How to Make Quinoa in an Instant Pot

Here’s how to make perfectly fluffy quinoa in your Instant Pot in just minutes! This foolproof method will give you delicious quinoa every time.

I typically cook quinoa in a rice cooker, but I know many of you don’t have a rice cooker at home. Luckily, it’s easy to make quinoa in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker! I like using my Instant Pot because I get perfectly fluffy quinoa every single time. I don’t have to worry about standing over the stove or keeping an eye on a simmering pot.

How to Make Quinoa in an Instant Pot

The first step is to rinse the quinoa. Some quinoa comes pre-rinsed but check the package to be sure. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and run under cold water for about 30 seconds. This will remove the bitter outer coating of the quinoa.

Then, add 1 part quinoa and 1 1/2 parts water to your Instant Pot. I typically use 1 cup of quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of water or vegetable broth.

Cover with the lid and set the valve to pressurize. Cook on manual for 3 minutes, then do a 10-minute natural release, by turning the knob to vent and let sit for 10 minutes.

Turn off the Instant Pot, remove the lid, and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

What is a Natural Release

To naturally release the pressure on your Instant Pot, move the knob to “venting” to allow steam to escape for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid completely.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker– You’ll need an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker to make quinoa in this way. But if you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can also make quinoa in a rice cooker or on a stovetop!
• Fine Mesh Strainer– In order to rinse the quinoa, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer. Be sure the strainer is very fine so the quinoa doesn’t fall through the mesh.

Where to Buy Quinoa

You’ll typically find quinoa in bags in the natural section of the grocery store. It’s usually near the rice or gluten-free products. You can also find quinoa in the bulk bins which may be cheaper. You can even order quinoa on Amazon! Although there are different varieties, such as red quinoa or tri-color quinoa, I usually buy whichever one is the cheapest since there isn’t much of a difference other than color.

How to Season Quinoa

Depending on how you plan to use the quinoa, you may want to season it. I like cooking quinoa in vegetable broth to infuse it with flavor for grain bowls and stir-fries. For a more mild flavor, use 1 part quinoa, 1 part water, and 1/2 part broth.

How to Use Cooked Quinoa

Try using quinoa in place of rice for stir-fries or grain bowls. Add quinoa to your favorite salad or mix it into soups. It can be used in a wrap or a burrito bowl or cooked in a slow cooker to make chili. It’s a versatile ingredient that is a great way to add plant-based protein to any dish! Check out this post for everything you need to know about quinoa!

Quinoa Recipe Ideas

• Slow Cooker Quinoa Chili
• Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa
• Quinoa Taco Skillet
• Quinoa and Avocado Bowls

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More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Minestrone
• Split Pea Soup
• Garlic Lentil Soup

Looking for more ways to use your Instant Pot? Try this list of 21 Vegetarian Instant Pot Soups!