If you’ve never cooked buckwheat before, this Instant Pot buckwheat recipe is for you. It’s simple to make and will come out perfect every single time. Buckwheat can be used as a side dish, added to salad, or even as a breakfast hot cereal.
My favorite way to use this buckwheat recipe is as a side dish. It makes a great alternative to rice when you want something different. And it's easier to make in the Instant Pot.
I love using my Instant Pot as it's the easiest way to cut down on hands-on cooking time like in my Instant Pot pinto beans and Instant Pot collard greens. It’s a great tool for cooking whole grains like this Instant Pot barley.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: There are many nutritional benefits of buckwheat. According to WebMD, it is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals and is a wholesome alternative to white rice.
- Super easy: Just stir in the 3 ingredients, set the Instant Pot, and you’re done! Cooking buckwheat in the Instant Pot couldn't be simpler. And there's no soaking needed.
What Is Buckwheat?
Oddly, buckwheat is not related to wheat. It is a grain-like seed and is naturally gluten-free. It’s what’s known as a pseudocereal which is what quinoa and amaranth are. Even though it's a seed, it can be used like a grain and has an earthy and nutty taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Buckwheat: You'll see it called either "buckwheat" or "buckwheat groats" on the package.
- Water: For added flavor, substitute vegetable broth for the water if you are using it as a side dish.
Please see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and amounts needed.
How To Make Instant Pot Buckwheat
Step 1: This is a super easy recipe. First, rinse the cup of buckwheat in cold water using a mesh strainer. This is just to remove any dust or debris.
Step 2: Next, add it to the Instant Pot with the 1 ½ cups of water and ¼ tsp. salt and stir.
Step 3: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Once it beeps, turn the pot off and allow time for natural pressure release for 10 minutes and then quick release.
Step 4: Fluff with a fork and serve.
Expert Tips
- If the buckwheat is a little too wet when you open the lid, just give it a couple minutes to finish absorbing all the moisture.
- If you want to cook more buckwheat, use the ratio of 1 part buckwheat to 1 ½ parts water. The cooking time remains the same.
Storage and Recipe FAQs
Once cooled, store buckwheat in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 3-5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
No. Soaking is optional and depending on the cooking method. You definitely do not need to soak it when using an Instant Pot.
Yes, buckwheat is a naturally gluten-free seed! It's a great choice if you have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet.
The ratio of water to buckwheat is different depending on the cooking methods used. For the Instant Pot, it’s 1 part buckwheat to 1 ½ parts water. If you are batch cooking, adjust the amounts of buckwheat and water but keep the cooking time the same.
Buckwheat kasha refers to roasted buckwheat groats. In some cuisines, "kasha" is used to describe porridge made from buckwheat or other grains.
You can usually find buckwheat in your local grocery store. If not, you can order online on Amazon. There are several different brands that you can buy including Bob's Red Mill and Eden, which is what I have.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you tried this Instant Pot Buckwheat Groats Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Buckwheat Groats
Ingredients
- 1 cup buckwheat groats
- 1½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the buckwheat using a mesh strainer. Add it to the Instant Pot with the water and salt and stir.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes.
- Once it beeps, turn off the Instant Pot and allow for natural release for 10 minutes and then quick vent.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
- Store leftover buckwheat in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Notes
- If the buckwheat is a little too wet when you open the lid, just give it a couple minutes to finish absorbing all the moisture.
- If you want to cook more buckwheat, use the ratio of 1 part buckwheat to 1 ½ parts water. The cooking time remains the same.
Jen says
I don't make buckwheat too often. But when I do I only make it this way using the Instant Pot. Much quicker and easier than stovetop.