Instant Pot Fluffy Quinoa
Perfectly fluffy, never mushy quinoa cooked hands-free in the Instant Pot with a foolproof 1-minute pressure cook and natural release method.
- Cook temp
- 239°F
- 115°C · preheat
- Total time
- 16 min
- 5 prep · 1 cook · 10 rest
- Rest
- 10 min
- Before slicing
Instant Pot Quinoa | 1-Minute Pressure Cooker Method! · Detoxinista
Detoxinista demonstrates rinsing quinoa to strip bitter saponins and cooking for one minute under high pressure with natural release.
- Target //Cook at High Pressure (239°F / 115°C) for 16 mins.
- Doneness //Cook until visual doneness cue is met. Rest 10 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //The Instant Pot makes quinoa completely foolproof. One minute of pressure cooking and ten minutes of ignoring it. Use chicken broth instead of water if you want extra flavor. This makes a great meal-prep base for the whole week.
- Family Tweak //Mix cooked quinoa with butter and parmesan for a kid-friendly side that tastes like a healthier version of rice. Or stir in cinnamon and maple syrup for a breakfast bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cupsQuinoa
- 1.9 cupsWater
- 1 tbspOlive Oil
- 1/2 tspSalt
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Get to the point
- 1
Rinse 1.5 cups quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds to remove the bitter coating.
- 2
Add rinsed quinoa, 1.875 cups water, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to the Instant Pot.
- 3
Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining.
- 4
Fluff with a fork and serve as a base for bowls, salads, or as a side dish.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offRinse the Quinoa
Place 1.5 cups quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds, swirling with your hand. This removes the natural saponin coating that makes quinoa taste bitter and soapy.
WhyIf your quinoa tastes bitter, you did not rinse it well enough. This step is not optional.
Load the Instant Pot
Add rinsed quinoa, 1.875 cups water, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to the Instant Pot. Stir briefly to combine. The olive oil prevents foaming that can clog the pressure valve.
WhyThe 1:1.25 ratio is the key to fluffy, not waterlogged quinoa. More water makes mush. Less water makes crunchy grains.
Pressure Cook & Release
Lock the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and fluff with a fork.
WhyThe natural release is where the real cooking happens. Skipping it and doing a quick release immediately gives you undercooked, crunchy quinoa.
- Dad pro tip
- The Instant Pot makes quinoa completely foolproof. One minute of pressure cooking and ten minutes of ignoring it. Use chicken broth instead of water if you want extra flavor. This makes a great meal-prep base for the whole week.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Mix cooked quinoa with butter and parmesan for a kid-friendly side that tastes like a healthier version of rice. Or stir in cinnamon and maple syrup for a breakfast bowl.
- Serve with
- Grilled chicken breast · Roasted vegetables · Black bean and corn salad
- Reheating
- Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. Quinoa also reheats well in a covered skillet with a bit of oil.
- Calories
- 222
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbs
- 36 g
- Fat
- 6 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #168917. Cook-time basis: Instant Pot on High Pressure for 1 minute with 10-minute natural release. 1:1.25 quinoa to water ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover instant pot fluffy quinoa without ruining the texture?
Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. Quinoa also reheats well in a covered skillet with a bit of oil.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Mix cooked quinoa with butter and parmesan for a kid-friendly side that tastes like a healthier version of rice. Or stir in cinnamon and maple syrup for a breakfast bowl.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Grilled chicken breast, Roasted vegetables, Black bean and corn salad.