How to Cook Quinoa Like a Pro (From Bland to Delicious)

Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that is rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. However, cooking quinoa can be a little tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the process.

We will take you through the steps to cook quinoa perfectly using different methods, including on the stovetop, in the microwave, and in a rice cooker. We will also cover essential tips for achieving the perfect quinoa, including the water ratio and the quinoa cook time.

How Long Does Quinoa Take to Cook?

Before diving into making the perfect quinoa dish anyone unfamiliar with it may want to know how long it takes to cook. Well, the cooking time for quinoa varies depending on the cooking method and the water ratio. On average, quinoa takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. However, if you're cooking it in the microwave, it may take less time, while cooking it on the stove may take longer.

It is also important to mind the quinoa-water ratio when cooking quinoa. The ideal water to quinoa ratio is 2:1. This means that for every cup of quinoa, you should use two cups of water. 
However, several factors can affect the water ratio, such as altitude, the age of the quinoa, and the cooking method. Therefore, it's essential to keep an eye on the quinoa and adjust the water ratio as needed. If you need a bit of help to measure your quinoa and water, use this basic kitchen and food measurement guide to assist you.

Tips to cooking the perfect quinoa

To summarise, here are a few tips to achieve the perfect quinoa, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

• First, make sure to rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any debris and bitterness. Failing to rinse it can result in a bitter taste.
• Next, use the ideal water to quinoa ratio of 2:1, but adjust it as needed. 
• Keep an eye on the quinoa and avoid overcooking it. 
• Once it's done, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork or spoon.
   Lastly, don’t be scared to experiment with different cooking methods to find the one that works best for you.

Cooking Quinoa in the Microwave

If you are in a hurry or very hungry and need to cook quinoa quickly, using a microwave is a great option. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll be eating in no time.

Here's how to cook quinoa in the microwave:

Materials Required:

1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water
Microwave-safe dish with a lid
Fork or spoon

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain it.
• Place the quinoa and water in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with a lid and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes.
• Check the quinoa to see if it's cooked. If not, microwave it for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Once it's done, let it sit for a few minutes then fluff it with a fork or spoon. Take a few more minutes to add some mango and left-over chicken. This makes a quick, simple, healthy and most importantly, delicious, quinoa salad. Alternatively, try roasted pear and cranberry Brussel sprouts as a side. This recipe combines the sweetness of the pear with the tartness of the dried cranberries and the caramelised edges of the Brussels sprouts. It is absolutely mouth-watering and will definitely bring an amazing flavour to your quinoa. 

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Quinoa in the Microwave:

(i) Make sure to use a microwave-safe dish with a lid to prevent spillage.
(ii) Check the quinoa frequently to avoid overcooking it.
(iii) Let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing it to allow it to absorb any remaining water.

Cooking Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

Another popular method for cooking quinoa is to use a rice cooker. It is fast and efficient; and you don’t have to keep peering over the pot trying to make sure it doesn’t burn. It’s the perfect method for a gluten-free tabouli meal or for stuffed capsicums as you can be preparing other ingredients whilst the quinoa is cooking.

Here's how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker:

Materials Required:

1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water
Rice cooker
Fork or spoon

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain it.
• Place the quinoa and water in the rice cooker.
• Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook until it turns off automatically.

Again, when it's done, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing it. If you want to add meat to the dish, it is best to choose beef as a classic flavour combination that will give the quinoa a distinctive taste. This delicious crispy chilli beef is an amazing addition; make it with sirloin or rump steak to fully enjoy its goodness. 

You can also try stuffed quinoa, just like in stuffed couscous. Yes, quinoa and couscous can be used interchangeably. While quinoa has a crunchier texture and a nuttier taste than couscous, which has a texture and flavour similar to pasta they still fill a similar role and can both be enjoyed hot or cold. So try this stuffed couscous recipe but replace the couscous with quinoa and see how it goes. 

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Quinoa in a Rice Cooker:

(i) Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the rice cooker.
(ii) Let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing it to allow it to absorb any remaining water.

Cooking Quinoa on the Stove

If you prefer the traditional method of cooking quinoa on a stovetop, here's how to do it:

Materials Required:

1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water
Saucepan with a lid
Fork or spoon

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain it.
• Place the quinoa and water in a saucepan.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

When you’ve fluffed your quinoa, why not serve it in a healthy protein bowl? Quinoa is also a delicious addition to breakfast porridge. Simply simmer quinoa with dried figs, maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. You can add other ingredients as per the recipe suggestions. 

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Quinoa on the Stove:

(i) Keep an eye on the quinoa to avoid overcooking it. 
(ii) Let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing it to allow it to absorb any remaining water.

How to Store Cooked Quinoa

1. Cool it down: Before storing cooked quinoa, make sure it has completely cooled down to room temperature. This can take around 30 minutes.

The most popular Quinoa Recipes