Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

It is no secret that I’m slightly obsessed with quinoa.

A dear friend of mine (Sara from Will Run for Pasta) actually sent me a package once addressed to “The Quinoa Queen”.

I’ve made a gazillion quinoa bite variations and I fully stand behind the health benefits of this particular trendy superfood, so I make sure it’s a staple in my regular diet.

So, it’s no surprise that when my other friend Sara (from The Holy Mess) convinced me to buy an Instant Pot, the first thing I wanted to do was see how it handled quinoa!

And, let me tell you, it does a darn good job with the stuff.

My favorite part? I get to walk away while it cooks. I don’t have to keep checking it to make sure it’s not boiling over like on the stovetop.

It truly is a dump it, set it, and forget it kind of recipe.

How To Make Quinoa In Your Instant Pot

First, gather your ingredients. You can use water, but broth adds such good flavor!

Also, I highly recommend that you rinse the quinoa. I’m the kind of person who often ignores steps like that.

I’ve made it fine both ways, but I’ve read that non-rinsed quinoa can stick to the bottom of the pot and create problems.

Now dump ’em both in the pot.

I have the 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo Plus and highly recommend it!

This is what it will look like before you seal the lid.

Speaking of sealing the lid, once your lid is secured and it makes that lovely sing-songy noise to you, make sure you push the valve to “Sealing”!

Select high pressure and set the timer to 1 minute.

Now, go do something fun for the next 26-30 minutes! Read a book. Blow bubbles with your kids (or just yourself). Dance it out. Watch funny cat videos on Facebook. Whatever brings a smile to your face!

The pot will come up to pressure, plump up those quinoa seeds, and naturally release its pressure, all while you are out enjoying life.

This is the loveliness that will await you!

Stir it up, fluff it up, and give it a taste test!

I think you’ll be pleased.

Now, I want you to know that I made it this way just for you. I wanted you to have the basic recipe to know how to cook 1 cup of dry quinoa.

But you should know that I NEVER make just 1 cup of quinoa.

There’s just too much you can do with it to stop there!

Include it in your weekly meal prep with some Quinoa & Black Bean Burrito Bowls or serve it alongside Grilled Ham & Pineapple Skewers or baked salmon.

Throw some quinoa bites together in any flavor you like!

I’m partial to the Quinoa Pizza Bites and the Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Bites myself.

Maybe you like more spice in your life and would rather have some Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bites or you’re feeling more Italian tonight with some Tomato Basil Quinoa Bites.

They freeze great, so they are the perfect make-ahead healthy lunch or snack to grab whenever you need it.

No matter how you use the quinoa, you’re going to love it!