spray before adding the quinoa and water.
    • Pressure Cook: Cook on HIGH for ONE minute and then let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes.

    How long does it take to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot? This will depend on your Instant Pot model. (affiliate link)

    It should take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure and you'll need a 5-minute natural release. So all-in-all you're looking at right under 20 minutes total.

    Quinoa in an Instant Pot.

    How to store leftovers

    Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week. Cooked quinoa can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

    Top tips

    • This recipe can be used with any type of quinoa. The most common quinoa available is white, but there are also red, black, purple, and tri-colored.
    • Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the natural coating called "saponin". If left on, this coating can cause the quinoa to have a bitter or soapy taste.
    • Add seasonings to the pot such as salt, garlic powder, pepper, etc. before cooking to add extra flavor.

    Other recipes to try:

    • instant pot herb chicken and rice
    • instant pot chickpea curry
    • instant pot corn chowder
    A bowl of quinoa made in the Instant pot.

    How to make Quinoa in the Instant Pot

    The Instant Pot makes perfect quinoa that turns out light and fluffy every time! Never have mushy quinoa again with this fail-proof method. Ready in less than 20 minutes!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    prep time: 4 minutes
    cook time: 1 minute
    Pressure: 15 minutes
    servings: 6

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 1 ¼ cup water
    • cooking spray

    Instructions

    • Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter residue.
    • Use the cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides of the Instant Pot liner. Pour the quinoa and water in the pot, stir and put the lid on. Turn pressure valve to the SEALED position.
    • Press the MANUAL button, make sure it is set to HIGH pressure and set timer for 1 minute. When time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 5 minutes. Turn the pressure valve to the VENTING position and allow the remaining steam to escape.
    • Remove the lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

    Notes

    • Store left-overs in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
    • Cooked quinoa can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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    Nutrition Facts
    How to make Quinoa in the Instant Pot
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    104
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    2
    g
    3
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    0.2
    g
    1
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    0.5
    g
    Sodium
     
    4
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    160
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    18
    g
    6
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Protein
     
    4
    g
    8
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    4
    IU
    0
    %
    Calcium
     
    15
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    author :Amy Duska
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