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. 😉
Pressure Cooker Quinoa
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.
Nutrition
How long will this keep in the fridge? Thanks
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.
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
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.
This quinoa recipe worked Perfectly, first time!!!
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.
Thank you for sharing Erin. I feel the same.
Oh my! I LOVE my instant pot……the first thing I made was bbq spare ribs….delicious and “quick”…also I cook up a big batch of steel cut oats regularly…..get it going and walk away …..Just made a meaty pasta ssauce……didnt take hours for great flavor…..had I not received this as a gift, I’d have been spending a lot more time hovering over things as they cook……will try this quinoa method today…THANKS!
AWESOME! thank you!!
I love this recipe. So easy to remember as well…It turns out better than the stuff i used to cook on the stove!
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!
Can you toast the quinoa immediately after rinsing it??? It will be all wet!
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. 🙂
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!
The one at Costco is a big bag and organic as well! No rinsing required and it’s very yummy!
This is a super delayed response, but I have found that I can toast it dry, and THEN rinse it, and it works very well that way! Not sure why I never thought to try that before, but sometimes it takes my brain a while to catch up. 🙂
I live in quinoa land – Ecuador – and quinoa my go-to grain. One thing I’ve learned in preparing it is to only use wooden cooking tools when making Andes Gold. This is because quinoa sticks to metal but it doesn’t stick to wooden spoons. Using a wooden spoon has made toasting the quinoa much easier and there’s less clean up involved.
Very good tip, Susan! And you live in Ecuador, how cool! I use silicone spatulas and it doesn’t stick, but I’ve definitely had it stick on metal. 🙂
Triple broccoli quinoa recipe coming????
Yes! Very shortly, definitely within the next couple of weeks. 🙂
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
Hi. I’m guessing that 2c quinoa and 2cups liquid (I use chix broth) is still 1 minute cooking?
Yep! 🙂 I’ve done 4 cups at the 1:1 ratio and it still comes out great.
Beth, I followed your instructions used my instant pot and it’s AWESOME! PERFECT.
Hi Carla! WOO HOO!!! So so excited that you get to experience the joy of perfectly cooked quinoa. 🙂
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.
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.
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!!
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
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.
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.
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!
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!!! 🙂
Thank you! Best quinoa I’ve ever made or eaten! I used chicken broth and toasted briefly.
I’m so glad that it worked so well for you Gab!!! 🙂
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!
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!
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.
Thanks for the instructions! I made it super easy tonight and now I know how to do it fast and easy the next time,
My pleasure Caroline! It makes me happy to know this worked so well for you. 🙂
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.
Is it normal for a bit of steam to come out of the vent right after the 1 minute time is up? Thank you
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.
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?
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?
This came out perfectly! I added some garlic salt and a bit of broth base. Soooo easy! Thanks for posting.
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.
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! 🙂
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!
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!
Simple. Perfect every time. Thank you.
Worked perfectly. Only way i will cook it now.
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
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.
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.
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! 🙂
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
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.
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.
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. 🙂
Hi Beth,
Does the time change if I want to make say 3 or even 4 cups of uncooked quinoa at a time?
Thanks,
Amy
I’ve never made quinoa. When you toast it, does it need to be dry? Do you use any oils to toast it so it won’t stick to the bottom of the IP?
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!
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. 🙂
Sharon…. that breakfast recipe sounds wonderful. I am going to have to try that … tomorrow if I get up early enough before work. Yum.
I make a large batch on the weekend, I find that Quinoa freezes beautifully, so I now always have it on hand. I just take out as much as I desire from the freezer bag, add the almond milk then microwave for one minute, add the cinnamon, dates or raisins, chopped apple, thawed blueberries, then microwave for another 30 seconds, top with nuts of your choice, maple syrup, honey or brown sugar but I find the dates chopped are all you need to give it sweetness.
Breakfast is served in less than 5 minutes!
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?
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. 🙂
Hi Erin and Beth,
Any update on how to adjust for an 8-quart Instant Pot. I’m also having issues just following most instant pot recipes and hoping to know how to adjust before I ruin my meal. Thanks!
Hi Chelsea! Sorry for the delayed response. I have made this successfully in the 8 quart pot. However, I’ve also started learning more about pot-in-pot cooking, which seems to solve a lot of issues with the 8 quart burn notice. I haven’t tried it yet but I think it could be a solution for trying out some recipes that are challenging to translate between sizes.
Is cooking different if you use the frozen quinoa in the instant pot? Thanks!
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! 🙂
Incredible recipes!! Just made my batch and it turn out great
So happy to hear this, Sam! 🙂
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!
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!
Best ever!
I am crying happy tears! I LOVE quinoa, but only if cooked by someone else. I manage to screw it up every time. How that’s even possible, I don’t know. I used the last of my quinoa on this recipe, and I am so glad I did! Being a diabetic, I have to eat healthy, and this is going to make it so much easier! Light, fluffy, delicious, and incredibly easy and fool proof! Thank you, thank you, thank you, I can’t wait to find more of your recipes!
I toasted the dry quinoa and then cooked it in the pressure cooker with the water for one minute letting it naturally cool down. Just right! Thanks for the help.
D and Don
aboard sailing vessel SOUTHERN CROSS
Cooker: Instant Pot Duo 6qt
Quinoa: unrinsed Red and White mixed (organic)
Elevation and Humility outside: 4600′ / 47% (since some think it makes a difference with a pressure cooker..)
BLUF: 1:1 ratio with 1 min cook works. If a bachelor can make it work, anyone can.
Natural release took a lot longer than expected. After 47 minutes of waiting and thinking “any minute now” I hit the quick release. I think the 15m quick release that was suggested would work fine. Quinoa has some crunch to it. If you toast it after rinsing it, just saute it until it starts hissing from the steam to prevent it from sticking. Also, avoid leaving it in the middle of the pot while toasting and keep it somewhat near the walls of the pot.
I used chicken broth because I used the instant pot to cook chicken immediately before cooking the quinoa. Thanks for providing this simple solution to cooking quinoa in the instant pot, Beth!
The first time I made quinoa using this recipe, I honestly believe that the results were that it was the best quinoa I had ever tasted. However, both the second and third time I made it, I managed to burn it. I live at 5000 ft and thought I had timed it pretty well, but I didn’t! I wish pressure cookers had clear lids so I could tell when the quinoa was ready!! Even worse, I live in Ecuador where quinoa originates, and I actually felt guilty when I burned it.
So, I guess I need to adjust the cooking time in relation to the altitude. Also, my pressure cooker is only weighted to one gauge, so I’m not sure if this makes any difference. Thanks for any guidance you might be able to provide.
May I suggest you try the pot in pot method? Simply find a container that fits inside your pressure cooker. Add water to your pressure cooker, and add appropriate water for your starch. This method is NO SCORCH. You might want to set a canning lid on the bottom or a piece of rolled up and coiled aluminim foil. That will keep the interior pot from rattling. You can use metal (though not copper, it will turne your grains green!) or a heatproof bowl.
I’ve not tried your recipe but I was looking for cooking times for pressure cooker. I don’t have an insta pot, yes, I know they are all the rage. But I do have plane ole pressure cookers ( have 3 !) which I love. I extoll the virtues of pressure cookers. So many are afraid to use them. They are so easy to use now with both the safety features and the no think dials for high/low pressure.
I cook my starches (rice, beans) using the pot in pot method. That ensures no scorching. (Add water in your pressure cooker, and add necessary amount of water to your starch). I just cover my rice, and will do so with the quinoa.
thanks for posting your method. (And I live your blog title!)
Searching for cooking quinoa in a pressure cooker–mine is probably 30-35 years old. I found your site and followed your suggestion to toast before cooking. Turned out fabulous!! Thank you SO much.
OMG..that’s the fluffier Quinoa i have made as far as I can remember.I am so glad I followed upon the comment section as well, your tip to wash after dry roasting was genius..Thanks Alot
I make big batches of quinoa to mix into my home made dog food. What is the most quinoa I can cook safely in my 6 qt instant pot at a time? I ask because I think I burned out my rice cooker by cooking too much at once!
I sautéed the quinoa before adding the water, then stirred it. After 1 min pressure cooking the burn setting went off and it was all burnt.
Are you supposed to let it cool after sautéing before adding water, etc?
I love this recipe, and I’m wondering what proportions I should use if I want to double the amount of quinoa.
Hi Susan! You can use the same proportions to double, but tripling may result in uneven cooking. I hope that helps!
Hi, I just tried your recipe in the Starfrit pressure cooker I recently inherited and I don’t think it went as well as it should have :/ There’s an equivalent Sauté function but no equivalent Manual/High pressure. I used the Whole grain function but had to stop it manually after 1 minute and the pressure wouldn’t release unless I did it manually. The result is sad 🙁 Any fellow Starfrit users have any tips to get this right?