Instant Pot Quinoa (Make Ahead)

This Instant Pot quinoa is my go-to method for cooking quinoa, and it is super simple and quick.

This is one of the first foods I learned how to make in my Instant Pot, and I have never made it on the stovetop since. It is just so easy!

You could also make a big batch and freeze some for super quick meal prep. I never do this myself, since it is so simple to make it exactly when we are ready to eat it.

I just measure out how much quinoa I want to make.

For the photos shown here, I prepared one cup of dry quinoa. I always rinse it first, using a fine mesh strainer.

A couple of times I skipped this step, and I ended up having starchy liquid shoot out the top vent while it was cooking. 😝 No bueno!🙅🏼 Rinsing it first removes some of the starch and keeps that problem from happening.

After the quinoa is rinsed and drained, I add it to the inner post, and add the same measurement of water. This 1:1 ratio is easy to remember.

I will add that this is another instance where the “official” recommendations from Instant Pot are a bit of a head-scratcher for me.🤔 They recommend 1:2 ration for quinoa: water. When I made it this way, it turned out way to wet. Just an aside.

Back to my method! Next I cook it on manual high pressure for 1 minute, with a full natural pressure release (NPR). This just means that you don’t engage the quick release to remove pressure, but allow it to dissipate on its own.

That’s it! As for recipe ideas, I am loving my Greek quinoa salad recipe right now.

SO delicious and perfect for a satisfying, protein-packed meatless meal. Make some, and eat it all week for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Tools Used to Make Instant Pot Quinoa

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• Instant Pot
• Measuring Cups
• Fine mesh strainer

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

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Instant Pot Quinoa

This Instant Pot quinoa is my go-to method for cooking quinoa, and it is super simple and quick. Great for making ahead too. | APinchOfHealthy.com

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword instant pot, quinoa

Prep Time 1 minute

Cook Time 17 minutes

Total Time 18 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 156 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Measure out desired amount of quinoa. I have made anywhere from 1 to 3 cups (dry measurement).

2. Rinse the quinoa, using a fine mesh strainer

   

3. Add rinsed and drained quinoa to the inner stainless steel pot. Add an equal amount of water for a 1:1 ratio

4. Place the lid on, lock it, and place the lever on "cooking," and cook on manual high pressure for 1 minute.

5. Allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR). 

6. After the pressure indicator pin drops, your quinoa is ready. Fluff with a fork, and it is ready to be eaten. 

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Quinoa

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Sodium 5mg0%

Potassium 239mg7%

Carbohydrates 27g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Protein 6g12%

Calcium 20mg2%

Iron 1.9mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.