If you’re looking to cook quinoa with ease, the Instant Pot is your perfect companion. With its pressure-cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot ensures perfectly cooked quinoa in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. In this article, I will instruct how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot, resulting in fluffy and delicious quinoa every time.
1. How To Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ¼ cups water or vegetable broth (for added flavor)
Instructions
Rinse the Quinoa
Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve or colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This step removes any residual bitterness or saponins, a natural coating on quinoa that can give it a soapy taste.
Add Quinoa and Liquid to the Instant Pot
Transfer the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot inner pot. Next, add the water or vegetable broth to the pot. The general ratio for cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is 1 part quinoa to 1.25 parts liquid.
Optional: Seasoning and Flavoring
If desired, you can add a pinch of salt or your preferred seasonings at this stage to enhance the taste of the quinoa. Common additions include herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Seal and Set the Instant Pot
Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, depending on your Instant Pot model.
Set the Cooking Time
Adjust the cooking time using the “+” or “-” buttons until you reach the desired time. Quinoa typically cooks in the Instant Pot in 1 minute on high pressure.
Start the Cooking Process
Once you have set the cooking time, the Instant Pot will take a few moments to come to pressure. After the pressure is reached, the cooking time will begin to count down.
Natural Release or Quick Release
Once the cooking time is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure: natural release or quick release.
Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Quick Release: Carefully turn the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to quickly release the pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam and keep hands and face away from the valve.
Fluff and Serve
Open the Instant Pot lid and use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently, separating the grains.
Serve the cooked quinoa as a side dish, a base for salads or bowls, or as a nutritious addition to various recipes.
Cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is a game-changer, offering a quick and hassle-free method for achieving perfectly cooked quinoa. The Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking feature ensures consistent results, making it an essential tool in the kitchen.
