Instant Pot Quinoa

This Instant Pot quinoa recipe is great for rounding out meals when you're ready for something besides rice or potatoes. The Instant Pot makes it easy to cook perfect quinoa every time.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quinoa is perfect for any time of year. It's a light and refreshing side dish for summer meals, and it can also be enjoyed warm or cold in the winter. It's a healthy alternative to rice, potatoes, or noodles, and it's naturally gluten free!

In just one minute of cooking time, you'll have fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa that's ready to enjoy.

• Quick and easy to make: The quinoa cooks in just 1 minute in the Instant Pot, so you can have a healthy and delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Healthy: Quinoa is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, so it is a great way to start your day or fuel your workout.
• Versatile: Quinoa can be used in a variety of recipes, so you can get creative and find new ways to enjoy it.
• Affordable: Quinoa is a relatively affordable grain, so you can make this recipe without breaking the bank.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Instant Pot Quinoa Ingredients
• How To Cook Quinoa In Instant Pot
• Serving Suggestions
• Related Recipes
• Substitutions and Variations
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating
• Tips for Success
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Food Safety
• Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
• Connect with Smells Like Delish!
• 📖 Recipe

Instant Pot Quinoa Ingredients

You can use any type of quinoa you want, as it's available in a variety of colors, and cooks the same regardless of color.

The Instant Pot makes it easy to cook perfect quinoa every time. In just one minute of cooking time, you'll have fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa that's ready to enjoy.

• Quinoa - Any color: White, red, brown, or even the tri-color quinoa blend.
• Vegetable broth - Or any type of broth.
• Butter - Or oil, if you prefer to keep this naturally vegan.
• Salt

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How To Cook Quinoa In Instant Pot

Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious grain that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's also gluten-free.

However, cooking quinoa can be tricky. If you don't cook it properly, it can be hard and chewy. Here, we'll show you how to have perfect quinoa!

Measure the Quinoa

1. Measure and add the quinoa to the Instant Pot insert bowl.
   
   
2. Add the broth, butter (or oil), and salt to the Instant Pot insert pot.

Program The Instant Pot

3. Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL and HIGH pressure, and the cook time to 1 minute.
   
   
4. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to pressurize before it starts cooking. The count down will start after it reaches pressure.

Allow To Naturally Release

5. After the 1 minute timer beeps, allow the Instant Pot to naturally depressurize for 15 minutes.
   
   
6. Remove the lid and fluff before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious dish cooks up quickly and easily using an Instant Pot, creating a richly flavored meal that will bring variety to your dinner table.

With its versatility and endless possible toppings, this nutrient-packed dish is the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you don't have time to spend hours cooking.

Serve quinoa in a variety of ways, here's just a few:

• As a side dish: Quinoa can be served as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, beef, or pork. It can also be served with vegetables as a pilaf.
• In salads: Quinoa can be added to salads to add protein and fiber. It can also be used to bulk up salads and make them more filling. See our recipe for Quinoa Tabbouleh for a perfect example.
• In soups: Quinoa can be added to soups to thicken them and add protein, and hearty for winter.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Related Recipes

• Quinoa Tabbouleh
• Hot Cocoa Dip
• Sugar Sprinkle Cookies
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
• Instant Pot Chili No Beans

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few delicious variations using this quinoa instant pot recipe:

• You can also add other ingredients to the quinoa, such as chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices.
• You can use water, vegetable broth, chicken broth, or any other type of broth or stock. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan or dairy-free option.
• You can saute cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, nuts, seeds, or fruits for a quinoa pilaf, just as you would with rice.

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this quinoa instant pot recipe.

• Instant Pot, 6 quart

Storage and Reheating

• Leftover quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze quinoa, spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the quinoa to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
• To reheat frozen quinoa, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips for Success

• For fluffier quinoa, rinse it thoroughly before cooking.
• You can also add a pinch of your favorite spice or herb blend to the water or vegetable broth for added flavor.
• If you're using vegetable broth, make sure it's low in sodium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat.
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

Connect with Smells Like Delish!

📖 Recipe