Instant Pot Quinoa

An easy and fail-proof method on how to cook Instant Pot Quinoa

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vegan, Western

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Total Time 6

Servings

Calories 156kcal

Author Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

Oil to brush the Insert
2 cups 360g quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups 500ml water (see tip below about reducing the water)
Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

Manual method

Brush some oil in the instant pot insert.
Add the rinsed quinoa, water and salt into your Instant Pot insert, cover, seal, select the manual or pressure cook button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 1 min and allow to cook.
When done allow the pressure to release naturally before opening, fluff with a fork and serving.

Using the Rice Setting

Brush some oil in the instant pot insert.
Add the rinsed quinoa, water and salt into your Instant Pot insert, cover, seal, select the Rice Button (aka 12 mins at low pressure) and cook.
When done allow the pressure to release naturally before opening, fluff with a fork and serving.

Notes

The total cook time does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to get to pressure and the time for the natural pressure release. Plan for additional time.

Pressure Cooker Quinoa Tips

You do want to lightly oil (or use cooking spray) this instant Pot insert so as to avoid the quinoa sticking.
Quinoa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week no problem. Any extra can be frozen for later.
Toasting the quinoa before cooking adds an extra depth of nutty flavour to it.
Cook the quinoa using broth/stock for extra added flavour. Alternatively, you can add in citrus zest, fresh chopped herbs, spices, chilli and more.

Meal Prep Ideas Using Instant Pot Quinoa

Monday – With Instant Pot Shredded Chicken and a salad (gluten-free).
Tuesday - to bulk up some Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup (vegan, gluten-free).
Wednesday - in a Herbed Quinoa Salad (vegan, gluten-free).
Thursday - with a 5 min Instant Pot Chicken Curry (gluten-free).
Friday - as Baked Quinoa Falafels (gluten-free).
Saturday - Grilled avocado stuffed with veggie quinoa (gluten-free, vegan).
Sunday - a Berry Quinoa Porridge (gluten-free).

Weight Watchers Points in Instant Pot Quinoa

If you replace the oil in this recipe with calorie-controlled cooking spray, there are 2 Freestyle points in each serving of Instant Pot Quinoa.

Nutrition