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Instant Pot Quinoa

Instant Pot Quinoa – Learn how to make quinoa quickly and easily, right in your pressure cooker with this failproof recipe! Totally no-fuss and frees up space on the stove!

head on view of a bowl filled with quinoa made in an instant pot with items surrounding.

Although considered a grain, quinoa is actually a seed and is nutritious and delicious! It’s full of fiber and protein and is one of my all-time favorite grains.

If you struggle with making quinoa, this Instant Pot quinoa recipe is perfect for you! It’s so easy to make and cooks quinoa perfectly every single time!

It’s my absolute favorite way to make quinoa. No more having to watch the time, no more mushy or undercooked quinoa—just perfectly fluffy and ready-to-use quinoa!

I’ve tested and retested this recipe so you can be sure it’s failproof! It cooks almost the same as on the stovetop, but slightly faster, and you don’t have to bother watching over it. Win, win!

top down view of the ingredients used to make instant pot quinoa.

Ingredient Notes

Quinoa is pressure-cooked with liquids for a perfectly fluffy cooked grain that’s super versatile and gluten-free.

Here is everything you will need:

  • Quinoa – use white, red, or tri-color (my favorite is using 1/2 white and 1/2 tri-color mixed together as seen here)
  • Water – can also use vegetable broth for added flavor
  • Pink salt – just a healthy pinch will do
  • Garlic powder – optional, but I typically add a little for flavor as it goes with just about everything (except is used as a cereal)

Quinoa to Water Ratio

I’ve tested 1 1/2 cups and 1 3/4 cups of water to 1 cup of dried quinoa, both with great results. You can safely use anywhere in between, and it will turn out perfectly. Less water yields an al dente quinoa, and the higher amount is softer but not mushy. I found them to be equally good in texture and fluffiness.

top down view showing the process of pouring water into instant pot with quinoa.

How To Make Instant Pot Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa:

  • Give the quinoa a good rinse under cool running water using a fine mesh strainer, gently shaking it back and forth a few times.

Rinsing the quinoa helps remove the outer coating, which contains saponins and may cause a bitter taste. I must admit I usually skip this step, but you will definitely want to rinse if you notice bitterness.

Pressure cook:

  • Place the quinoa, water, and any seasonings in the bottom of an Instant Pot insert. Attach the lid and turn it to the locked position.
  • Set the valve to SEALING.
  • Set to HIGH pressure and manually set to 1 minute cook time (will take about 7 minutes to come to pressure).
  • Let natural release for 12 – 15 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and let rest for a few minutes.

And now you are ready to use this nutritious and versatile ingredient!

Recommended Equipment: This recipe was tested using this Instant Pot (affiliate link). I haven’t tried it with another style, but I would venture to guess it will be the same, even if using a 3—or 8-qt. pressure cooker.

top down view of freshly made quinoa in an instant pot.

How To Store + Freeze

  • Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored for 5 – 6 days in the refrigerator in a covered container.
  • Freezer: Cooked quinoa is freezer-friendly and freezes well for up to 2 – 3 months. To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers (affiliate link). You can also freeze larger portions in a large ziplock (remove as much air as possible before zip locking). Let thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave using 30 – 60 second intervals, stirring after each, until warm.
top down view of spoonful of freshly made instant pot quinoa.

Ways To Use Quinoa

Quinoa is one of my all-time favorite grains and is used often in my kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use this cooked grain:

Looking for more ways to use quinoa? Check out all the vegan quinoa recipes on TSV for more ideas and inspiration!

side angle view of a bowl filled with quinoa made in an instant pot with items surrounding.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes!

If you try this instant pot quinoa recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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INSTANT POT QUINOA

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5 from 2 reviews

Instant Pot Quinoa – Learn how to make quinoa, quickly and easily, right in your pressure cooker with this failproof recipe! Totally no-fuss and frees up space on the stove!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 1 min
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Side, How To
  • Method: pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup dried quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 1/21 3/4 cups water
  • generous pinch of mineral salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

Instructions

Prep: Rinse quinoa using a fine mesh strainer under cool running water.

Pressure cook:

  • Place the quinoa, water, and any seasonings in the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. Attach lid, turning to the locked position.
  • Set the valve to SEALING.
  • Set to HIGH pressure and manually set to 1 minute cook time.
  • Let natural release for 12 – 15 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and let rest a few minutes.

Makes about 3 cups, serving 6 at 1/2 cup per serving

Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. Let thaw before using.

Notes

Cooking time reflects the Instant Pot coming to pressure for 7 minutes, cooking 1 minute, and natural release for 12 – 15 minutes.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: I use this Instant Pot, and for storing and keeping warm this glass instant pot lid is perfect (affiliate links).

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6 Comments

  1. Works every time. Sometimes I use (homemade) vegetable broth instead of water and I use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder. I also add a pinch of Spanish saffron because it gives the quinoa a lovely golden color. It’s a no-fail go-to recipe. Thanks for publishing it 🙂🙏.






  2. Is the time same for more cups ?

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Yes! The only time that will change is the coming to pressure time, the cooking time you manually set will stay the same.

  3. Ralph Louis says:

    Is there a way I can cook this in a regular pot? I don’t have an instant pot.

    Thanks,
    Ralph Louis

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Yes! Here are the stovetop directions:

      In a medium sized pan, combine 1 3/4 cups water with 1 cup quinoa (plus any garlic or onion powder, or other seasoning). Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat to low and cook at a gentle boil for 15 minutes. Turn off heat, remove, and let rest 10 – 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

      Perfect stovetop quinoa every time!

  4. My quinoa turned out perfect! Ꭲhanks for this super easy recipe!






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