Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe: A fool-proof method for cooking quinoa that turns out fluffy and tender. Prep is minimal and it's ready in a matter of minutes!
My new favorite side lately has to be quinoa. It goes with nearly everything and is so versatile. The number of things you can add it to is endless. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. What can't you add it to?
But if you're new to quinoa and you're overwhelmed by the stuff - I don't blame you. Thankfully the instant pot makes it incredibly easier. Stovetop can be done but it's a pain to do and can be easily messed up.
So, I thought it was time to show you how to cook quinoa in an instant pot! But first... let's go over a few basics....
What is quinoa?
Quinoa has become very popular over the last several years but even so, it's very unfamiliar to many. If that's you, no worries!
Quinoa is a seed that acts like a whole-grain with a nutty taste and fluffy texture (while also being creamy and chewy). It's also very nutrient dense being packed full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It makes a great substitute for white rice, pasta, and many other favorite foods!
Preparing quinoa for cooking
Quinoa is great for adding to all kinds of dishes, but can be tricky to prepare at times. If not prepared properly, it can have an unpleasant taste and texture.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you cook your quinoa:
- Less water is needed when cooking in an instant pot as there is less evaporation
- ALWAYS rinse your quinoa first to rid of any bitterness in taste
- Spraying the inside of your instant pot will cut down on foaming or sticking
- While water can be used, broth will add a bit more flavor to your quinoa
Recommended cooking tools
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- Instant pot: perfect for all kinds of recipes and a MUST for simple cooking!
- Mesh strainer: used to rinse quinoa due to its small size.
Instant pot quinoa ingredients
- Cooking spray: needed to coat the instant pot insert, oil can also be used.
- Quinoa: the main star of the recipe, any color will work just fine.
- Water: if preferred, you can also use a broth.
How to cook quinoa in an instant pot
- Prepare your instant pot insert by coating with a light layer of non-stick cooking spray.
- Rinse the quinoa with a fine mesh strainer and add into the instant pot insert.
- Pour the water or broth over the quinoa and cook on manual high pressure for 1 minute.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Fluff with a fork and then serve.
Why did my quinoa come out mushy?
In most cases, the instant pot will eliminate the chance of your quinoa coming out a mushy texture. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to wind up with mushy quinoa.
Your quinoa likely came out mushy due to cooking time or incorrect water amounts.
As long as you follow this recipe closely and have the right amount of liquid followed by the right amount of cooking time, you should have nearly perfect quinoa every time.
How to add more flavor to quinoa
Let's not beat around the bush here - quinoa can have a rather unpleasant taste. To remedy that, you just need to add your own burst of flavor!
A few ways to customize the flavor of your instant pot quinoa:
- Use your favorite broth in place of water to give it flavor immediately (homemade bone broths will add even more flavor)
- Opt for red or black quinoa for a nuttier flavor than white provides
- Add a bit of salt after adding liquid to your instant pot
- Choose your favorite seasonings to add to the liquid such as garlic, cumin, or thyme
- Add additional ingredients to your quinoa such as herbs, beans, proteins, or anything else that sounds good to you
What to serve with instant pot quinoa
In the same way that rice goes with so many things, so does quinoa! You can serve it up by itself or as a side dish to many meals. Below are a few ideas to get you started.
- Protein bowls: throw in some meat, veggies, and dressing for a protein bowl as a lunch
- Lunch prep: add it alongside whatever you're making for lunch that week
- Pasta dishes: trade out that high-carb pasta for quinoa that's high in protein
- Soups: add some quinoa to any soup you're making to thicken and add more protein
Storing leftover instant pot quinoa
Quinoa is a great option for cooking in bulk to use throughout the week as part of your meal prep. Thankfully, storing leftovers is a breeze with quinoa.
To store, move to an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, allow it to cool and then move to a freezer bag with all air squeezed out. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For ease of use, separate it out into 1 cup measurements so you don't have to thaw more than you need.
To reheat, add about a tablespoon of water and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
More quinoa recipes:
- Papaya Quinoa Salad
- Grilled Avocado Stuffed with Veggie Quinoa
- Creamy Chicken Quinoa with Bacon & Mushrooms
Try these other simple sides:
Instant Pot Quinoa
Equipment
- Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- cooking spray or oil
- 1 cup quinoa desired color
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
Instructions
- Prepare your instant pot insert by coating with a light layer of non-stick cooking spray.
- Rinse the quinoa with a fine mesh strainer and add into the instant pot insert.
- Pour the water or broth over the quinoa and cook on manual high pressure for 1 minute.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Fluff with a fork and then serve.
Nutrition
Save this instant pot quinoa recipe for later!
