How To Cook Millet in the Instant Pot – Quick & Easy!

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Learn how to cook millet in the Instant Pot for quick and easy grains in under 30 minutes—and less than a minute of hands-on time. This basic recipe can be served as a side or in your favorite dishes.

Recently, I’ve rekindled my love affair with the Instant Pot. I’m not entirely sure why, but I stopped using it for a while.

But absence makes the heart grow fonder, y’all. And now, I can’t stop using my Instant Pot, especially now that I am squeezing in school night meals all week.

From millet to roasted chicken to hard-boiled eggs, I am making just about everything in my Instant Pot lately.

Cooking millet in the Instant Pot is my preferred method. There’s no hovering over a hot stove. You just set it and forget it. And the next thing you know you have perfect millet waiting for you.

While it cooks, you can focus on the rest of your meal—or the 500 other things that need your attention more than millet.

It takes only 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, and you’ll have light and fluffy millet every. single. time.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Millet

• Easy – Once you learn how to cook millet in the Instant Pot, you’ll never look back. You just mix the millet with water and hit “Start.” It doesn’t get any easier than that.
• Quick – Not only does Instant Pot millet have a cooking time of under 30 minutes, but it requires only 1 minute of hands-on time.
• Bulk meal prep – Bulk prepping grains is a great way to keep nutritious ingredients on hand. Check out how I bulk prep grains and meals in my Sunday Reset video on YouTube.
• Gluten-free – Millet is gluten-free, so it can be a good option if you are on a gluten-free diet. If you are gluten-intolerant but are craving carby goodness, sourdough bread might also be a good option since the grains are predigested. Just be sure to check with your healthcare professional first to ensure these are appropriate dietary choices.
• Whole grains – Millet is a great choice for whole grains. And since it isn’t as widely consumed in most American homes, it can add a little variety to your whole grain choices.

What Is Millet?

Millet is a gluten-free grain from the grass family. It comes in many varieties, but most of the millet found in grocery stores is pearl millet.

Considered an ancient grain, millet has been consumed by humans for approximately 7,000-8,000 years. Experts believe it was first grown and harvested in Asia and Africa and then spread globally as a staple food (source).

Nutritionally, these tiny grains pack a pretty big punch. Compared to other cereal grains, millet contains more essential amino acids, making it a protein-rich grain. Plus, millet is rich in antioxidants and is thought to control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol (source).

Though millet is considered healthy, you should check with your healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your dietary needs.

How To Serve Millet

• Plain – Millet is great on its own as a side dish. Add a little butter or olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs or spices for a quick and easy side. Pair it with savory dishes, such creamy lemon chicken or Hawaiian pork tenderloin.
• Breakfast porridge – Drizzle a little warm cream and maple syrup over millet. Top it with nuts, dried fruit or freeze-dried apples, and cinnamon for a creamy millet porridge. Or serve it with coconut milk and your favorite toppings for a quick breakfast.
• Rice substitute – Swap white rice for millet in any recipe, such as Instant Pot sweet and sour ribs.
• Pasta alternative – Millet has a chewy, pasta-like consistency, but it’s gluten-free. So it’s a great alternative to pasta. Top it with Instant Pot sweet and sour tomatoes or sage cream sauce for a gluten-free “pasta” dish.
• Grain bowls – Top cooked millet with your favorite protein and toppings for a quick grain bowl.

Tools You Will Need

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• Instant Pot – Any electric pressure cooker will work for this Instant Pot millet recipe. I use the 8-quart Instant Pot.
• Measuring cup – To cook millet in the Instant Pot, you only need a measuring cup for the millet and a liquid measuring cup for the water or broth. That’s it!
• Spoon – To prevent sticking, I recommend stirring the millet and water before cooking it.

Ingredients

• Millet – You will need one cup of millet. Bob’s Red Mill millet is my favorite brand.
• Water or broth – Water or broth will work for this recipe. If you want to step up the flavor, use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

For perfect millet in the Instant Pot, use a ratio of 1 cup millet to 1 3/4 cups water or broth. Double or triple up for batch cooking.

How To Cook Millet in the Instant Pot

Put the millet in the Instant Pot.

Add the water or broth. Stir to combine.

Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Keep in mind that it will take 5-8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize.

When the timer beeps, let the pressure cooker depressurize naturally for 10 minutes. Then, switch the vent to release any remaining pressure.

Serve with beef and broccoli or cucumber salad, or as a side dish. For breakfast, serve with heavy cream, yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of molasses syrup.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Instant Pot Millet

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Cooked millet can also be frozen in a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, add the millet to a pot and splash it with a little broth or water. Heat over low heat on the stove top until warmed through. It can help to break apart chunks with a wooden spoon.

If you are in a pinch, pop that stuff in the microwave with a little water or broth for 45 seconds and call it a day!

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If you tried making millet in the Instant Pot and loved it, leave a comment or review!