Instant Pot Quinoa (Fool-Proof!)
User Reviews
4.5
Instant Pot Quinoa (Fool-Proof!)
Description
The method starts with rinsing quinoa under running water to eliminate its natural coating, which can taste bitter. The rinsed grain is added to the Instant Pot with water and cooked under high pressure for 1 minute. The pot takes additional time to pressurize. Following cooking, a 15-minute natural pressure release allows the quinoa to finish absorbing moisture gradually.
The resulting quinoa is light and fluffy with distinct individual grains, without being mushy. Cooking in the Instant Pot provides reliable timing and consistent results. The recipe notes that doubling or tripling the quantity does not require longer cooking, although pressurizing time increases.
For convenience, the "rice" cooking function on the Instant Pot can also be used with a longer cooking and shorter release time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse well under running water for 30 seconds. This quick step will remove any bitterness and help the quinoa cook more evenly.
- Transfer the quinoa to the Instant Pot and cover with 1 cup of fresh water. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to "Sealing." Use the Manual or Pressure Cook button on your machine to cook at high pressure for 1 minute. It will take roughly 5 to 8 minutes for the pot to pressurize, so the screen will read "ON" until then.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes. This will allow the quinoa to finish absorbing the water, without burning to the bottom of the pot.
- When the screen reads L0:15, move the steam release valve to Venting to make sure there is no more pressure left in the pot. You'll know it's safe to open the lid when the floating valve has dropped. (Usually this happens during the natural release with this recipe.) Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. It's ready to use right away.
- Leftover quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Do not fill the Instant Pot more than half full when cooking quinoa to allow for expansion.
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes bitterness and improves texture.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled without adjusting cooking time; only pressurizing time will be longer.
- The rice setting on the Instant Pot can also be used but requires a 12-minute cook time and a 5-minute natural release.
- Nutrition info refers to about 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 209kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 319mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 8IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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