How to Make Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

Quinoa has become a popular health food staple thanks to its stellar nutritional profile. This ancient grain contains protein, fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. While quinoa is easy to prepare on the stovetop, using a rice cooker can make the process even more convenient and foolproof. In this post, I’ll share my step-by-step method for cooking flawless quinoa in a rice cooker every time.

Combine rinsed quinoa and liquid in rice cooker inner pot using a 2:1 liquid to quinoa ratio. For 1 cup quinoa use 1 1⁄2 cups water or broth.

Select “Quinoa” or “White Rice” setting on rice cooker and press start. Allow quinoa to cook completely until cooker indicates done.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa

Before cooking, it is important to rinse the quinoa thoroughly. This removes any bitter coating called saponin that may be present on the grains. Place the desired amount of quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water for a minute or two.

Step 2: Measure the Quinoa and Water

For every cup of quinoa, you will need approximately two cups of water. Measure the desired amount of quinoa and water based on your recipe or personal preference. The rice cooker’s measuring cup usually comes with a 1:1 water-to-quinoa ratio, but adjusting it slightly can result in fluffier or stickier quinoa.

Step 3: Combine Quinoa and Water in the Rice Cooker

Transfer the rinsed quinoa to the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add the measured water and give it a gentle stir to ensure the quinoa is evenly distributed in the pot.

Step 4: Set the Rice Cooker

Place the inner pot with the quinoa and water into the rice cooker. Close the lid securely. Most rice cookers have a dedicated “Quinoa” or “White Rice” setting. If your rice cooker does not have a specific quinoa setting, choose the “White Rice” or “Regular” setting instead.

Step 5: Cook the Quinoa

Press the “Cook” or “Start” button on your rice cooker to begin the cooking process. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature to achieve perfectly cooked quinoa.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Once the rice cooker completes the cooking cycle, allow the quinoa to rest for 5-10 minutes before opening the lid. This helps to steam the quinoa and ensures a fluffy texture.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

After the resting period, use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. This separates the grains and prevents clumping. The cooked quinoa is now ready to be served as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for other dishes.

Tips for Perfect Quinoa

• Adjust the water-to-quinoa ratio: Experiment with the water-to-quinoa ratio to achieve your desired texture. Using slightly more water can result in a softer and stickier quinoa, while using less water can yield a drier and fluffier quinoa.
• Add flavor: While cooking, you can enhance the flavor of the quinoa by substituting some of the water with broth or adding herbs and spices to the cooking liquid.
• Avoid lifting the lid: It is important to resist the temptation to lift the lid of the rice cooker during the cooking process. This can disrupt the steaming and cooking cycle, leading to unevenly cooked quinoa.
• Let it rest: Allowing the quinoa to rest after cooking is crucial. This step ensures that the quinoa absorbs any remaining moisture and results in a light and fluffy texture.

Conclusion

Using a rice cooker to make quinoa is a convenient and foolproof method that produces consistent results. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked quinoa that is fluffy, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.