If you’ve been hanging around these parts for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of my pressure cooker. Specifically, my Instant Pot. And if you continue to hang around these parts for a while (yay!), you’ll either start using the Instant Pot you already have, or you’ll buy one and start using it all the time instead of being afraid of it (ahem, Erin). That’s because I’m on a mission to convince you that the Instant Pot is an Appliance You Need.
This is the first of many tutorials on how to cook staple foods in the pressure cooker/Instant Pot. Since there’s already a tutorial on how to cook perfect quinoa on the stovetop, it only made sense to do the the pressure cooker quinoa version. And the good news is, it’s even easier and more foolproof than cooking quinoa on the stove.
All you need to remember is the number 1.
You may remember that the key to cooking perfect quinoa on the stovetop is to use less water, specifically 1.25 parts water to 1 part quinoa. In the pressure cooker, you need even less water, only 1 cup. Why exactly? Well, I’m no scientist, but my (super)powers of observation have resulted in the following hypothesis:
When you cook something in water on the stovetop, some of the water evaporates instead of being absorbed by whatever it is you’re cooking. In a pressure cooker, no evaporation occurs, so you need slightly less water. This works in our favor because it makes pressure cooker quinoa so easy even a total cooking newbie do it.
Here’s how it works:
1 part water
1 part quinoa
1 minute at high pressure
Allow for a natural pressure release, and you’ll have perfect quinoa!
Oh, but first! Here’s something so cool that will make your quinoa even MORE perfect. You’ll want to toast your quinoa before you cook it.
Beth, seriously? You want me to put my quinoa in a toaster?
Heck to the nope. I mean, you should toast the quinoa in the pressure cooker itself. Basically, just heat the pressure cooker on medium heat (use the Sauté function on the Instant Pot), and add the quinoa. Stir it around for about 5 minutes, until it starts to smell, well, toasted. It really does make a difference on the final texture. You can skip it if you want, but don’t.
That is some light and fluffy perfectly cooked quinoa right there. Use it right away or portion it out into freezer bags and freeze until you need quinoa. It’s so nice to have it ready to go right when you want it.
And you’re going to want to have it ready to go when you make this.
Triple Broccoli Quinoa. It’s coming.
All right, friends, there you have it – perfect pressure cooker quinoa! If you try this method, please let me know here in the comments or tag @eatwithinyourmeans and hashtag #eatwithinyourmeans on Instagram. It still gives me all the happy vibes whenever you comment, so please keep doing it! I need all the happy vibes I can get.
Ok, Erin, face your fear. Make some quinoa. 😉
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To cook perfect quinoa in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you only need to remember the number 1. Gluten-free, protein-packed, and so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve, if desired (most brands come pre-rinsed to remove bitter coating called saponin).
- Toast quinoa by cooking over medium heat in a pressure cooker, for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. (use the Sauté function on the Instant Pot)
- Add the water and bring to high pressure.
- If using an Instant Pot, set the timer for 1 minute on Manual/High Pressure.
- If using a stovetop pressure cooker, set a timer for 1 minute after high pressure has been reached.
- Allow for a natural pressure release after the cooking time has elapsed.
- If the pressure hasn’t released naturally after 15 minutes, release any remaining pressure manually.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve immediately or place into freezer bags for long-term freezer storage.
Marla
How long will this keep in the fridge? Thanks
Beth
Hi Marla! If well-sealed, I would say it would probably keep for a week. Your nose knows! 🙂 If you know you won’t use it up within a few days, though, I’d recommend freezing it, because it defrosts really quickly and the texture stays the same after freezing.
brita
YES! Bookmarking this for later. I got an Instant Pot about 6 months ago and the only thing we ever use it for is rice. I tried quinoa once and I must have done something wrong bc it was SO mushy and bleh. I just threw it away
Moirraine
Beans and many more foods can be made very easily.
Soups are a breeze, you can even add the delicate items AFTER you get the harder ones cooked.
I love this machine.
★★★★★
Erin
What, you mean that big menacing silver and black thing isn’t just an extremely expensive dust magnet/ shelf holder downer? Do you remember the scene in Home Alone where the furnace in the basement comes alive and starts roaring and flaming? That what comes to mind when I close my eyes and picture my instant pot. I need an intervention. I promise to cook quinoa in it soon and post back with my results. We’re in a serious pasta rut over here.
Nzinga
Thank you for sharing Erin. I feel the same.
Heather
AWESOME! thank you!!
Karen
I love this recipe. So easy to remember as well…It turns out better than the stuff i used to cook on the stove!
★★★★
Beth
Hi Karen! I’m so glad this method worked for you. 🙂 If you are ever in a pickle and need to make quinoa without a pressure cooker, this stovetop method works really well too. Happy almost New Year!
Pam Greenfield
Can you toast the quinoa immediately after rinsing it??? It will be all wet!
★★★★★
Beth
You can! The heat evaporates the water pretty quickly, it will just take a bit longer to toast and you’ll want to stir it often. I buy quinoa from Costco that has already been rinsed and dried, so often I’ll just go straight to toasting. 🙂
A Magical Life
I tried this with rinsed quinoa just now and it was not a success. It started trying to cook on the saute function because of the water, and also really tried to stick and burn even with stirring it constantly. I ended up stirring it with a metal spatula to try to move as much as possible off the bottom before anything could burn, but it was starting to scorch and still was not dry enough to toast. I just canceled the saute function and went ahead and pressure cooked it. The recipe worked from there just fine (though I left it on natural release for 25 minutes total since it took longer to get back to it). I added a bit of salt and a healthy sprinkle of garlic powder to infuse the quinoa while it cooked.
Organic quinoa is very inexpensive at Aldi but I find that it needs to be rinsed (the instructions on the bag also tell you to). I’ll continue to get it at Aldi’s instead of Costco because it is good quality organic quinoa and much cheaper than Costco, but I’m not sure if I’ll skip the toasting and pressure cook it again or just cook it on the stove top the way I usually do. It’s quite simple and nearly as quick (figuring in the time to naturally release pressure). It’s nice to know that the pressure cooker is an easy option, though, and it was nice and fluffy. Thanks!
★★★★
Lauren
The one at Costco is a big bag and organic as well! No rinsing required and it’s very yummy!
★★★★★
Pam Greenfield
Triple broccoli quinoa recipe coming????
★★★★★
Beth
Yes! Very shortly, definitely within the next couple of weeks. 🙂
Kate
Hi Beth, I rarely comment on blogs but I just have to say I love yours. I’m going to make a huge batch of quinoa to freeze in portions in my Instant Pot now I know it’s such an easy do, I’ve always been worried it’d overcook in the IP. Then I’m going to cook various other things off your blog for my coming week’s meals. I love my Instant Pot to itty bitty bits and use it all the time, even though my mother’s pressure cooker scared the heck out of me. I’m so happy so many of your recipes feature it. Thanks for your site
★★★★★
Sara
Hi. I’m guessing that 2c quinoa and 2cups liquid (I use chix broth) is still 1 minute cooking?
Beth
Yep! 🙂 I’ve done 4 cups at the 1:1 ratio and it still comes out great.
Carla
Beth, I followed your instructions used my instant pot and it’s AWESOME! PERFECT.
★★★★★
Beth
Hi Carla! WOO HOO!!! So so excited that you get to experience the joy of perfectly cooked quinoa. 🙂
Jackie
I am about to try this in my Instant Pot (it will be the first time I use it!) but I am curious to know your thoughts on soaking the quinoa first. Some people suggest soaking it overnight or for 7 – 10 hours first. Rinsing helps to remove the bitter saponins but apparently soaking makes it more digestible. I didn’t soak my quinoa last night and am too impatient to wait today, but I would love to know what you think.
★★★★★
John
Other recipes call for a 3:2 water to quinoa ratio and always resulted in mushy quinoa. This recipe worked perfect for be. 1:1 is definitely the way to go.
★★★★★
Carrie
Just made quinoa with my Instant Pot, per your directions. Hands down the BEST quinoa ever! And I’ve been making it for years. Thanks so much, Beth!!
★★★★★
Donna Voets
Wow follow your instructions , toasted first (what a difference that made) I also get mine at costco and its pre-rinsed….came out perfect ….fluffy …thank -you
Kelley
This came out great! I only cooked 3T dry quinoa and even that tiny amount was perfectly done in 1 minute. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Katie
Just wanted to leave a note saying that this method worked perfect for me!! Thank you for the saute tip as well. I did 1 cup of quinoa + 1 cup of water for 1 min on manual and NPR for 15 min. Deliciously fluffy and perfect! Thanks so much.
★★★★★
Mel
I am excitedlu awaiting opening my Instant Pot to see the results but wanted to say I am so glad I found your Blog! The photos you take are beautiful. Thank you for creating an amazing place to visit. ETA- The quinoa is perfect! Ju9st opened it!
★★★★★
Beth
Hi Mel! So sorry for the delayed response – I’m playing catch-up on comments. I’m SO glad that the quinoa turned out perfectly! Your feedback and encouragement really helps me keep going. Thank you!!! 🙂
Gab
Thank you! Best quinoa I’ve ever made or eaten! I used chicken broth and toasted briefly.
★★★★★
Beth
I’m so glad that it worked so well for you Gab!!! 🙂
Aimee Kate
When I first read this recipe, I didn’t believe it. Quinoa is my favorite grain, but I rarely make it because it takes sooo long to cook. Quinoa, in 1 minute??? I tried it, including the toasting option, which was so easy and amazing. I’m hooked! Thank you for sharing this!
★★★★★
Marjorie
Thank you so much for this recipe! This was absolutely perfect! 1:1 ratio is a must! Came out great! Better than my rice cooker that burns quinoa when I make it in that!
★★★★★
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Mariza
I just made this in my Instapot and it was perfect! My kids gobbled it up. I added olive oil, garlic, and a little salt afterward.
★★★★★
Caroline Pasi Wagner
Thanks for the instructions! I made it super easy tonight and now I know how to do it fast and easy the next time,
Beth
My pleasure Caroline! It makes me happy to know this worked so well for you. 🙂
lawners
I’m brand new to the instant pot cook world so I just did a test sample with 1 cup of quinoa – had to rinse my quinoa – then toasted the wet quinoa on saute for 5 mins. Cooked as instructed in the instant pot and it came out perfect. I did add a quaint 1/2 tsp of veggie bouillon for flavor right after the saute. Thank you! Definitely bookmarking your instructions for cooking quinoa for future reference.
★★★★★
Karin
Is it normal for a bit of steam to come out of the vent right after the 1 minute time is up? Thank you
Melaney
I just tried this recipe with 2 parts whole grain quinoa and 2 parts water, no toasting and it tasted really good but was too mushy to include in a salad for example… and that was with 10 minutes natural pressure release. Not sure how to correct this.
Beth
Hi Melaney! As far as I know, there is no whole grain version of quinoa. It’s a seed, and there’s only one type (although there are different colors). Is it possible you were using whole grain couscous? I want to help and the ratios were right for Quinoa, so I’m a little bit stumped without more info. Do you have a photo of the package?
Kate
Hi Beth, I don’t know about in the US but in the UK I can buy wholegrain quinoa and ‘normal’ quinoa. The wholegrain has the seed hull still on. I know that probably doesn’t help much but it might absorb less liquid because of that?
Corrie
This came out perfectly! I added some garlic salt and a bit of broth base. Soooo easy! Thanks for posting.
★★★★★
Corrie
I have to comment again–this is SO AMAZING! I made it again, using some water leftover from steaming vegetables. 2-2-1 works perfectly! Thank you.
★★★★★
Sarah Streeter
I’ll rate it 5 based on reviews but it’s currently cooking so unsure?! I did have a question tho – I added 2 cups of quinoa to strainer and was rinsing, and when I finished there were 3 cups of quinoa even tho I pressed the water out as much as I could….I didn’t know if i should then add 3 cups of water for the equal parts or still just the original 2 as planned then?
I decided I’d stick to 1:1 ratio as instructed & sincevtgere were now 3 cups of quinoa I added 3 cups of water – I did toast it first…just unsure which measurement would be correct?! My fingers are crossed! Yikes! It’s currently cooking so I guess we’ll see?! I’ve never made it in the instant pot so I’m excited! Im ab instant pot egg boiling had no idea until after reading comments that you don’t freak! This machine is genius!
So awesome…my husband has always been the chef yet I’so digging the instant pot so much I can’t help it! You’re instructions were great and I’m enjoying your cheerful, sunny disposition! Definitely will bookmark your site & I already signed up for recipes, yay! Thanks a million from the novice in the kitchen…btw I’m dying for dessert? Recommendations for instant pot desserts? Paleo and/or keto friendly is ideal but desperate times…haha ~ I wont be picky! 🙂
★★★★★
Sarah Streeter
So sorry I posted a comment on my phone and Siri wasn’t being very nice! Please edit omgosh!!! or even just skip posting my comment altogether ~ yikes!
Jess
Wonderful recipe. You know, instant pot recommends a cooking time of 8 minutes for quinoa? I don’t see how that’s possible. 1 minute was plenty! It came out perfectly. Thank you for the recipe!
★★★★★
Danielle
Simple. Perfect every time. Thank you.
★★★★★
Samantha
Worked perfectly. Only way i will cook it now.
Tina
I just tried this for the first time and the 1 minute was not enough…even with a 20 minute natural release. Not sure what happened or how everyone else had success.9
Moirraine
I’ve found that 1 part quinoa and 1.5 parts water and a time of five to eight minutes, depending on the volume, works best.
Don’t give up. Humidity makes a difference, temperature in rooms makes a difference and you will find your ‘perfect time and amount’ soon.
Moirraine
One minute is not enough time to cook Quinoa.
I have it set for 7 minutes now with a bit more than 1.5 to 1 and it’s working for me.
I can do a quick release and it’s perfect almost every time – like I said, humidity in the food itself makes a different too.
Beth
Hi Moirraine, this method works perfectly for me but I’m sure that elevation and humidity will definitely play a role in cooking times. I also think that some people have a different preference for how quinoa should be cooked. I don’t enjoy it unless it has a bit of a “pop”, which I can’t get when it’s cooked too long. To each their own! 🙂
Jill Ackiron- Moses
Hi, I’ve been having great success with your instructions for the IP for a while. Just switched to Costco’s Kirkland brand and while it works, i find that I always have some uncooked quinoa.
Is there a way to cook what’s not been cooked the first time? I hate to throw out what I’ve made when 90% is still okay? Any IP suggestions?
Thanks so much
Moirraine
It sounds like you don’t have enough water.
Add 1/4 at a time more for each batch until you ‘get’ to your perfect Quinoa.
Don’t give up, all of us have differing humidity and density of water to minerals.
Karen
I stumbled upon your website while I was searching how to cook quinoa in the instant pot. This was my first time ever to make quinoa, even though I’ve enjoyed it for many years.
This recipe is fool proof and my quinoa is delicious! I made tricolor quinoa, and I must say that toasting it first really does up the flavor.
Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes and knowledge with us.
★★★★★
Beth
Hi Karen! I’m so glad that the quinoa turned out perfectly for you! It was a game-changer for me, I actually enjoy quinoa now. You’re very welcome, it’s my pleasure. 🙂
Sharon Golden
Hello,
I just tried your instapot Quinoa and it turned out perfectly! I have had poor success cooking it on the stove since I like it fluffy and instapot is the only way to make it.
I made a Breakfast recipe and combined I cup cooked quinoa with 1/2 cup Almond milk heated, 1/4 cup chopped dates, 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, 1/2 cup raw almonds (I toasted them in my air fryer), 1 medium apple chopped, did not peeled, and 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries rinsed and semi defrosted. Nice! Even my 14 year old picky eater loved it. Thank you for this info, I can now have quinoa for breakfast, so nourishing and healthy!
★★★★★
Beth
Hi Sharon! I am so glad that this method worked out so well for you! I have a huge batch of IP quinoa in the fridge right now, it’s so nice to have it on hand. I am totally going to try your breakfast recipe, that sounds delicious! Woohoo for fluffy quinoa! P.S. I also have stovetop recipe for perfect quinoa, if you ever need it. 🙂
Erin
What size Instant Pot do you use? I am new to the IP craze and have only used it once so far, but I have read that most recipes are written for the 6 qt and have to be adjusted for the 8 qt, which is the size I have. The first recipe my husband and I tried kept getting the burn error because we didn’t use enough water, although we followed the recipe. I think it’s because the 8 qt requires more water maybe? I absolutely love quinoa, so I am so excited to try your recipe. I love putting it on salad, and this sounds like the perfect texture for that. I just don’t know if I should adjust the ratio for the IP size or not. Do you happen to know?
Beth
Hey Erin! I use a 6-quart Duo, but I just got an 8-quart and haven’t broken it in yet. I would imagine that the quinoa/water ratio would work the same in the 8-quart without triggering the burn notice, because there are no other ingredients involved that could potentially scorch or get too hot, but I really want to test it for myself within the next day or two, and I’ll let you know! It shouldn’t hurt anything for you to try it in the meantime though. 🙂
Dayna
Is cooking different if you use the frozen quinoa in the instant pot? Thanks!
★★★★★
Beth
Hi Dayna, do you mean the uncooked quinoa, but just stored in the freezer? If yes, the cooking time shouldn’t be any different, it just might take a little bit longer for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure because of the starting temperature. Hope that helps! 🙂
Lindsay
I tried the 1 minute method. Worked perfectly. I had to wash my Quinoa, so when I toasted it, I added a little oil in my instant pot to prevent sticking.
Used Chicken broth instead of water. So yummy!
Beecky
I just received an Instant Pot for the holidays and making quinoa last night was only the 3rd time I’ve used it, so I’m still kind of nervous. But this quinoa turned out better than any I’ve ever made. I know it’s healthy and a nice change from rice, but every time I tried to make it at home mine would end up under-cooked and still crunchy in the middle, or over-cooked and burnt. With your instructions, it was perfect. Not mushy, not burnt, and no crunchy surprises in the centers. I’m a convert, thank you so much!