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2 blue bowls with cooked quinoa and black spoon.
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Instant Pot Quinoa

This Instant pot Quinoa is perfectly fluffy, light, tender, flavorful without any stock and never mushy! Learn how to make the fluffiest quinoa in about 20 minutes, that comes out perfect every single time.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword instant pot quinoa
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 156kcal
Author Maria Doss

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or use according to taste)

Instructions

  • Set instant pot to saute setting and wait until indicator says "hot". (I like to rinse quinoa and gather remaining ingredients in the mean time)
  • Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for at least 30 seconds or the water runs clear. Let quinoa drain completely.
    Tip: The water will be white-ish at first and then gradually become clear.
  • Add butter when it displays "hot" and let melt. Add rinsed and drained quinoa, saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Press cancel, stir in water and salt. Close and lock lid, making sure the valve it set to sealing position.
    Tip: Toasting will give the grains a nutty flavor and taste, and also helps to cook light and fluffy without being sticky or gummy.
  • Pressure cook on high for 1 minute (it will take about 6 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
  • Once the timer goes off, allow it to be in warm mode for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid, gently fluff using a large fork and serve warm.

Video

Notes

Do not skip rinsing - It gets rid of the natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. You can find boxed varieties that are "pre rinsed", but it doesn't hurt to give an additional rinse to get rid any dirt or bitterness.
Total cooking time - Although the instant pot setting is for only 1 minute, the total cook time is about 20 minutes which includes sautéing, coming to pressure and warm time.
Yield - One cup dry quinoa yields about three cups cooked quinoa.
Reduce or omit salt if using salted butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.003g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg