How To Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker (with recipes) (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of water to quinoa in a rice cooker? ›

The best part is, you don't have to memorize a new ratio — you'll use the same exact one you use to cook quinoa on the stove: 1 cup quinoa to 1 3/4 cups water. Simply rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer, drain it, and add it to the rice cooker with the water and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: This is one of my go-to side dishes to serve with meat. It is made by cooking quinoa with onion and garlic and then mixing it with lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Quinoa Lentil recipe: Cooking quinoa and green lentils together is a great way to flavor otherwise tasteless quinoa.

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Quinoa is a nutritious choice for people looking for plant-based protein sources—it's a complete protein, containing all nine of the essential amino acids. Plus, its dietary fiber may help improve your digestion. Likewise, its fiber and protein content can help make you feel more satiated than other grains.

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

Saponins are bitter in taste and can give certain foods a soap-like flavor. As many of our recipes don't call for hint-of-suds, it's highly recommended to rinse each serving of quinoa before cooking.

Your rice cooker excels at cooking much more than rice alone. Indeed, it can make batches of grains tender and fluffy for make-ahead meals. Fill the cooker with the quinoa, water and salt, and let it do the work while you focus on other kitchen tasks.

Do you stir quinoa while cooking? ›

Stay vigilant: Stir the grains constantly to avoid burning, watching for that perfect golden moment, around 6 to 8 minutes. Water is this grain's go-to companion, but other liquids–think low-sodium chicken, mushroom or vegetable broth–add flavor. Just keep the ratio 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa.

Dried oregano: Oregano adds a nuance of flavor and a Mediterranean flair. Kosher salt: One of the biggest mistakes people make with quinoa: they don't add enough salt! Add just enough so it tastes flavorful but not salty. Feta cheese crumbles (optional): Take quinoa over the top with a sprinkle of savory feta cheese!

Rice Cooker Ratio

Medium grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Short grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Long grain brown rice - 1:2.25 ratio (1 cup rice + 2 1/4 cups water) Parboiled rice - 1:2 ratio (1 cup rice + 2 cups water)

Not only is quinoa healthier than rice, but it is easier and faster to cook. The ratio to cook quinoa is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or stock.

To cook long-grained white rice on the stove, use a 2 to 1 water to rice ratio. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. You can add an optional pinch of salt if you wish.