1-minute Instant Pot Quinoa (Pot-in-Pot option)

Fluffy, fail-proof quinoa—made effortlessly in the Instant Pot! Whether you’re cooking directly in the main pot or using the pot-in-pot method, this recipe gives you perfectly cooked quinoa every single time. Just add quinoa and water, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do the magic. This has officially become our go-to method for cooking quinoa!

What is better than quick and hands-off food? Nothing! Especially if you’re a parent juggling many things. If you agree, this Instant Pot Quinoa is precisely what you have been looking for 🙂

No need to wait for the water to boil on the stovetop, or watch the quinoa while it’s cooking on the stove, or even burn the quinoa at the bottom of the pan. Just add the quinoa and water, press a button, walk away, and come back to perfectly cooked quinoa.

This is a foolproof method for cooking quinoa and works perfectly every single time.

Use this quinoa in salads, as a side dish with curry, or add it to a soup. It is also perfect for meal prep.

If you love quinoa just like me, check out these delicious Quinoa Chili, Quinoa and Vegetable Pilaf, and Quinoa Khichdi recipes.

You can use any type of quinoa in this recipe. My preferred brand of Quinoa is the one shown in the picture that I got from Costco. It is also available on Amazon. I like to alternate between different types of sides, such as quinoa, brown rice, white rice, or some bread.

Another favorite gluten-free alternative is buckwheat. Check out how to cook buckwheat in the Instant Pot.

Two Ways to Cook Quinoa

Here, I’m sharing two ways to cook Quinoa. Sometimes, when cooking quinoa alone or in larger quantities, you want to do it in the main pot. However, at other times, you want a cup of quinoa and don’t want to deal with cleaning the whole large steel pot. At such times, pot-in-pot quinoa comes in handy.

Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cool tap water. Rinsing it before cooking removes any dirt and improves its flavor.

Add More Flavor to Quinoa

Quinoa tastes delicious on its own with protein, but you can brighten it up with some of the below flavor additions:

• Butter or Olive Oil: Adds richness to the quinoa.
• Aromatics: Saute some garlic and shallots for a deep, savory flavor.
• Herbs: Add cilantro or parsley for some fresh flavors.
• Spices: Add smoky, earthy spices for that extra kick.
• Lemon juice: Adds zest and tanginess
• Veggies: Add frozen veggies, like peas, carrots, or corn, for a colorful boost.

Instant Pot Quinoa

It can’t get any easier. Add the rinsed quinoa and water to the pot. If you like, this is also the time to add salt, butter, or oil. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth in place of water to make quinoa.

I set it for 1 minute at high pressure and do a 10-minute natural pressure release. Fluff with a fork and enjoy the perfectly cooked and separate grains of quinoa.

Instant Pot Quinoa with Pot-in-Pot Method

To cook pot-in-pot quinoa, you’ll need a trivet and a bowl that can be placed on top of it.  If I’m preparing only quinoa, I use the trivet that came with the Instant Pot.  If you’re cooking the main dish along with the quinoa, you’ll need a long-legged trivet.

You will also need a bowl that can fit inside the pressure cooker.  Here is one on Amazon – Ekonova Stackable Stainless Steel Insert Pans.  You can also do a PIP for quinoa in a Pyrex glass bowl, but this requires a couple of extra minutes to cook the quinoa.

Learn more about the instant pot pot-in-pot method with this comprehensive guide!

Add about a cup of water to the steel insert. Then, place the trivet and the bowl of quinoa and water on top.

Just 4 minutes at high pressure and a natural pressure release. Perfect quinoa is ready. Fluff it with a fork and enjoy!

Why use the pot-in-pot method for cooking quinoa?

I love using the pop-in-pot method to make quinoa, as I can prepare multiple things at once with this method. Here are some more advantages of using this method:

• You can cook a smaller quantity at a time.
• You don’t need to wash the large Instant Pot insert if cooking quinoa.
• You can cook in the serving bowl itself.
• You can cook a complete meal at once and save precious time, with the entrée in the steel insert and quinoa in a bowl on a trivet. This could work with any main dish that takes about 3-6 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. Some examples are – Mom’s Chicken Curry, Saag Paneer, Dal Fry, or Panang Curry with Chicken.

Try cooking Quinoa in the Instant Pot, and let me know how you like it.

How to Store?

I love to meal prep quinoa and have it ready for multiple meals throughout the week. Store the quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the quinoa cools to room temperature before storing.

You can also freeze it in smaller portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight to use it.

Reheat the quinoa in the microwave. If needed, you can add a splash of water to freshen up the quinoa.

How to Use Instant Pot Quinoa?

My favorite way to serve this Instant Pot quinoa is as a side dish. Add a drizzle of lemon juice, some salt, and pepper, and enjoy as a side with any protein. I add it to grain bowls, such as sweet potato Buddha bowl, salads, or mix with veggies to make a quinoa pilaf.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Breakfast

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Rice & Grains

How to cook Sorghum?

Eggs

Easy-Peel Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (5-5-5 Method)

Lentils & Beans

Mexican Black Beans in Instant Pot