Instant Pot Quinoa | Plain and Cilantro Lime Recipes
Posted: 04/23/2018
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Instant Pot Quinoa is so quick and easy to make, plus it’s nearly hands-off! You will love this method of cooking quinoa if you’re a pressure cooker user. Try it today!
Am I getting predictable with these Instant Pot recipes? I just love that thing, I can’t help myself! If you guys haven’t made quinoa in your Instant Pot, now is the time!
Cilantro lime quinoa is absolutely perfect as a side dish for any Mexican recipe, and it makes the best base for burrito bowls. Quinoa is full of protein and is naturally gluten-free. It’s a nutritious substitute for rice.
Making Instant Pot quinoa is also a great way to have quinoa on hand for quinoa pancakes, quinoa muffins, quinoa salads, quinoa bowls, and more. Try this quinoa salad with Brussels sprouts and pepitas or quinoa chickpea salad with blackberries. So good!
Quinoa is a great building block for so many recipes and the Instant Pot makes it perfectly! You’re going to love quinoa, whether you make it plain or dress it up with cilantro and lime (my fave!).
How to Make Instant Pot Quinoa:
It’s so easy! Here are the simplified steps, but as always, scroll down for the complete printable recipe.
- Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
- Place quinoa in the Instant Pot insert and add salt, water, and 1/2 teaspoon oil (I like avocado or olive oil).
- Turn valve to seal and set the pressure cooker for for one minute on high pressure (use the “manual” setting). When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes or until the valve drops.
- Fluff with a fork, season as desired, and serve!
FAQs:
How long do I cook quinoa in an Instant Pot?
Only one minute! Of course, if you’ve used the Instant Pot before, you know there’s a little more to the story than that. It does take some time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure and with this recipe, you’re also going to let it naturally release which takes 10-15 minutes.
How much does 1 cup of dry quinoa make?
About three cups of cooked quinoa!
Do you need to wash quinoa before cooking?
Different brands of quinoa have different recommendations, but I recommend giving it a quick rinse in a fine mesh strainer. In the Instant Pot, rinsing the quinoa before cooking also cuts down on the chance of it foaming up too much.
What is the quinoa to water ratio for cooking quinoa?
In the Instant Pot, use 1 1/2 cups of liquid per every cup of dry quinoa.
I love this cilantro lime quinoa, it’s one of my favorite burrito bowl building blocks. Add Instant Pot shredded chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, pickled red onions, restaurant style salsa, or whatever your heart desires! Other great choices are sheet pan fajitas or this mango avocado salsa with pineapple. And don’t forget to add guacamole to your burrito bowls.
Not into quinoa? Try cilantro lime rice.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Instant Pot Quinoa is so quick and easy to make, plus it's nearly hands-off! You will love this method of cooking quinoa if you're a pressure cooker user. Try it today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups water or broth
Instructions
- In a fine mesh strainer, rinse quinoa with cold water until water runs clear; drain well.
- In the Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, combine quinoa, salt and water.
- Secure Instant Pot lid and turn valve to seal. Set pressure cooker to manual (High) or to Pressure Cook, depending on the model, for 1 minute. It will take about 6 minutes to come to pressure. When it has finished cooking, let the pressure release naturally (in other words, leave it alone) for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, fluff quinoa, and serve. Cooked quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 8 to 10 months (see note).
Notes
- 1 cup dry quinoa makes 3 cups cooked. Serving size: 1/2 cup.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: After cooking quinoa, stir in 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro. Add salt to taste.
- Freezing Instructions: Cool cooked quinoa completely. Using a measuring cup, scoop 1 or 2 cup portions into freezer bags and label with measurement. Flatten and freeze for up to 10 months.
- Thawing Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, on the counter for a couple of hours, or in the microwave 45 seconds to 1 minute.
- Recipe card updated 5/18/2022.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 101mg, Potassium: 160mg, Fiber: 2g, Vitamin A: 4IU, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Anya says
The quinoa came out perfect. Never thought it could be this quick and easy to make quinoa, thanks very much!
Rachel Gurk says
You are welcome! So glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Carissa says
Two questions – First, I accidentally read directions wrong and added the lime juice before cooking the quinoa – will it turn out okay? Secondly, this is my first time with an instant pot – if I double the amount of quinoa and liquid, do I change the amount of time at pressure?
Rachel Gurk says
It should be fine with the lime juice in from the beginning. I haven’t tested it that way, but I don’t see any reason why that won’t work. If you double the recipe, you don’t have to change the time under pressure. It will take a little longer to come to pressure, though! I hope that helps!
Carla says
Can you freeze this cilantro lime quinoa the same as you recommend freezing plain quinoa?
Rachel Gurk says
That should work fine! The cilantro will likely get a little brown but it will still be tasty.
Becky Hardin says
I love quinoa, but I never thought to make it in an Instant Pot. What a great idea! I need to try this lime cilantro flavor with tacos.
Rachel Gurk says
Oh you will love using your IP for quinoa! I’m going to make another batch today!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love IP quinoa! So fast and perfect every time! I need to add lime next time. Sounds delicious!
Denise says
With two kids now in college, we’re down to three, I keep wondering if I really need an instant pot now. But, your recipes always look so good.