Instant Pot Quinoa with (optional) Coconut, Lime, and Cilantro

This nutty Instant Pot Quinoa is about to be your new go to side dish. It comes together in just minutes, and the Instant Pot does the rest of the work for you!

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So. Much. Snow.

Seattle made the news this past February for record setting snow!  And with record setting snow came a record number of snow days….where I was home with my kiddos!  Between elementary conferences, 5 full snow days, a late start, and early release, and two different mid winter breaks I had one of my kids home just about every single day this last month.  In fact, we had six regular school days.  SIX.  In the entire month.  But because snow is fairly predictable, as opposed to other weather events, I was able to stock up our pantry beyond the basics in the days ahead of the storms and we spent a lot of cozy time baking and cooking in our jammies.  Honestly, I kind of like snow days!  Sleep in?  Check.  Jammies?  Check.  Delicious food?  Check.  And it was over this extended wintertime break that I worked on finalizing my new Instant Pot Quinoa recipe.  You guys?  It’s really good.  It’s really easy.  It goes with everything.  I’m so happy!

Instant Pot Quinoa

Instant Pot Quinoa is my new favorite carby (new word) side dish.  It takes the place of rice pretty darn perfectly, but feels a little bit healthier.  In fact, I’m pretty sure it actually is healthier.  It’s packed with protein, and fills you up, without feeling heavy.  And because of it’s small size it cooks up really quickly.  Always be sure to give quinoa a good rinse before cooking it, as it can be a bit bitter if left unrinsed. (Buy an Instant Pot NOW!)

Cooks in just 1 minute!

Ok, I would be lying to you if I said that the quinoa is done in a minute.  Let’s be specific—it cooks on high pressure in the Instant Pot for one minute!  However, it also takes about 6 minutes to come to pressure, and another 6 or 7 minutes to release pressure.  Add in about 5 minutes to toast it up with some coconut oil (optional!), you’re looking at about 20 minutes.  20 minutes of hands off time, which is just about enough time to get the rest of dinner sorted, or to do a quick reload of the dishwasher (it never ends!).

One to One Ratio

Quinoa, like rice, uses a 1:1 ratio in the Instant Pot.  If you choose to make a smaller amount than this recipe calls for, be sure to keep the ratio at 1:1.

Packed with Flavor!

To keep things even more exciting, I’ve taken this quinoa to the next level (exciting and quinoa are not words I ever imagined typing in the same sentence, but here we are.).  I’ve been toasting the quinoa pre-cook in some coconut oil, and then adding some shredded coconut to the mix as well.  Then after it cooks I like to squeeze a little lime juice over it, and add some chopped cilantro.  It’s pretty, it’s yummy, it checks so many boxes!  Definitely worth trying, though it is also totally fine to keep it plain!  It will still have a delicious nutty flavor.

Kid approved.

I know my kids are good eaters, but I never expected to hear them ask for thirds….on quinoa.  Yet ask they did.  I was as surprised as you all are.  In a good way.

More Instant Pot Recipes You Will Love

• Vegan Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs
• Instant Pot Basmati Rice
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Fried Onions and Bacon
• How to Make Perfect Black Beans in Your Instant Pot
• Holiday Orange Spice Cake in the Instant Pot

Let’s Get Cooking!

I hope you enjoy this easy and versatile Instant Pot Quinoa as much as my family does!  Don’t have an Instant Pot?  No worries, I’ve got stovetop instructions below as well!  (Or, treat yourself to one now!)  Leave me a note in the comments and let me know how it goes!

Print Recipe

Instant Pot Quinoa with (Optional) Coconut, Lime, and Cilantro

This nutty Instant Pot Quinoa is about to be your new go to side dish. It comes together in just minutes, and the Instant Pot does the rest of the work for you!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 minute min

Pressure Release7 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Instant Pot

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cups quinoa (rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 2 cups water
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 handful cilantro

Instructions

• Set your Instant Pot to sauté.  Add the coconut oil and let it melt.
• Add the quinoa and give it a good stir to coat with the oil.
• Add the coconut and continue stirring.
• When the quinoa and coconut begin to stick to the pot, add the water.
• Close the lid and set to "sealing."
• Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally, about 7 minutes.
• When the pressure has released open the valve to "venting."  Allow the pressure to be fully released and then open the Instant Pot lid.
• Give the quinoa a good fluff with your fork (the pressure will leave it quite packed down when you first remove the lid).
• Squeeze the juice of a lime over top of the quinoa.  Sprinkle it with the chopped cilantro and mix well.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Stovetop Instructions—No Instant Pot, but still want delicious coconut flavor with your quinoa? No problem!

1. Sauté the quinoa with the coconut oil for 5 minutes. 
2. Add the shredded coconut. 
3. Add water according to package directions, and follow other cooking instructions. 
4. Once cooked, mix with lime juice and cilantro.