This easy Instant Pot quinoa recipe makes perfectly fluffy quinoa in under 30 minutes! Learn how to season quinoa simply with fresh garlic and onion for flavorful and delicious quinoa every time.
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 how to make quinoa in the instant pot.
The first time I tried it, I was super-worriedthat the high heat of the Instant Pot would make it mushy, gummy, and gross.
But once again, my pressure cooker came through. (In the same way, it comes through for Instant Pot jasmine rice, Instant Pot Wild Rice, and Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes.)
Reader review
"Wonderful balance and not sticky! Soaking and rinsing makes all the difference. Made it Southwestern seasoned and added a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning instead of the bit of cayenne." —Mark
Ingredient Talk
- This recipe uses white quinoa, which cooks up light and fluffy. You can use red or black quinoa if you prefer, just know they stay a bit firmer. No matter which type you choose, rinse it well to remove the saponin and prevent bitterness.
- Onion and garlic are optional, but I highly recommend them if you’re using the quinoa in a savory dish because they add so much depth. Any onion will do, and fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, though garlic powder works too.
- Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth adds more flavor than cooking it in water. Chicken broth works just as well, or you can use water with a pinch of salt if that’s what you have.
How to Make Instant Pot Quinoa
I like to soak the seeds for about an hour. This step is optional if you are pressed for time. Even if you decide not to soak it, rinse it until the water runs clear.
Add your oil and onion and cook until the onion is tender about 8 minutes.
Pressure cook for one minute.
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.
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
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
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.
Tools for Making This Recipe:
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Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Quinoa (25 Minutes!)
Equipment
- 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 says
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 says
I have not.
Mark says
Wonderful balance and not sticky! Soaking and rinsing makes all the difference. Made it Southwestern seasoned and added a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning instead of the bit of cayenne.