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 get perfect seeds every time. Once you try it this way, you may never go back to cooking it on the stove top.
This post was originally posted August 24, 2018
Last Updated
Instant Pot Quinoa is a Game Changer!
I was cooking quinoa long before many people even knew what it was.
With over 800 recipes under my belt, it is safe to say that I've learned a thing or two along the way.
So guys...listen to me when I tell you that if you want a simple way to get it perfect every time, you are going to want to pull out your Instant Pot 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.
Because THIS can lead to mushy seeds. #speakingfromexperience
(The second time I made it in an Instant Pot I got distracted with Skye and left it in there for about an hour after cooking. I was very happy those ingredients for veggie burgers were still on hand.)
How to Make Instant Pot Quinoa
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
You will need quinoa, oil, an onion, garlic, broth and 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 and place the lid on the pot.
Cook on high pressure 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!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Long Do You Cook Quinoa in an Instant Pot?
It only takes one minute to cook it in the Instant Pot, however, you do need to wait another 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally.
How Much Does One Cup of Dry Quinoa Make?
One cup of dry quinoa makes 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
Do You Need to Wash 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 Seeds to Liquid Needed for Instant Pot Quinoa?
You need a ratio of 1:1.5 quinoa to water in the instant pot.
Can You Freeze Quinoa?
Yes! It freezes beautifully.
To freeze, spread the seeds on a sheet pan and allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer safe dish or bag and freeze for up to three months.
What Can I Add to Quinoa?
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
- ⅛ 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?
To see a full list of all of the recipes that call for cooked quinoa, go to the search bar and type in "cooked quinoa"
A few favorites include:
- Quinoa Broccoli Casserole
- Italian Baked Quinoa with Fresh Tomato Topping
- Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Wraps
- Crunchy Quinoa Salad
Tips for This Recipe:
If you are new to cooking with an Instant Pot, here are some helpful tips.
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Tools for Making This Recipe:
Instant Pot Quinoa
Looking for a fool proof way to cook quinoa! Pull out your instant pot! for a no fuss way to have fluffy seeds every time!
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!
Nutrition
If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:
- How to Cook Quinoa
- How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
- Loaded Veggie Quinoa Pasta
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
More Gluten Free Instant Pot Recipes to Try:
- Instant Pot Jambalaya from A Mindful Mom
- Instant Pot Mongolian Beef from Joyful Healthy Eats
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.