Name: Easy Instant Pot Quinoa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Quinoa, (rinsed); 1 1/4 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth ((or Water)); 1/8 tsp Salt

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Easy Instant Pot Quinoa is a quick cooking grain (actually a seed). Make a batch of pressure cooker quinoa for meal prep, a quick and healthy side dish, or make a yummy quinoa bowl!

Quinoa in a brown bowl on wooden surface

Easy Instant Pot Quinoa

Quinoa is a seed, though many think it’s a grain. This is a healthy, nutty tasting superfood! I love quinoa bowls, and having Instant Pot quinoa as a side dish. It is very versatile.

What makes quinoa a superfood?

Quinoa seeds are rich in protein. In fact, quinoa is a complete protein all on its own.
Quinoa is high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and other dietary minerals in greater amounts than in many grains. It is also gluten-free.

Can I freeze Cooked Quinoa?

Yes! Cooked quinoa can be frozen. Portion it out in serving sizes and put in airtight containers. Keeps up to 3 months.

Close up of wooden fork with Quinoa

Why do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking it?

If you have ever eaten quinoa and it tasted bitter or soapy, chances are it was not pre-rinsed.
The outer coating of quinoa has a naturally occurring bug repellent called saponin. It has a bitter or soapy taste.
Rinsing your quinoa very well before cooking it will remove the saponin. The quinoa will taste much better!
Read the package to see if your quinoa has been rinsed. I rinse mine anyway.

Quinoa in a brown bowl on wooden board

What can I make with Instant Pot quinoa?

So many things! It is great as a side dis on its own. You can add butter, chopped herbs, or steamed veggies to make a main dish.

Quinoa bowls are also really good. Load up the veggies, beans, meat, dressing, and have a fantastic meal! My Southwest Quinoa Bowl is amazing!

Instant Pot Quinoa Taco Bowls
Instant Pt Quinoa Hamburger Stroganoff
Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Cilantro Dressing
Instant Pot White Rice

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Easy Instant Pot Quinoa

By Sandy Clifton

Easy Instant Pot Quinoa is a quick cooking grain (actually a seed). Make a batch of pressure cooker quinoa for meal prep, a quick and healthy side dish.

Prep: 5

Cook: 1

Total: 25

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
▢ 1 ¼ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth (or Water)
▢ ⅛ tsp Salt

Instructions

Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa very well to remove the bitter taste (caused by naturally occurring saponin).
Add the quinoa, broth/water, and salt to the pot.
Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial, then the +/- button or dial to select 1 minute. High Pressure. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
When the cook cycle has finished, turn off the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes (15 minute natural release). Then turn the steam release knob to the Venting position to release the remaining steam/pressure.
When the pin in the lid drops back down, open the lid.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Serve, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.