4.5 from 114 votes
Instant Pot Quinoa (Fool-Proof!)
This Instant Pot recipe yields fluffy quinoa cooked with water using pressure cooking. Rinsing the quinoa before cooking removes bitterness and helps even cooking. After a short, high-pressure cycle followed by a natural release, the quinoa absorbs the water fully for a tender yet separated texture. It serves as a versatile base for grain bowls, salads, or side dishes.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
1 min
Additional Time
20 mins
Total Time
23 mins
Servings:
3
servings
Calories:
209 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209
% 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.