Instant Pot Quinoa In 1-Minute! (Fluffy + Perfect)

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Home 1-Minute Instant Pot Quinoa (Perfectly Fluffy!!)

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Erin Lynch

Updated:

February 25, 2025

5 from 152 votes

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This recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa require minimal measuring and is super simple. The result is fluffy and flavorful quinoa that’s perfect every time with just 1-minute cook time!

Overhead shot of instant pot quinoa in white bowl with spoon.

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In the past, I’ve shared with you my method for making perfect rice in the Instant Pot, but today I thought I’d let you know how I’ve adapted those same principles for making Instant Pot quinoa.

I love this fool-proof method because it’s super quick and easy.

You only need 1-minute of cook time to make this these fluffy grains. So it’s perfect for putting together last minute meals and for meal prep!

Plus, it freezes and reheats well. I’ve got the method for that below.

So, let’s get started!

Check out my Rice Cooker Quinoa recipe if you’re looking for more easy and hands-off ways of cooking your favorite grain.

🛒 Ingredients Needed

Quinoa – White quinoa, black quinoa, brown, red quinoa, or tri-color quinoa.
Water
Spray Cooking Oil – Or, use a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil.
Salt

📋 How to Make It

Rinse the quinoa. It gets rid of any bitterness.
Spray the pressure cooker liner with oil. It cuts down on foaming and prevents sticking.
Use less water. There’s less evaporation with the Instant Pot, so we need to account for this.
Add a pinch of salt to flavor your quinoa right from the get go.

✔️ Tips for Making PERFECT Instant Pot Quinoa

This recipe is simple, but there are a couple changes from how you would make quinoa on the stovetop:

Water Ratio

While I generally use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.

The reason for the reduced water is that the Instant Pot is more “sealed” than a traditional cooking pot, meaning less evaporation of water during the cooking process.

Rinsing the Quinoa

One step that may seem trivial, but that you definitely should not skip is rinsing your quinoa before placing it into the Instant Pot.

This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water is clear.

Cooking Spray

Before adding the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot, I like to spray the liner with a bit of cooking spray. This not only prevents the quinoa from sticking to the pot, but it also cuts down on the foaming a bit so that your Instant Pot doesn’t sputter and spit.

Salt

Just like with my Instant Pot perfect rice, I always add in a pinch of salt for each cup of quinoa that I’m cooking, to flavor it right from the get-go.

Total Cook Time

This quinoa takes just 1 minute to cook in the Instant Pot on high pressure.

However, you also need to account for the time it takes for the pressure to build (about 5 minutes) and release (10 minutes).

In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish.

🌟 Adding Flavor to Instant Pot Quinoa

If you’d like to add even more flavor and nutrition to your quinoa, you could cook it in bone broth instead of water. I love to make bone broth in either my slow cooker or instant pot. All you need is some leftover meat bones and veggie scraps.

The result is perfect quinoa that’s never mushy, and always flavorful.

You can make as little or as much as you’d like. I’ll often double or triple the recipe. There is no need to adjust the cook time. Cooked quinoa will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. Or, you can make big batch and freeze some for later.

❄️ Freezing Quinoa

Once it’s finished, I like to portion the quinoa into freezer bags or an airtight container to have on hand for when I’m needing some cooked quinoa – especially handy when I get a craving for these Quinoa Burrito Bowls or Blueberry & White Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Cookies.

🕕 Reheating Frozen Quinoa

Just thaw the quinoa in the fridge overnight, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a tablespoon of water and covering the bowl or pan. It will take about a minute in the microwave. On the stove, heat on low until heated through.

Side view of cooked quinoa in instant pot.

ℹ️ Recipe FAQs

Do I need to wash quinoa?

You definitely should not skip is rinsing your quinoa. This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water is clear.

What is the trick to cooking quinoa?

There are a few key tips. First, rinse your quinoa to get rid of any bitterness.Second, use the proper amount of water. Too much can mean mushy quinoa. Too little can result in your quinoa not fully cooking. Third, add a pinch of salt to flavor your quinoa right from the get go.

Is quinoa healthier than rice?

Compared to white rice, quinoa has 2x the amount of protein and 5g more fiber. It also has less calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

How much cooked quinoa does 1 cup of dry quinoa make?

1 cup of dry quinoa will yield about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

How much water do I use for 1 cup of quinoa?

While I generally use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.The reason for the reduced water is that the Instant Pot is more “sealed” than a traditional cooking pot, meaning less evaporation of water during the cooking process.

🥣 How to Use It

You can stir your cooked quinoa into soups or stews, or use it in one of these yummy recipes:

30+ Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes
35+ Quinoa Recipes
Thai Quinoa Salad
Chicken Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Salad with Cauliflower & Chickpeas
Quinoa Chicken Gyro Bowls
Harissa Chicken Bowls
Power Bowls
Quinoa Burrito Bowls
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Jennifer Aniston Salad
Roasted Squash Salad
Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Blueberries & White Chocolate

🍴 More Instant Pot Staples

Instant Pot Rice
Instant Pot Black Beans
Instant Pot Chickpeas
Instant Pot Lentils
Instant Pot Refried Beans

Did you try this instant pot recipe?

If you loved this instant pot quinoa I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Full Recipe

Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe

With these easy tips, you’ll see it’s simple to cook perfect quinoa in the Instant Pot with minimal measuring. The result is fluffy and flavorful quinoa that’s super simple to prepare. 5 from 152 votes Print Pin Serves 4 people Created by Platings and Pairings Prep Time: 1 minute Cook Time: 1 minute Pressure build and release time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes 1x2x3x

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup quinoa
▢ 1 1/2 cups water
▢ Spray cooking oil
▢ 1 pinch salt

Instructions

Rinse quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking oil and add the rinsed quinoa (still damp), water and salt.
Lock the lid and set the steam valve to its “sealing” position.
Select the “MANUAL” button and cook for 1 minute on high pressure. 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.
Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve.

Notes

Leftover quinoa keeps well, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling. You can also portion the quinoa into freezer bags and freeze the quinoa until you’re ready for it.

Nutrition

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5 from 152 votes (97 ratings without comment)

150 responses

Jaya February 3, 2021
It turned out just perfect.. thanks so much !
Reply
Christine February 19, 2021
For some reason, some instant pots take longer than others. For me, when I cooked it for one minute, the quinoa wasn’t done. I put it on for another minute and it was perfect. Thanks
Reply
Casandra March 23, 2021
1.5 cups of water is way too much. I followed the recipe and the quinoa was mushy and there was water that was not absorbed. I think 1:1 is the correct ratio of water to quinoa.
Reply
Joyce April 28, 2021
Perfect, as promised! Second time using Instant Pot and 3rd cooking quinoa. I will be looking at more recipes from you. Thank you.
Reply
1. Erin May 5, 2021
  Thank you Joyce!
  Reply
Anna May 14, 2021
I followed this recipe exactly and it turned out very mushy :/ What do you think went wrong?
Reply
Claudia August 8, 2021
Took a gamble and used my whole bag of quinoa on my first try. The recipe did not disappoint, it came out perfect! (I’m not good at remembering to do the manual steam release on time so I set a timer. I imagine if this went took long it could be mushy. I also removed the insert from the cooker at this point to be sure it didn’t overcook from carryover heat) Thank you for sharing, I’ll make this again and again 🙂
Reply
1. Erin August 10, 2021
  I’m so glad it was helpful Claudia!
  Reply
Diane August 9, 2022
Thank you! The timing and proportions were perfect. I ended up making it pilaf-style with sautéed celery and onions, some garlic and fresh thyme, and walnuts and dried cranberries and of course salt and pepper. It was a hit with DH and I’ll absolutely make this again. I used 3/4c each red and white quinoa and increased the water accordingly. Can’t wait to check out more of your recipes, so glad I found your site.
Reply
1. Erin August 11, 2022
  I’m so glad you found me – Thanks Diane!
  Reply
H October 12, 2025
Finally! A recipe that makes the best quinoa hands down!
Reply
Debra aufiero October 25, 2025
Great recipe! Perfect every time.
Reply
1. Erin Lynch October 27, 2025
  Thanks Debra!
  Reply
Leonie Young November 16, 2025
So happy came out perfect 👌
Reply

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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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