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    The VGN Way » Sides

    Quick & Simple Instant Pot Quinoa

    Published: Jun 20, 2021 · Modified: Aug 14, 2022 by Nija Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The Instant Pot makes simple and quick work of cooking and meal prepping quinoa. No soaking necessary. A high protein super grain. Great for dinner, side dishes and or breakfast. The result is perfectly fluffy quinoa.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • Storage
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a edible seed that comes in various colors including black, red, yellow, and white. 

    Instructions

    Step 1: Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh colander or strainer with cool water and drain. Set aside.

    Do I Need to Rinse My Quinoa?

    Yes, to remove any bitter taste. All Quinoa has a protective coating called saponin that can give cooked quinoa a bitter taste and rinsing removes that coating and bitterness.

    See Rinsing Instructions Below.

    Step 2: Lightly grease the inside of the Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray.

    Step 3: Add quinoa, water and salt and give a stir.

    Step 4: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to seal, cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Select pressure cook button for 1 minute. It will take about 5 minutes for the pressure to build, then the countdown timer will start.

    Step 5: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any remaining pressure. When the cooking time has finished, quick release the pressure.

    Step 6: Fluff the quinoa and serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later

    Recipe FAQ’s

    How Do I Rinse The Quinoa

    The key to easily rinsing the quinoa is using a colander or strainer with tiny holes (see below for one we use) so that quinoa doesn’t rinse down the drain. You can order an Oxo Rice & Small Grains Colander or similar from Amazon. The key is smaller holders.

    Place 1 cup quinoa in a fine-mesh colander/strainer. Agitate the quinoa with your hand by rubbing and swishing it around while rinsing. Rinse thoroughly under cool water until it runs clear.

    Why Is Quinoa Such A Important Grain In A Vegan And Gluten-Free Diet?

    Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free whole grain that is a good source of plant protein and fiber. Quinoa is safe to be eaten by people who have celiac disease and/or gluten intolerant. Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. One cooked cup provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

    Quinoa to Water Ratio

    1 part quinoa to 2 parts water

    Quinoa Serving Size

    1 cup dry quinoa yields 3 cups cooked quinoa.

    Is Quinoa Healthier Than Rice?

    Quinoa has three to four times more nutrients than brown rice. Quinoa is high in protein, iron, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, plus it contains high levels of calcium, potassium, and selenium.

    Storage

    You have two options for storing leftover quinoa.

    Either refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.

    Freezing is your other option. Place in air tight container or freezer bag. Thaw frozen quinoa in the fridge and reheat in the microwave in one minute increments in microwave until heated through. 

    Related Recipes

    • How To Make Fonio
    • Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
    • Spicy Tomato Black Bean Quinoa With Roasted Butternut Squash

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a comment down below. Thanks!

    📖 Recipe

    Quick & Simple Instant Pot Quinoa

    Nija Clark
    The instant pot makes simple and quick work of cooking and meal prepping quinoa. No soaking necessary. A high protein super grain. Great for dinner, side dishes and or breakfast. The result is perfectly fluffy quinoa.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 1 min
    Resting Time 10 mins
    Total Time 21 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dinner, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 156 kcal

    Equipment

    • 6 to 8-quart Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
    • Fine mesh colander/strainer

    Ingredients
      

    • Cooking spray
    • 1 cup Uncooked Quinoa
    • 1 + ⅔ cups Water - about 14 ounces
    • ½ teaspoon Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh colander or strainer with cool water and drain. Set aside.
      1 cup Uncooked Quinoa
    • Lightly grease the inside of the Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray.
      Cooking spray
    • Add quinoa, water and salt and give a stir.
      1 cup Uncooked Quinoa, 1 + ⅔ cups Water, ½ teaspoon Salt
    • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to seal, cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Select pressure cook button for 1 minute. It will take about 5 minutes for the pressure to build, then the countdown timer will start.
    • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any remaining pressure. When the cooking time has finished, quick release the pressure.
    • Fluff the quinoa and serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later

    Notes

    Notes
    Make sure to rinse quinoa. To remove any bitter taste. All Quinoa has a protective coating called saponin that can give cooked quinoa a bitter taste and rinsing removes that coating and bitterness.
     
    Storage 
    You have two options for storing leftover quinoa.
    Either refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.
    Freezing is your other option. Place in air tight container or freezer bag. Thaw frozen quinoa in the fridge and reheat in the microwave in one minute increments in microwave until heated through. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 6IUCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @vgnway or tag #thevgnway!

    These nutritional figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.

    If you give this gluten free vegan waffle recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag and us on Instagram #thevgnway.

    Live Love and Eat Good Food!

    The Vgn Way

    More Sides

    • Broccoli & Butternut Squash
    • How To Cook Bamboo Rice
    • Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli
    • Roasted Sweet And Spicy Brussels Sprouts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      October 21, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      Had no idea I could make it in an instant pot! Wow!

      Reply

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