Chewy Buckwheat Cooked In The Instant Pot

Get the perfect chewy buckwheat cooked in your Instant Pot. This guide guarantees a consistently fluffy texture. Let buckwheat, a versatile gluten-free whole grain, be the key to easy Instant Pot cooking. If you like buckwheat, I have gathered all 8 of my buckwheat recipes into one post!

Cooking whole grains in a pressure cooker is incredibly straightforward. With the convenience of the Instant Pot's programmable settings and pressure cooking functionality, preparing various whole grains becomes an effortless task. The result is perfectly cooked, fluffy whole grains, all achieved with minimal effort and so much convenience.

As a note, while I am using an Instant Pot, you can use any pressure cooker you like, the process is still the same. 

What is buckwheat?

Buckwheat is not a type of wheat but rather a highly versatile, gluten-free pseudocereal obtained from the seeds of the Fagopyrum esculentum plant, which belongs to the rhubarb family. This plant produces small white flowers that develop into pyramid-shaped seeds known as groats. It is considered an ancient grain- although properly a pseudocereal. 

Found in various cuisines around the world, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, buckwheat is used to make a wide array of foods, including noodles (like Japanese soba noodles), pancakes, and porridge. The groats can also be ground into flour, adding a distinct nutty flavor to baked goods.

One of its significant characteristics is its gluten-free nature, making it a sought-after choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Despite the name, buckwheat does not contain gluten, which appeals to individuals looking for alternative gluten-free ingredients in their cooking. 

How to cook buckwheat in the Instant Pot

**Note: the full step-by-step instructions and details will be at the bottom of the post in the recipe card with all the measurements and instructions.**

1. Rinse the Buckwheat: Rinse the buckwheat groats under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Combine with Water: Place the rinsed whole groats in the Instant Pot and add water. Ensure the buckwheat is submerged in water.
3. Set the Instant Pot: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Be sure to set the knob to the sealing position. 
4. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10-15 minutes. Then carefully perform a quick release.
5. Fluff and Rest: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the buckwheat with a fork, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving or using it in your recipes.

Does buckwheat need to be soaked before cooking?

No. I have seen many recipes that say it is needed, let me just tell you, no it is not. With many grains, I will soak them to reduce cooking time. That is not needed with buckwheat as it cooks quickly, especially this Instant Pot buckwheat recipe.

How to store cooked buckwheat

1. Cooling Process: Allow the cooked buckwheat groats to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents moisture buildup and extends their shelf life.
2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled cooked buckwheat groats in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure the container or bag is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and moisture.
3. Refrigeration: Store the airtight container of cooked buckwheat groats in the refrigerator. They can last for around 3 to 5 days when refrigerated.
4. Freezing (Optional): If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the cooked buckwheat groats. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Properly stored, frozen cooked buckwheat groats can last for up to 3 months.

Where can I find buckwheat groats?

While buckwheat groats can be a little harder to find, they aren't too hard. A local grocery store in my area and most health food stores have them. If you cannot find it in your local area, you can always order it online. 

If you are wondering what buckwheat kasha is, let me explain. There is raw buckwheat and toasted buckwheat. Typically buckwheat kasha is toasted buckwheat. You can also toast your raw buckwheat. Add it to a dry skillet and cook it over medium heat on the stove top. It will toast in just a few minutes. 

Tips

While this is a very easy recipe to do, I want to share a few tips that will ensure you get perfection the first time and every time. 

• Rinse Buckwheat: Rinse the buckwheat groats before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping and results in fluffier cooked buckwheat.
• Water Ratio: Use the appropriate water-to-buckwheat ratio for your recipe. A common ratio is approximately 1 cup of buckwheat to 1.75 cups of water in the Instant Pot. Adjust based on your preferences or the specific dish.
• Liquids: As a note, you can also use vegetable broth or other broth to add flavor to the cooked buckwheat. 
• Cooking Time: For unsoaked buckwheat, a typical cooking time in the Instant Pot is around 5 minutes at high pressure. Adjust as needed for your desired texture.
• Natural Release: Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10-15 minutes after the cooking cycle to help the buckwheat finish cooking while preventing sogginess.
• Fluffing: Once cooked, fluff the buckwheat with a fork to separate the grains and improve the texture.
• Resting Period: Let the buckwheat rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows any residual steam to escape and helps improve the texture.

Ways to use cooked buckwheat

1. Salads: Toss cooked and cooled buckwheat into salads to add texture and a nutty flavor. Combine with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a vinaigrette for a refreshing dish. Adding hearty ingredients like buckwheat makes the salad more filling. 
2. Side Dish: Serve cooked buckwheat as a side dish alongside proteins or vegetables. Season it with herbs, garlic, or a drizzle of olive oil for a flavorful accompaniment.
3. Stir-fries: Use cooked buckwheat in savory dishes like stir-fries, combining it with vegetables, tofu, or meat. The chewy texture of buckwheat complements stir-fried dishes well.
4. Breakfast Porridge: Prepare a breakfast cereal by combining cooked buckwheat with milk or plant-based milk (like almond milk, coconut milk, or rice milk). Add honey, fruits, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for a delicious and wholesome breakfast option.
5. Stuffed Vegetables: Use cooked buckwheat is a great addition as a filling for stuffed vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini. Combine it with other ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
6. Burgers or Patties: Incorporate cooked buckwheat into burger or patty recipes for a vegetarian or vegan alternative. Combine it with mashed vegetables, beans, or lentils to form patties.

Other buckwheat recipes

I love using buckwheat flour in so many of my baking recipes. Click below for more inspiration on how to use buckwheat in your everyday dishes.

• Side Dishes
• Pressure Cooker
• Buckwheat