How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot (Perfect and Fluffy Every Time!)

I’ve put together a detailed recipe on how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot so you can enjoy a delicious, filling dinner in no time! This is also a great recipe to learn if you meal prep. A typical quinoa batch will take between 20-30 minutes to cook on the stovetop or in a rice cooker (depending on type and amount). By following the below details on how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot, your quinoa will be ready in about 12 minutes. How amazing is that?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer.

My Instant Pot quinoa recipe only requires three ingredients (including water). It’s one of the quickest and easiest Instant Pot recipes to make.

What Is Quinoa? 

Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain that hails from South America. It’s a seed that comes from the Chenopodium quinoa plant. However, in this kitchen, quinoa is made like a grain.

For example, many people cook their quinoa and top it with protein and vegetables (like rice). 

Quinoa has been around for thousands of years; the Incas know it as “mother grain.” This seed first grew in the Andes Mountains, but it now grows in locations globally as more people eat quinoa.

What Is the Quinoa Instant Pot Cook Time? 

My recipe noting how to make quinoa in the Instant pot will take about 12 minutes. When using an Instant pot for cooking this grain, you’ll typically see it ready in about 12-13 minutes. While the total cook time does not vary, the natural pressure release time and initial release time change slightly per recipe. 

I’ve found that starting the Instant Pot on High Normal on the Pressure Cook setting for 0 minutes, then let it naturally release for 12 minutes, yields the fluffiest quinoa. 

What Is the Quinoa Instant Pot Ratio?

My recipe lists a 1:1 ratio for water versus quinoa. This ratio creates fluffy quinoa with a soft but not mushy texture. You can adjust the water and quinoa ratio to best fit your preferences. 

Using less water and more quinoa will provide more texture and even a slight bite. The opposite is true; using more water and less quinoa will create a softer, almost mushy consistency.

Some common ratios include using two cups of water for every cup of quinoa, a 1:1 ratio, and everything in between.

As a note, changing the water to quinoa ratio will alter the cooking time. Including more water will make the cooking time longer. It may take some experimentation to figure out the total cook time when changing my recipe for how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot.

Do I Need to Rinse My Quinoa? 

Yes, you need to rinse your quinoa before cooking it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot to avoid a bitter flavor. Quinoa typically comes with a coating of saponin, which can make it taste soapy or bitter if you don’t rinse it.

Some quinoa varieties come prewashed, so you won’t need to rinse them beforehand. However, not all brands of quinoa come prewashed, so it’s best to work with rinsed quinoa each time as a precaution.

Do I Need to Add Oil?

No, you do not need to add oil to quinoa. After it cooks, you can add oil to make a tasty salad or other similar quinoa recipes. However, it’s not a necessary ingredient. 

As you’re figuring out how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot, you’ll learn what seasonings and additional ingredients you prefer to add to this grain.

Will This Recipe Work for Other Colors of Quinoa? 

Yes, this recipe works for other colors of quinoa. However, you will need to adjust the total time depending on which type you’re making. 

As a quick guide for other quinoa colors, tricolor and red quinoa require one extra minute of cook time. Black quinoa requires the longest cook time. Expect to cook black quinoa for about two minutes longer than other varieties. 

Again, the length of cooking time will also depend on your water to quinoa ratio. As you cook different quinoa varieties, you’ll better understand how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot.

Health Benefits of Quinoa 

Quinoa has quite a few health benefits and is nutrient-dense, which is one of the reasons that this seed is growing in popularity. Some of the minerals and vitamins you’ll find in quinoa include:

• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Folate

These are all necessary nutrients for a healthy diet. Quinoa is also a complete protein source, so it’s a great addition to vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based diets. Below are a few additional health benefits:

• Quinoa may help keep blood sugar under control
• Potentially lowers “bad” cholesterol for better metabolic health
• It might aid in keeping inflammation down

What is an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a programmable pressure cooker that speeds up cooking by 2 to 10 times while using up to 70% less energy.

In short, it’s a very multi-purpose cooking appliance and has been a kitchen appliance staple of mine for the last two years. As a result, it’s simply the perfect go-to appliance for busy weeknights!

If you’re unsure what size Instant Pot to get, here is my size recommendation:

• 1 to 2 people, get the Instant Pot Mini 3 Quart
• 2 to 4 people, get the Instant Pot 6 Quart
• More than 4 people, get the Instant Pot 8 Quart

I’m using the Instant Pot Mini 3 Quart for all my Instant Pot recipes.

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 4

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional for seasoning)
• 1 cup of water

Cookware and Tools

• Instant Pot
• Fine-mesh strainer

How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Wash the Quinoa

Measure 1 cup of dry quinoa and wash it using a fine-mesh strainer until the water is clear. This usually takes no more than a few seconds.

Step 2. Transfer the Quinoa to the Instant Pot Insert

Transfer the washed quinoa to the Instant Pot insert.

Add 1 cup of water and ensure all quinoa is fully submerged. As an option, you can also add 1/4 tsp of salt for seasoning.

Step 3. Cook the Quinoa

Close the lid and check to ensure the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot settings to Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High Normal for 0 minutes. Then, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.

Step 4. Serve the Quinoa

Use a silicone spatula or fork to fluff the cooked quinoa and serve immediately with your favorite dishes!

Tips and Tricks

Now that you know how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot, you can use the tips and tricks below to create even more delicious quinoa!

Tip #1: Use Broth Instead of Water and Salt

If you’re looking to boost the flavor of your quinoa, you can cook it in any broth you have on hand, like chicken broth or vegetable broth. Use the same ratio of water to quinoa and skip the salt. 

Tip #2: Rinse Quinoa a Few Times

One rinse may not be sufficient in removing the saponin from the outside. Therefore, it’s best to rinse quinoa a few times before cooking it.

Tip #3: Toast Quinoa With Oil

While it’s unnecessary to use oil when cooking quinoa, you can toast dried quinoa in a pan with oil for a delicious nutty flavor. It only takes a few minutes to toast quinoa. Make sure to keep stirring so it does not burn.

Extra Tip: 

You will still need to rinse your quinoa before toasting it. Make sure it’s dry before adding it to the pan with oil. 

The Takeaway

I hope you love recreating my recipe for quinoa in the Instant Pot at home! It’s such a versatile food that it can pair with nearly anything. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the water-to-quinoa ratio, so you can have perfectly cooked quinoa every time. 

Once you learn how to make quinoa in the Instant Pot, you’ll want to make it for every meal!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.