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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes

    Easy Instant Pot Quinoa (white or red)

    Published: Dec 22, 2020 · Modified: Sep 23, 2024 by Jenny Meier

    Jump to Recipe

    The easiest way to cook quinoa is in your Instant Pot! Quinoa made in a pressure cooker turns out fluffy and perfectly cooked every time. This recipe includes instructions for both white and red quinoa.

    A bowl of cooked quinoa

    Cooking quinoa on the stovetop can be a little tricky. If you add too much water, it's mushy. Not enough, and it will stick to the bottom of the pot. There must be an easier way, right?

    Hands down, the easiest way to cook quinoa is in your Instant Pot.

    Using this recipe, you can make perfectly cooked Instant Pot quinoa every time. It makes fluffy, individual grains that can be turned into all sorts of healthy lunches and dinners.

    This recipe includes instructions for both white and red quinoa. Or, you can check out my recipe for Instant Pot Brown Rice with Quinoa.

    Jump to:
    • Ratio of Liquid
    • Pressure Cooker White Quinoa Cheat Sheet
    • Pressure Cooker Red Quinoa Cheat Sheet
    • Quinoa Recipes
    • FAQ About Quinoa
    • More Instant Pot Grains
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ratio of Liquid

    Most often, I use water as the cooking liquid but broth can also be used.

    White quinoa: In the Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio works best (1 cup liquid for every 1 cup quinoa). This ratio makes quinoa that is tender but still has a slightly firm, chewy texture.

    Red quinoa: To make red quinoa, use slightly more water. A ratio of 1 ¼ cups liquid for every 1 cup of quinoa works well in the Instant Pot.

    instant pot quinoa ingredients, water and dry quinoa

    Pressure Cooker White Quinoa Cheat Sheet

    Liquid to Quinoa Ratio: 1:1 (1 cup water + 1 cup white quinoa)
    Instant Pot Cooking Time: 1 minute, high pressure & natural release
    Amount: 1 cup dry quinoa = 3 cups cooked

    uncooked quinoa

    Pressure Cooker Red Quinoa Cheat Sheet

    Liquid to Quinoa Ratio: 1 ¼ cups water + 1 cup red quinoa
    Instant Pot Cooking Time: 2 minutes, natural release
    Amount: 1 cup dry quinoa = 3 cups cooked

    uncooked red quinoa

    Quinoa Recipes

    Most often, I turn quinoa into a salad by adding ingredients like chopped or roasted vegetables, canned beans, olives, fresh herbs, feta cheese and a quick olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.

    When my kids were little, they liked quinoa with pasta sauce and lots of grated parmesan cheese.

    You can also turn this healthy grain into a main course for your family.

    • Instant Pot Quinoa Soup with Corn and Potatoes
    • Quinoa Fried Rice

    FAQ About Quinoa

    How do I pronounce quinoa?

    It is pronounced KEEN-wah.

    Where is quinoa from?

    Native to South America, it has been cultivated there for thousands of years. These days, it is also being grown in the US and Canada.

    Is quinoa a grain?

    Although technically a seed, quinoa is usually referred to as a whole grain. The Whole Grains Council has a visual list of the different types of quinoa.

    What are the nutrition facts?

    One of quinoa's nutritional claims to fame is that its a complete protein. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an especially good choice for vegans and vegetarians.

    In addition to being a complete protein, it is high in fiber and a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, iron, thiamine and folate.

    Is quinoa gluten-free?

    Yes, it is gluten-free

    Is Quinoa healthier than rice?

    Whether or not you consider quinoa to be healthier than rice depends on what you consider "healthy" for your body. When deciding which grain is healthier, below are some nutritional facts to consider.

    As compared to white and brown rice, quinoa is:

    Higher in protein
    Higher in fiber
    Higher in healthy fats
    Provides all nine essential amino acids
    Good source of magnesium, iron and zinc
    Slightly more calories than rice
    Slightly fewer carbs than rice

    More Instant Pot Grains

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      Instant Pot Millet (Pilaf and Porridge)
    • A bowl of cooked farro on a white background with a blue towel and small bamboo spoon
      Quick and Easy Instant Pot Farro
    • How to Cook Buckwheat (Stovetop, Instant Pot & Oven)
    • A bowl of Israeli pearl couscous with mushrooms and zucchini.
      Instant Pot Couscous
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    📖 Recipe

    Easy Instant Pot Quinoa (white or red)

    cooked quinoa in a white bowl
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    5 from 1 review

    The easiest way to cook quinoa is in your Instant Pot! Quinoa made in a pressure cooker turns out fluffy and perfectly cooked every time. This recipe includes instructions for both white and red quinoa. 

    Total Instant Pot Cooking Time:
    5 to 7 minutes to reach pressure, plus
    White quinoa: 1 minute cooking time + natural release
    Red quinoa: 2 minutes cooking time + natural release

    • Author: Jenny Meier | Kitchen Skip blog
    • Prep Time: 2 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 minute
    • Total Time: 3 minutes
    • Yield: 3 cups 1x
    • Category: grains
    • Method: Instant Pot
    • Cuisine: South American
    • Diet: Vegan

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    White Quinoa

    • 1 cup white quinoa
    • 1 cup water
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Red Quinoa

    • 1 cup red quinoa
    • 1 ¼ cups water
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    1. In the Instant pot, combine quinoa, water and salt. 
    2. Secure the lid, making sure the steam release valve is in the “sealed” position.
    3. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button to program the Instant Pot.
      White quinoa: 1 minute on high pressure 
      Red quinoa: 2 minutes on high pressure
    4. When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally (10 to 15 minutes). 
    5. Fluff and mix with a fork.

    Notes

    Cooked quinoa keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze quinoa, and defrost in the refrigerator overnight. 

    1 cup of dry quinoa will make about 3 cups cooked

    This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot

    Please rate and review this recipe!

    Your reviews help other readers. They also help me provide the best recipes possible. Thanks!

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      Instant Pot Brown Rice (Basmati and Jasmine)
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    1. Jenny

      June 07, 2022 at 5:48 am

      This really is the best way to cook quinoa. So much easier than on the stove!

      Reply

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    Kitchen Skip foodblogger and recipe developer Jenny Meier

    Hi, I'm Jenny!

    I'm a food blogger with a culinary degree and a busy Mama of two who now works full-time in education. I create easy dinner recipes for busy parents like you!

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