Instant Pot Quinoa

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5 from 1 vote

This Instant Pot Quinoa is perfectly fluffy and ready in under 20 minutes! The trusty appliance makes it easy—no fuss or simmering, just light and nutty quinoa every time.

Prep Time2

Cook Time6

Pressurizing and De-Pressurizing Time12

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jenné Claiborne

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

Non-stick cooking spray
1 cup quinoa any color
1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting on high.
When hot, quickly spray the bottom of the pot with cooking spray. Add the quinoa and use a wooden spoon to spread it evenly. The quinoa will start making popping noises as it toasts. Once it starts popping, stir continuously for about 1 minute. Cancel the Sauté setting.
Add the water or broth.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 1 minute.
When the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. Then, carefully release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.
Fluff the quinoa immediately with a fork and serve as a side dish or in your favorite recipes.

Video

Notes

Storage Directions

Refrigerating: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the quinoa to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or microwave on low heat until thawed.
Reheating: Warm the quinoa in the microwave on gentle heat or in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to keep the quinoa from sticking.

Recipe Pro-Tips

Oil the bottom of the pot: If you've ever made quinoa in the Instant Pot only to have half of it stuck to the bottom, you'll appreciate this tip I learned from Platings + Pairings. A quick spritz of non-stick cooking spray (or a light brush of oil) keeps the quinoa from sticking.
Toast: This deepens the quinoa's natural nuttiness, giving it a flavor similar to rice pilaf. For a more classic quinoa taste, omit the toasting step—but still be sure to oil the pot to prevent sticking.
Fluff immediately: The secret to avoiding sticky or gluey quinoa! As soon as you remove the lid, fluff it gently with a fork or rice paddle.
Rinse if desired: If you've ever made quinoa on the stove, you may have rinsed it to remove the bitter, soapy flavor. Although you can still rinse it if preferred, toasting the quinoa eliminates the need. If foregoing the toasting, I recommend rinsing the quinoa, but it's a matter of personal preference.

Nutrition