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
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.?
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
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.
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!