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.
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.
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 ration of 1 ½ cups liquid for every 1 cup of quinoa works well in the Instant Pot.
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
Pressure Cooker Red Quinoa Cheat Sheet
Liquid to Quinoa Ratio: 1.5:1 (1 ½ cups water + 1 cup red quinoa)
Instant Pot Cooking Time: 13 to 15 minutes, natural release
Amount: 1 cup dry quinoa = 3 cups cooked
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.
FAQ About Quinoa
It is pronounced KEEN-wah.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, it is gluten-free
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
Easy Instant Pot Quinoa (white or red)
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: 13 to 15 minute cooking time + natural release
- 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
White Quinoa
- 1 cup white quinoa
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Red Quinoa
- 1 cup red quinoa
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In the Instant pot, combine quinoa, water and salt.
- Secure the lid, making sure the steam release valve is in the “sealed” position.
- Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button to program the Instant Pot.
White quinoa: 1 minute on high pressure
Red quinoa: 13 minutes (firmer texture) or 15 minutes (softer texture) on high pressure - When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally (10 to 15 minutes).
- 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
Keywords: quinoa, instant pot quinoa, instant pot, gluten-free
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Jenny
This really is the best way to cook quinoa. So much easier than on the stove!
★★★★★