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Instant Pot Quinoa
5 from 15 votes

Instant Pot Quinoa

Instant Pot Quinoa is cooked by pressure or rice settings to produce fluffy, tender quinoa with minimal effort. Rinsed quinoa is combined with water and optional salt in the greased insert to prevent sticking. The short high-pressure cook time, followed by natural pressure release, yields individually separated grains with a slight nutty flavor and versatile texture. This method reduces active cooking time and works well for meal prep.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 min
Total Time
6 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 156 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Vegan

Ingredients

  • cooking oil to brush the insert
  • 2 cups quinoa 360g, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water 500ml (see tip about reducing water
  • salt to taste, optional

Instructions

Manual method
    Cup of Yum
  1. Brush some oil in the instant pot insert.
  2. Add the rinsed quinoa, water and salt into your Instant Pot insert, cover, seal, select the manual or pressure cook button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 1 min and allow to cook.
  3. When done allow the pressure to release naturally before opening, fluff with a fork and serving.
Using the Rice Setting
  1. Brush some oil in the instant pot insert.
  2. Add the rinsed quinoa, water and salt into your Instant Pot insert, cover, seal, select the Rice Button (aka 12 mins at low pressure) and cook.
  3. When done allow the pressure to release naturally before opening, fluff with a fork and serving.

Notes

  • Brush the Instant Pot insert with oil or use cooking spray to prevent quinoa from sticking.
  • The total time includes pressure build-up and natural pressure release not counted in the cook timer.
  • Quinoa can be toasted before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.
  • Cook quinoa with broth or add herbs and spices for additional flavor variations.
  • Refrigerate cooked quinoa for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
  • Using calorie-controlled cooking spray reduces the points value if tracking.

Nutrition Information

Calories 156kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 2g (3%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 239mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 1.9mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156

% Daily Value*

Calories 156kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 2g 3%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 239mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1.9mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.