Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

I absolutely love this quinoa recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet versatile; you just set it in the Instant Pot and let it do its magic! Plus, it makes me feel like I’m eating clean and trendy, whether it’s the perfect base for my power bowls or a flavorful side for dinner.

Quinoa is a remarkable grain that I love for its incredibly nutritious qualities. In this Instant Pot Quinoa recipe, I use 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and combine it with 1 1/4 cups of water or vegetable broth, achieving a delightful balance of simplicity and flavor.

I think the Instant Pot adds such a nice touch given all the wonderful benefits it brings to the kitchen. And quinoa is such a great partner with the Instant Pot!

You really can’t go wrong.

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe Ingredients

• Quinoa: A complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
• Water: Calorie-free and hydrates the quinoa.
• Vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavor and extra nutrients.
• Salt: Enhances flavor; optional for sodium-sensitive diets.

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

How to Make this Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

1. Start by washing the quinoa very well under cold running water. Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure that all the tiny bits of quinoa are contained while you rinse.

2. Add the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot.

3. Mix together 1 1/4 cups of water or vegetable broth with the quinoa in the Instant Pot.

4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, if desired, to bring out the flavor.

5. Guaranteed the lid of the Instant Pot; ensure the pressure release valve is set to sealing.

6. Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” option on the Instant Pot and program it for 1 minute at high pressure.

7. After the cooking time is done, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes.

8. Following a 10-minute period, with due care, turn the pressure release valve to the “venting” position to let out the rest of the pressure.

9. Take off the lid and lightly stir the quinoa with a fork.

10. As a side dish, you can serve warm quinoa. You may also add it to salads or use it as a main course. Favorite recipes? Favorite salads?

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Fine-mesh strainer
2. Instant Pot
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Fork

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?A: Yes, you can use chicken broth as a base for flavoring your quinoa instead of vegetable broth.
• Q: Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking it?A: Yes, it is advisable to rinse quinoa before cooking it. This is to wash away a natural coating called saponin that can impart a bitter taste to the cooked grain.
• Q: What setting should I use on the Instant Pot?A: For the best results, use high pressure with either the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting.
• Q: How long should I cook the quinoa in the Instant Pot?A: Pressure cook for 1 minute. Let the cooker release pressure naturally for 10 minutes.
• Q: Can I double the recipe?A: Certainly! Doubling the ingredients is okay; just don’t double the time. Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot and make sure it’s not more than 1/2 full before pressurizing.
• Q: How can I store leftover quinoa?A: Leftover quinoa can be kept in an almost hermetically sealing container in the refrigerator for no less than 5 days.
  B: The next best way to keep it is to use a container that can seal adequately, not perfectly, in the refrigerator. You can keep it this way for about the same time span.
• Q: What can I add to enhance the flavor?A: After cooking, you might consider adding herbs, spices, or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bulgur or couscous can be used as substitutes for quinoa while maintaining a similar texture.
Water or vegetable broth can be swapped out for chicken broth or beef broth to achieve a different flavor profile.
Salt can be completely left out or replaced with soy sauce or tamari for a nice umami lift.

Pro Tips

1. For added flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in the Instant Pot before cooking. Simply use the sauté function and dry-toast the rinsed quinoa for a few minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly golden.

2. Enhance the dish by adding aromatics, such as a bay leaf or a couple of smashed garlic cloves, to the quinoa before cooking. This will infuse additional flavor into the grains.

3. To customize the texture, adjust the natural release time. For slightly firmer quinoa, reduce the natural release time to 5 minutes, or for a softer texture, let it release naturally for longer than 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

4. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it stand uncovered for a few minutes. This helps any remaining moisture evaporate and ensures the grains remain fluffy.

5. To make your quinoa more nutrient-dense and colorful, consider stirring in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables after cooking. The residual heat will gently wilt or warm them while maintaining their nutritional value.