Foolproof Method For Cooking Quinoa In The Instant Pot

I am excited to share this Foolproof Method For Cooking Quinoa In The Instant Pot. It is just as simple as it sounds. One thing I love about this hands-off method is you can use this time to prepare other parts of your meal to go with this. Or if you are using this for meal prep, it will be so quick and easy. This also creates perfectly fluffy quinoa that can be used in so many ways. More on that below. 

If you are looking for ways to use cooked quinoa, in case you won' have your own favorite quinoa recipes, let me give you a few suggestions. I love using it as a base for my balsamic beef- which is also made in the instant pot. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, it can always be used in place of rice like this vegetarian grain bowl. It is also really delicious in this lentil buddha bowl. 

Ingredients

Quinoa- I used tricolor, but will give other suggestions in the paragraph below with other types of quinoa. 

Liquid- While I used vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or beef broth. If you want a more neutral flavor, you can also just use water to cook it in. 

Salt- This is as needed, be sure to check your broth first. If it is really salty, don't add more salt. 

How to cook

• I see a lot of recipes that suggest the quinoa needs to be rinsed well. Most of the quinoa I purchase is already pre-rinsed, so I don't worry about it. If you have any questions about whether or not it is rinsed, go ahead and rinse it in a fine mesh strainer with cold water for several minutes.
• Add the uncooked quinoa, liquid, and salt to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid and set it to high pressure for 1 minute. 
• Once the time is up, let it natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure before taking off the lid. 
• Fluff the perfect quinoa with a fork. 
• If you aren't using it right away, be sure to store it in an airtight container. It will hold in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

Tips and suggestions

• You can easily make this a big batch by doubling or tripling the recipe in the recipe card. 
• Adding a little olive oil to the quinoa before cooking will add extra flavor and can help keep the quinoa from sticking together as much. 
• Be sure to check for saltiness in your chicken stock or other stock you are using. If it is salty, don't add in extra. Or if it isn't too salty, only add in a pinch of salt. 
• The ratio of quinoa to liquid is much lower in the pressure cooker as it doesn't cook out as with the stovetop method. I always stick with the ratio of one cup of quinoa to 1 cup of water. If you use more liquid, the quinoa gets too mushy. This quinoa ratio creates the perfect instant pot quinoa. 
• If you want to freeze quinoa, it is easy to do. Allow the quinoa to cool completely, then store it in freezer bags. Let it flat and it can be frozen for up to 1 month. 

Types of quinoa

Quinoa is available in various types, but the most commonly found varieties in grocery stores are:

1. White Quinoa: This is the most common type of quinoa and has a mild flavor and fluffy texture when cooked. It's versatile and works well in a variety of dishes.
2. Red Quinoa: Red quinoa has a slightly nuttier flavor compared to white quinoa. It also retains its shape better during cooking, making it a good choice for salads and side dishes.
3. Black Quinoa: Black quinoa has a sweeter, earthier flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. It also holds its shape well when cooked, making it suitable for salads, pilafs, and other dishes.
4. Tri-Color Quinoa: This blend typically includes a mix of white, red, and black quinoa. It not only adds visual appeal to dishes but also combines the textures and flavors of the different varieties.

Ways to use cooked quinoa

1. Buddha Bowls Base: Use cooked quinoa as a base for grain bowls. Top it with roasted vegetables, protein (such as grilled chicken or tofu), and your favorite sauce.
2. Quinoa Salads: Add cooked quinoa to salads for a tasty. It works well in both green salads and heartier salads with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives.
3. Stir-Fries: Incorporate quinoa into stir-fries for a wholesome twist. Stir-fry vegetables, protein, and quinoa together with your favorite sauces and seasonings.
4. Stuffed Vegetables: Use quinoa as a stuffing for bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini. Mix it with herbs, spices, and other ingredients before stuffing and baking.
5. Perfect Side Dish: Serve cooked quinoa as a simple side dish, seasoned with herbs, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Quinoa Patties: Mix cooked quinoa with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to form patties. Pan-fry them until golden brown for a delicious alternative to traditional patties.
7. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: Combine cooked quinoa with your favorite breakfast ingredients, such as fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
8. Soup or Stew Addition: Stir cooked quinoa into soups or stews to add texture and make the dish more filling.

Other quinoa posts

• What is a good substitute for quinoa?
• How to make popped quinoa
• How to sprout quinoa

• Side Dishes
• Pressure Cooker
• Quinoa