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    Home » Instant Pot

    Published: Jan 5, 2023 · Modified: Jan 20, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Instant Pot Quinoa

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa requires minimal prep time and ingredients.

    Plus, it is a measured out recipe to get fluffy, non-sticky quinoa in under 30 minutes each time!

    Top view of Instant pot Quinoa in a blue bowl on a dark background with lemon slices and mint leaves.

    Quinoa has been around in our food for a long time. It appeared quickly on the food scene and was accepted really well all around.

    This grain went from being special and unique to a way of living for many. In addition, its versatile nature helped it blend in with various cuisines.

    A jar full of white and tricolor quinoa is now a permanent fixture in our pantry. And we love it for a meal, breakfast or as a part of meal prep. Today, I am sharing how to make quinoa fuss-free using the Instant Pot. Moreover, this recipe can be modified in so many ways to add more flavor. So read on!

    Jump to:
    • What is Quinoa?
    • This Recipe of Instant Pot Quinoa
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Recipes made using Instant Pot Quinoa
    • Instant Pot Quinoa

    What is Quinoa?

    Quinoa is a flowering plant from the Amaranth family. It is classified as a seed rather than as a grain, making it friendly for many who do not consume grains for several reasons.

    This annual crop is popular as a powerhouse of nutrients. Super rich in protein, fibre and Vitamin B, it appears on the healthier side of ingredients. More on quinoa can be found in this article on Wikipedia.

    Available in the stores in small and large packets, I like to buy the one from Costco. However, if that is not an option, I do get this white quinoa from Amazon. Given how easy and quick it is to cook quinoa at home, I rarely venture into precooked quinoa from the store.

    We often use this recipe for meal prep and enjoy the fluffy quinoa with different dals or curries. It replaces rice for many meals. Wondering why? Quinoa has fewer calories and carbs while having a much higher protein content than rice.

    If you do not like the earthy taste at first, mix cooked rice and quinoa and enjoy it with dal. Over time a lot of folks agree they acquired the taste for this tiny grain.

    Angled view of quinoa cooked in the instant pot and plated in a blue bowl against a dark background.

    This Recipe of Instant Pot Quinoa

    • Needs just three basic ingredients; quinoa, water and salt. While these are several variations like adding oil, cooking in broth or adding some spices; this recipe is the most basic version.
    • With minimal prep time, we only need to rinse the quinoa and put everything in the Instant Pot. Zero-fuss, no checking and no estimates. Timed recipe makes the same quinoa each time.
    • Moreover, the recipe works well for a small amount of quinoa or a larger batch. The Instant Pot adjusts the time it takes to come to pressure and all the quinoa cooks well.
    • The cooked quinoa can be used immediately, refrigerated for a couple of days or frozen for storing longer. Then all that needs to be done is heat it through and serve as desired.

    This has been my go-to recipe for a long time and it works well each time. Just remember the amount of water we use here is lower than the stove-top version as there is no loss in the form of steam. More water will yield a mushy mix of quinoa.

    And if you like this recipe; you must check out these Instant Pot recipes too.

    • A mix of spicy Hot Pot broth with broccoli, tofu, noodles in a bowl with chopsticks.
      Instant Pot Vegetarian Hot Pot
    • How to make hot chocolate in instant pot
      Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
    • A brown bowl filled with Instant pot Jasmine Rice and a fork in it served with some red Thai curry on the side.
      Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Top view of a black plate with instant pot steamed dumplings and chili sauce in a bamboo basket.
      Instant Pot Steamed Dumplings

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Quinoa; white quinoa, salt and water.
    • Quinoa: We can use any of the types of quinoa for the recipe. White, black, red or tricolor blend work wonderfully in the recipe. Moreover, the cook time for all the kinds is the same.
    • Water: We use water to first wash the quinoa and then to cook it. Regular tap water works fine. However, using vegetable stock to cook quinoa is great too. Whenever I use this I make my own Vegetable Stock using the Instant Pot.
    • Salt: A pinch of salt makes the quinoa amazing. Whether you are using it further to make another recipe or just enjoying as a side, I would recommend a pinch of salt. It helps make the cooked quinoa flavorful straight out of the Instant Pot.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- Rinse the quinoa several times in water to remove the bitterness. Then drain and transfer to the Instant Pot. Add salt.

    2- Add in the water and stir. Then close the Instant Pot and let it cook on 'Pressure Cook' for 1 minute. Let all the pressure release naturally.

    Add quinoa and salt to the Instant Pot. Add water and mix well.

    3- Open the Instant Pot and fluff using a fork.

    4- Enjoy as desired or refrigerate or freeze the quinoa.

    Pressure cook and fluff. Serve as required.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Though it may sound trivial, remember to rinse the quinoa a few times under running water. This step will remove the husks and remove the bitterness from the seeds.
    • The recipe can be doubled or tripled too. The water content changes but the time set remains the same. The Instant Pot takes longer to come to pressure and that accounts for cook time required.
    • The cooked quinoa can be consumed immediately or made as part of meal prep. Moreover, it can be refrigerated or frozen. Just warm it up for a few minutes before serving.
    • Substitute water for broth to make a more flavorful version of quinoa. This is especially true for serving quinoa as a side.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Quinoa?

    Quinoa is a flowering plant from the Amaranth family. It is classified as a seed rather than as a grain, making it friendly for many who do not consume grains for several reasons.
    This annual crop is popular as a powerhouse of nutrients. Super rich in protein, fibre and Vitamin B, it appears on the healthier side of ingredients.

    Do I need to rinse my quinoa?

    Yes certainly. Though it may sound trivial, remember to rinse the quinoa a few times under running water. This step will remove the husks and remove the bitterness from the seeds.

    What is the ratio of quinoa to water for the Instant Pot?

    For every cup of dry quinoa we use 1.5 cups of water or stock. This is lower than the water needed to cook it on an open flame as the water does not evaporate in the Instant Pot.

    Can Quinoa be cooked before hand?

    Yes; it is great for meal prep. A big batch of quinoa can be cooked before hand and refrigerated. It can be used as required for meals and breakfast.

    Quinoa, the super grain made in the instant pot

    Recipes made using Instant Pot Quinoa

    • A collage with Quinoa recipes to try; appetizers, mains and sides with text overlay of the title.
      Easy and Delicious Quinoa Recipes
    • A mix of yogurt based quinoa with tempering in a green flower shaped bowl with a spoon on the side on a black background.
      Yogurt Quinoa
    • Quinoa Kofta in Makhani Gravy
    • Top view of low-carb stir fry recipe with chutney and fried potatoes.
      Quinoa Sabudana Khichdi

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    Top view of Instant pot Quinoa

    Instant Pot Quinoa

    Smruti
    This recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa requires minimal prep time and ingredients.
    Plus, it is a measured out recipe to get fluffy, non-sticky quinoa each time!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Cook Time 1 minute min
    Pressure Build and Resting Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 22 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3
    Calories 209 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cups quinoa
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the quinoa several times in water to remove the bitterness. Then drain and transfer to the Instant Pot. Add salt.
    • Add in the water and stir. Then close the Instant Pot and let it cook on 'Pressure Cook' for 1 minute. Let all the pressure release naturally.
    • Open the Instant Pot and fluff using a fork.
    • Enjoy as desired or refrigerate or freeze the quinoa.

    Video

    Notes

    • Though it may sound trivial, remember to rinse the quinoa a few times under running water. This step will remove the husks and remove the bitterness from the seeds.
    • The recipe can be doubled or tripled too. The water content changes but the time set remains the same. The Instant Pot takes longer to come to pressure and that accounts for cook time required.
    • The cooked quinoa can be consumed immediately or made as part of meal prep. Moreover, it can be refrigerated or frozen. Just warm it up for a few minutes before serving.
    • Substitute water for broth to make a more flavorful version of quinoa. This is especially true for serving quinoa as a side.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 203mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 4gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Instant Pot

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      Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas Curry
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      Instant Pot Vegetable Stock
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aparna says

      November 07, 2023 at 12:27 am

      Thnx for the tips to use Quinoa , Rinsing few times refers to how many times ? I tried sub quinoa with a cup of idli rice and washed it thrice I guess but the smell still was there

      Reply
      • Smruti says

        November 17, 2023 at 11:07 am

        Hi Aparna
        The quinoa needs to be rinsed till the water runs clear. After that the smell will not be there and neither will the bitter taste.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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