Thanks to your rice cooker, making quinoa has never been easier!
Despite what its name suggests, a rice cooker isn’t only for cooking rice. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can put anything you want in there. However, quinoa is one of the foods that can be prepared in a rice cooker. This hands-off approach allows the rice cooker to do most of the work, making it an easy and reliable option.
I’ve found that my rice cooker makes any type of quinoa fluffy, consistent, and tasty. It’s also worth noting that you can add a few things to this quinoa recipe. For example, why not ditch the water for something more robust, like a chicken broth? Vegetable broth is tasty, too!
And don’t be afraid of sprinkling in your favorite herbs and spices. A little cumin and garlic powder go a long way. Personally, I like to add a splash of lemon juice or coconut milk, depending on my main dish. The real question is what you’ll do with the quinoa once it’s ready because, with so many ways to use it, the possibilities are endless!
Is Quinoa Healthy?
No matter how you prepare quinoa, it’s an excellent source of protein. Since rice cooker quinoa is both vegan-friendly and gluten-free, it’s a great way for people who don’t eat meat to get protein. Just keep in mind that if you use broth or vegetable stock to cook the quinoa, stick with low-sodium options. Likewise, go easy on the salt and any other ingredients you combine with the quinoa that could negate some of its health benefits.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Cooking Quinoa
While a rice cooker certainly simplifies how to make quinoa, it’s not exactly foolproof. For one thing, you definitely don’t want to skip certain steps, like rinsing the quinoa. Sure, you can get away with not rinsing rice, but quinoa is an entirely different grain. Without a good rinse, quinoa has a bitter taste due to its natural coating of saponin.
Another mistake to watch out for is the water ratio. Too much water turns the quinoa into a mushy mess, while too little water leaves the grain undercooked and chewy.
And here’s an easy but just as important step: Let your quinoa sit for a few minutes. You’d be amazed at how a short resting period makes the quinoa even fluffier!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover quinoa sealed in an airtight container should last up to 4 days. If stored in the freezer, it should last up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
More often than not, quinoa will be a side dish, usually as part of a vegetarian meal. I particularly like serving quinoa with a black bean burger or even a sweet potato veggie burger. They’re also good in Mexican food, like these Tasty Tofu Tacos.
If you’re in a Chinese mood, replace the rice in your favorite Orange Chicken Recipe with quinoa. This resilient grain is delicious in Japanese dishes as well, like this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry.
Finally, if you’re a fish lover, try pairing quinoa with Crispy Air-Fried Fish, which can also be made gluten-free, or perhaps you can try this recipe for Perfect Poached Fish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in the rice cooker. Using broth will add more flavor, especially if you have a specific dish in mind.
- If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mixture, then close the lid and set the rice cooker to the standard white rice cooking setting.
- Allow the rice cooker to work its magic, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle is complete, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes, then fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve the quinoa as a nutritious side dish or use it as a base for salads and bowls. DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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