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.
Fluffy White Quinoa (Rinsed, 1:1.25 Ratio)
1 cup white or tri-color quinoa, thoroughly rinsed in a fine-mesh strainer to remove bitter saponin coating, cooked with 1.25 cups water or vegetable broth and 1/2 tsp kosher salt
instant-pot Timer
Set for 1 mins @ High Pressure (239°F / 115°C)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Rinse 1.5 cups quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds to remove the bitter coating.
Add rinsed quinoa, 1.875 cups water, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining.
Fluff with a fork and serve as a base for bowls, salads, or as a side dish.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
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.
If your quinoa tastes bitter, you did not rinse it well enough. This step is not optional.
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.
The 1:1.25 ratio is the key to fluffy, not waterlogged quinoa. More water makes mush. Less water makes crunchy grains.
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.
The natural release is where the real cooking happens. Skipping it and doing a quick release immediately gives you undercooked, crunchy quinoa.
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.
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.
- Grilled chicken breast
- Roasted vegetables
- Black bean and corn salad
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.