A close-up shot of a delicious bowl of Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Rice dishes

instant pot quinoa and black bean rice

By Savory Touch

Published: 16 Apr 2025

This recipe is my go-to for a quick, healthy, and flavourful weeknight meal. It’s incredibly versatile and a great way to use up leftover ingredients. I often make a big batch on Sunday and have it for lunches throughout the week. One time, I even took it to a potluck and everyone loved it! It's that good. I'm not even exaggerating.
A person enjoying a hearty bowl of Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Rice.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. There's something so satisfying about creating a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort and time. It’s also incredibly healthy and loaded with plant-based protein, making it an ideal meal for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more whole grains and legumes to their diet. Plus, it's a super budget-friendly option!
A close-up shot showcasing the texture and colors of the Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Rice.

Required Equipments

  • Instant Pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork
  • Large bowl

Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Rice

This Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Rice recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. The perfect side dish or a complete meal!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 1 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, make sure you have your Instant Pot ready to go. Give it a quick rinse—I always do!
  2. Next, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove any excess starch and prevents stickiness. It's a small step, but it makes a big difference!
  3. Now for the beans: If you're using canned black beans, drain and rinse them really well. If using dry beans, you'll need to soak them beforehand for at least 6 hours. Trust me, it's worth it!
  4. In your Instant Pot, combine the rinsed quinoa, black beans, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Don’t forget to add the spices!
  5. Secure the lid and set the valve to "sealing". Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the timer for 5 minutes for white rice or 7 minutes for brown rice. It's that simple!
  6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Be careful here, steam can be nasty!
  7. Open the lid and fluff the quinoa and black beans with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I often like to add a squeeze of lime juice for that extra zing!
  8. Serve it up hot! I like to garnish mine with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt—it's amazing! You can also add a side of avocado for extra creaminess!
  9. If using dry beans, you'll need to soak them first. It's super important. Don't skip this step unless you want some super hard beans that might break a tooth!

📝 Notes

  • Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Get creative!
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250

Protein: 10g

Fat: 3g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 8g

Calcium: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The joy of cooking comes from the simplicity of transforming basic ingredients into something delicious and nourishing.” -Bella Rodriguez

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SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

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