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Cooking quinoa has never been easier thanks to this Instant Pot quinoa recipe! With just one minute of active cooking time, this method delivers perfectly fluffy quinoa every single time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick side dish, this recipe will become your go-to for healthy, effortless cooking.

Instant Pot quinoa is so easy to make, perfectly cooked and fluffy! Once you try making quinoa in your Instant Pot, you’ll never cook it on the stove ever again!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a minute of cooking time and a hands-free pressure release, this recipe is as simple as it gets. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions!
Consistently Fluffy: The Instant Pot ensures evenly cooked quinoa every time, so you’ll never have to deal with soggy or undercooked grains again.
Healthy and Nutritious: Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Versatile Side Dish: This quinoa pairs beautifully with almost any cuisine, from hearty stews to refreshing salads.
Minimal Cleanup: All the cooking happens in one pot, leaving you with fewer dishes to wash—a definite win for busy cooks!

Before I got my Instant Pot, I would always cook quinoa in a rice cooker. I love gadgets that make my life easier and am definitely not a fan of cooking quinoa on the stove :) Well, Instant Pot does as good of a job in cooking quinoa as a rice cooker in half the time!

Ingredients For Instant Pot Quinoa

Quinoa – The star of the recipe, quinoa is a protein-packed grain that cooks up light and fluffy.
Cold Water – Ensures the quinoa cooks evenly in the Instant Pot. Adjust the quantity based on whether your quinoa is rinsed or dry.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the quinoa for a delicious taste.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

I now always use my Instant Pot to cook quinoa and also rice (see my recipes for Instant Pot white rice and Instant Pot brown rice). The only time I use my rice cooker is when my Instant Pot is taken up by cooking another dish, such as Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, Instant Pot Meatloaf and Instant Pot Meatballs. Seriously, I think I need to get a second Instant Pot ;) LOL!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Quinoa

Instant Pot – The essential appliance for this recipe, providing even cooking and saving time.
Measuring Cups – To measure out the quinoa and water accurately.
Measuring Spoons – For precise salt measurement.
Fork – To fluff the cooked quinoa to the perfect texture.

Quinoa is the healthiest grain ever, and the easy hands-free way of cooking it certainly helps in adding more of it into your diet! I love using it for healthy lunches throughout the week, such as quinoa chickpea salad!

How To Cook Quinoa In The Instant Pot

Cooking time for quinoa in the Instant Pot is just 1 minute, followed by 15 minute natural pressure release. Basically, the Instant Pot is doing the active pressure cooking for 1 minute, and then quinoa finishes cooking while the pressure slowly releases.

To cook quinoa in the Instant Pot, all you need to do is put quinoa and water in the Instant Pot, press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time for 1 minute on High pressure. When it’s done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release (QR) the remaining pressure and open the lid. The quinoa will be perfectly cooked. Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve!

Instant Pot Quinoa Water Ratio

The water ratio for cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is same as for rice. If you rinse your quinoa, the ratio is 1:1 (1 cup quinoa to 1 cup water). If you don’t rinse quinoa (so quinoa is dry), the ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 1 1/4 cup water. This is because when quinoa is wet, it traps some water inside, skewing the ratio.

I personally buy quinoa that is labeled “pre-rinsed” or “pre-washed”, so no rinsing is necessary! Yes, I’m that lazy :) The fewer steps for me to cook something, the better! I also buy quinoa in bulk from Amazon, it’s actually much cheaper then those little boxes from a regular supermarket!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this fluffy quinoa with Colorful Roasted Vegetables and a drizzle of tahini for a hearty vegan meal.
Use it as a base for grain bowls, topped with Plant-Based Steak Tips in the Air Fryer – Simple Vegan Protein Idea, Fresh Green Salad with Roasted Cauliflower, and your favorite dressing.
Serve alongside Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Strips – Quick and Easy Packaged Chicken, Lemon Butter Fish in Foil Packets – Perfect for Grilling or Baking, or tofu for a balanced and nutritious dinner.
Mix it with fresh herbs, Crunchy Kale and Apple Salad, and a zesty vinaigrette to create a quick and easy quinoa salad.
Replace rice with quinoa in your favorite Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipes for a fun twist.

Tips For Success

Rinse or Not to Rinse: If your quinoa isn’t pre-washed, rinse it under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. Pre-rinsed quinoa saves time and skips this step.
Perfect Water Ratio: Follow the correct water-to-quinoa ratio based on whether your quinoa is rinsed (1:1) or dry (1:1 1/4) for the best texture.
Natural Pressure Release is Key: Letting the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes ensures the quinoa absorbs all the liquid evenly, resulting in fluffy grains.
Fluff Gently: Use a fork to fluff the quinoa after cooking to prevent it from clumping together. This step also helps release steam trapped in the grains.
Double or Triple the Batch: Cooking extra quinoa is a great idea for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Variations And Substitutions

Different Liquids: Swap water for vegetable broth or chicken broth to infuse more flavor into the quinoa. For a creamy option, try cooking it in coconut milk.
Herbs and Spices: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the water for an aromatic touch. Spices like turmeric or cumin can give your quinoa a vibrant color and bold flavor.
Mix-In Ingredients: Stir in chopped fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or sautéed onions after cooking for added texture and taste.
Quinoa Blends: Use a mix of white, red, and black quinoa for a colorful and nutty variation. Cooking times and water ratios remain the same.
Low-Sodium Option: Skip the salt or use a salt substitute to make this recipe suitable for low-sodium diets.
Gluten-Free Grains: Substitute other gluten-free grains like millet or amaranth using the same method. Check for slight adjustments in water ratios and cooking times.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow the cooked quinoa to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the quinoa in portion-sized bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Refrigerator Reheating: Reheat refrigerated quinoa in the microwave. Add a splash of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to keep it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Freezer Reheating: Thaw frozen quinoa overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, follow the same microwave instructions to reheat.
Stovetop Option: Warm the quinoa in a nonstick skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to restore its fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe as long as it doesn’t exceed the “MAX” line inside your Instant Pot. The cooking time remains the same, but ensure the water-to-quinoa ratio is adjusted accordingly.

Do I have to rinse quinoa before cooking?

If your quinoa is pre-washed or labeled “pre-rinsed,” there’s no need to rinse it. However, if it isn’t pre-rinsed, it’s a good idea to rinse it under cold water to remove its bitter outer coating.

Can I use broth instead of water?

Absolutely! Using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water will add extra flavor to your quinoa. Adjust the salt amount accordingly, as broth can be salty.

What’s the best way to store leftover quinoa?

Cool the quinoa completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why is my quinoa too wet or mushy?

This could be due to using too much water or not allowing the pressure to release naturally. Stick to the recommended water-to-quinoa ratio and follow the natural release instructions for the best results.

Can I cook other grains using this method?

Yes, the Instant Pot is versatile and can cook a variety of grains. Adjust the water ratio and cooking time based on the grain you’re using, such as rice, millet, or farro.

If you like this Instant Pot quinoa recipe, you will also love these easy yummy recipes:

Vegan Quinoa Buddha Bowl – use your freshly cooked quinoa in this awesome healthy lunch bowl recipe comprised of quinoa, eggplant and spinach!

Quinoa Mason Jar Salad – meal prep healthy lunches for the week ahead with this beautifully layered quinoa mason jar salad!

Instant Pot Broccoli – learn how to make perfect steamed broccoli right in your Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Applesauce – making your own homemade apple sauce is super easy in the Instant Pot – you don’t even need to peel the apples!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – once you try making your mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot, you’ll never make them on the stove ever again!

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