With an Instant Pot and about 20 minutes, you can make fluffy, PERFECT quinoa every time! Let us show you how.
Instant Pot Quinoa
We love cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot because it’s fast, fluffy, hands-off, and never mushy!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Ratio = 1 part quinoa : 1 ½ parts water
- Cook Time = 3 minutes
- Release = 10 minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure
It goes well in stir fries, fried “rice,” zucchini fritters, vegan sausage, vegan meatballs, or as a side to nearly any main. It’s an incredibly versatile and protein-rich grain!
Did you find this helpful? If so, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide for perfectly cooked grains and beans every time!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Instant Pot Quinoa (Fluffy, Perfect, No Soaking!)
A quick & simple method for making PERFECT quinoa in the Instant Pot every time! Just 1 ingredient and about 20 minutes required!
Servings 4 (~3/4-cup servings)
Instructions
- Add quinoa and water (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
- Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped.
- Enjoy immediately in stir fries, fried "rice", zucchini fritters, vegan sausage, vegan meatballs, or as a side to nearly any main. Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop, adding oil or coconut aminos, as needed, to prevent sticking.
Video
Notes
*Total time includes active cook time, release time, and the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up (~8 minutes).
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 4 servings)
Serving: 1 three-quarter-cup serving Calories: 156 Carbohydrates: 27.3 g Protein: 6 g Fat: 2.6 g Saturated Fat: 0.3 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.4 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.69 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 2 mg Potassium: 239 mg Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 2.6 g Vitamin A: 5.95 IU Vitamin C: 0 mg Calcium: 19.98 mg Iron: 1.94 mg
Siddhi says
This was too mushy. I used the 3 cup instant pot ultra and wanted this quinoa for a salad.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Siddhi, shucks! We’re so sorry to hear it didn’t turn out right for you. We haven’t used the 3 cup ultra model, but wouldn’t think it would make a difference. To confirm, you cooked for 3 minutes and let the pressure release for 10 minutes using 1 cup quinoa and 1 1/2 cups liquid?
Zoey says
It turned out SUPER PERFECT!
Time is exactly what you need. I usually make this cereal in rice cooker BUT it is a faster method. I love it!!! Quinoa for the whole week. Thank you so much!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! We’re so glad to hear it, Zoey! Thank you for sharing! xo
Sarah W. says
The quinoa turned out great. I also used Better Than Bouillon Mushroom instead of water and I think it gave the quinoa lots of extra flavor. I so love all your recipes and look forward to getting new recipes in my email…thank you! 😊
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, we’re so glad to hear it, Sarah! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Sharon says
Three minute cooking time is great! Automatically released in 10 minutes–to my surprise! I made it with 1C water, 1/2 C almond milk; added cinnamon. Topped with unsweetened, homemade applesauce for breakfast–great. Thank you so much for FLUFFY quinoa!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sharon! Thank you for sharing! xo
TC says
Really fluffy. I used mushroom broth and a bit more than the recipe (accidental measuring overflow) and it turned out super fluffy. I opened the instant pot about 20 minutes after the beep.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Mushroom broth sounds yummy! Thank you for the lovely review, TC!
Patricia says
Thank you for this tip!! I made a batch in my Instant Pot and it came out perfect!! Thank you again!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! We love to hear this. Thanks for the lovely review, Patricia! xo
Emma says
Thank you for sharing this! I cook a large batch of quinoa on Sundays for my weekly meal prep. I was initially hesitant about cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot, but the quinoa turned out to be just as fluffy as stovetop quinoa
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
So glad to hear it, Emma! Thank you for sharing your experience! xo
Meryl says
I love that you started adding instapot recipes Dana! I typically meal prep components for the week (like quinoa) on Sunday, store in a bowl in the fridge and eat a bit each day. This is the perfect ratio for fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa!
I add a bit of salt and also use broth or water + better than bullion for more flavor.
What do you think about better than bullion, Dana?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad to hear it, Meryl! That’s a great way to add more flavor =) Thanks for sharing!
Chen says
Can it be made with the same directions in a regular pressure cooking pot that is not instant pot?
Hmm, I’m not sure. This one is specifically for the Instant Pot. But if you try let us know!
Ines says
It burned , why 1 cup more 1 anda an alf cup water, what o did wrong.?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi, sorry to hear that happened. Did you use 1 cup quinoa and 1 and 1/2 cups water? Did you change anything?
Ines Passao says
No, I did not change anything, i think the problem is that my is Instant POT DUO and yours is litle different.I´m very excited to do as your videos but i think i can, any recommendation? Thanks for your time
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Is it possible that you didn’t seal the vent? Ours automatically seals, but the Duo might not!
Vicky Glen says
Thank you for the work on the instant pot guide! It’s super handy! In general, what is your guidance for doubling or tripling the recipe? For example, for 3 cups of quinoa, do we triple the water and how much time to add for instant pot cooling? Thanks in advance.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you find it helpful, Vicky! Thanks for sharing! For doubling or tripling, you can adjust the number of servings in the recipe box and it will correctly modify the amount of ingredients for you =) For the release time, it may take 5-10 minutes longer, but if in a hurry, you could also release it after the time specified in the instructions. Hope that helps!