Our family loves this Easy Instant Pot Rice & Quinoa!! It’s the perfect addition to any meal as it is fully customizable to fit your preference. We enjoy adding different seasonings and veggies to adapt it to whatever meal we are eating.
The first time I made this, I lied to my husband.
To clarify, I lied about whether there was quinoa in the rice or not. I came clean after he ate it, I just needed to prove to him that it was good – even with quinoa. The man is ridiculous. If you tell him that there is anything remotely healthy or good for him in a dish, he suddenly doesn’t like it anymore (even if he loved it before!).
Ok, now that I’ve confessed to you (and my husband), let’s jump into this recipe!
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Why Instant Pot Rice & Quinoa?
Rice is really one of the more underrated side dishes. Plus, it’s so easy to buy it in bulk (relatively inexpensively too!) and store. By adding quinoa to rice, you’re adding extra protein and fiber to an already delicious dish.
When it comes to cooking rice and quinoa, there are several options you can choose from. By choosing this instant pot recipe, you are taking the guesswork out of the timing and have the ability to set it and forget it. Making it the perfect recipe for any day of the week!
Ingredients
I love to keep things simple when it comes to ingredients; the fewer the ingredients, the more likely I am to keep coming back to the recipe when I’m busy. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this instant pot brown rice and quinoa:
Rice: you can use brown or white rice here. I just use whatever we have on hand.
Water: nothing fancy, just good old H20.
Quinoa: there are several options when it comes to choosing your quinoa; white, red, black, tri-colored. All of these will work equally as well, so use whatever your prefer!
Olive oil: this adds a little flavor to the rice and quinoa, while preventing it from becoming too sticky. Can also substitute with avocado oil or a similar cooking oil.
Garlic powder: for flavor, can also be substituted with fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Salt & Pepper: added to taste, I find it best to add a small dash to the instant pot prior to cooking and then adding more as needed once done.
Make the Instant Pot Brown Rice & Quinoa
Like the ingredient list, the steps to make this rice and quinoa is fairly simple and straight-forward.
To start, add the olive oil to the instant pot.
Then you will add the rice and quinoa to the instant pot, followed by just enough water to cover the rice and quinoa mixture. This is where your stovetop method may call for more water. Don’t worry, I promise this is the perfect amount of water for this instant pot rice and quinoa recipe!
Next you will add the garlic powder (or minced garlic, if you prefer), salt and pepper to the mixture.
No need to stir, just place the lid on the instant pot and select the ‘Rice & Grain’ setting. This is where you will have to choose the correct setting depending on which kind of rice you choose to use. So you will either select ‘white rice’ or ‘brown rice’, then press start.
That’s literally it!
Once the rice is done, you will simply manually release the pressure, open the lid and fluff the rice. This can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What to Serve With The Rice & Quinoa
There are honestly countless ways to serve this rice and quinoa. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilladas
- Burrito Bowls
- Easy Weeknight Stir-Fry
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Lebanese Beef & Green Beans
Did you try this recipe
I would be so grateful if you left a rating and review below!
Instant Pot Rice & Quinoa
This Instant Pot Rice & Quinoa recipe makes the perfect addition to any meal. Easy to make and filled with endless flavor possibilities.
Ingredients
- 1 C rice (rinsed)
- 1/2 C quinoa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder*
- 1½ C water*
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Set instant pot to Saute setting.
- Place olive oil, rinsed rice, quinoa and water to instant pot. Water should just cover the rice & quinoa.
- Add salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings.
- Place lid on instant pot and set to appropriate rice setting.
- After the time is up, switch the instant pot vent to open.
- Once the instant pot is open, fluff the rice & quinoa with a fork and serve.
Notes
* can use minced garlic, if preferred.
*water amount may vary, add just enough to cover the rice and quinoa.
