Instant Pot Quinoa is a game changer when it comes to perfect quinoa every time! This fast and easy recipe is a no-fuss way to cook quinoa and is perfect for meal prep. Once you try it this way, you may never go back to cooking it on the stovetop.
I was cooking quinoa long before many people even knew what it was.
With over 800 quinoa recipes under my belt, it is safe to say that I've learned a thing or two along the way.
If you want a simple way to get it perfect every time, you are going to want to pull out your pressure cooker and start cooking quinoa in the instant pot.
I will admit that I was super-skeptical that in just one minute of cooking time you could make fluffy quinoa.
I was afraid that the high heat of the instant pot would make it mushy, gummy and just gross.
So concerned, that I had all the ingredients on hand to make Black Bean Quinoa Burgers the first time I tried it. (FYI, veggie burgers are one of the best uses I've found for quinoa that is overcooked.)
But once again, my handy-dandy pressure cooker came through. I love how hands off the it is. Just set it and go.
The only thing you really need to worry about is making sure that once the pressure is released - about 10 minutes after cooking - you open up your Instant Pot so that the seeds don't keep steaming.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: This recipe uses white quinoa, but you could use black quinoa or red quinoa if you prefer. What ever type of quinoa you use, make sure to rinse it to remove the natural coating on the exterior of the seeds.
- Avocado Oil: I love using avocado oil for its high smoke point and subtle flavor. It's perfect for sautéing our onions and garlic. If you don't have it on hand, any high-heat oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) will do the trick.
- Onion: You can use any type of onion you have on hand - white, yellow, or even red for a pop of color.
- Minced Garlic: You could use garlic powder if you prefer. (Or omit it if you aren't a fan of garlic.)
- Vegetable Broth: Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth infuses it with an extra layer of flavor. If you're out of vegetable broth, chicken broth or even water with an extra pinch of salt could be used instead.
- Salt and Pepper: As always, season to your family's taste!
How to Make Instant Pot Quinoa
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
You will need quinoa, oil, an onion, garlic, broth salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Soak
I like to soak the seeds for about an hour. This step is optional if you are pressed for time.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
Next, rinse it under cool water until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Saute
Turn your Instant Pot to saute'.
Add your oil and onion and cook until the onion is tender about 8 minutes.
Add garlic and quinoa and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Cook
Add broth, salt, and pepper. Give it a stir and place the lid on the pot.
Pressure cook for one minute.
Step 6: Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally. This should take about 10 minutes. Set a timer so you don't forget it and let it continue to cook.
Remove lid and fluff with a fork!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Cooked Quinoa Does One Cup of Dry Quinoa Make?
One cup of dry quinoa makes 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
Do I Need to Rinse Quinoa Before Cooking?
Yes. It is covered in a bitter substance called saponin. This substance protects the seeds from birds and pest as they grow.
Not only does it taste bitter, but it can also cause gastrointestinal distress. Luckily, it rinses off easily. To rinse, place it in a fine metal strainer and rinse under cold water for 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear.
What is the Ratio of Quinoa to Liquide Needed for Instant Pot Quinoa?
You need a ratio of 1:1.5 quinoa to water in the instant pot.
Flavor Boosters
If you want to kick things up a notch in terms of flavor, try adding these seasonings. They are intended to be used in salads, wraps, and casseroles but also work as a very simple side dish.
Mediterranean
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- Salt and Pepper
Southwestern
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- â…› teaspoon chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper
Breakfast
- To make sweet quinoa to use in breakfast bowls and casseroles, omit the broth, onion, and garlic.
- Instead Cook in One of the Following
- Juice
- Water
- Canned Coconut Milk
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the Instant Pot.
What Can I Do with Cooked Quinoa?
Cooked quinoa makes a great gluten-free side to chicken, fish, and beef, and is also a great base for vegetarian grain bowls. You can add it to soups and curries, or use it to make some of my quinoa recipes.
A few favorites include:
Tools for Making This Recipe:
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Storage
Have leftovers of this instant pot quinoa recipe? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
You can keep cooked quinoa in the freezer for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.
25-Minute Instant Pot Quinoa
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Fine Metal Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak quinoa in water for one hour.
- Place in a fine metal strainer. Rinse with cool water for three to five minutes, until the water runs clear.
- Turn your instant pot to sauté.
- Add oil and diced onion. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and rinsed quinoa. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add vegetable broth and salt and pepper to the Instant Pot and place the lid on the pot. (Don't forget to make sure that your Instant Pot is NOT set to vent.)
- Cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
- Allow pressure to release naturally. (About 10 minutes.)
- Carefully remove lid and fluff!
Cynthia
I do not have access to an oven right now & would just love to make your breakfast green chili quinoa (with yogurt/sour cream seasonings cheddar cheese) in the instant pot. Have you done this in Instant Pot yet?
Wendy Polisi
I have not.