How to Make Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
This blog is all about easy ways to live a little healthier, which is why I’m so excited to share this kitchen hack with you! I’ve had a rice cooker for a few years (it was a gift from my sister in law!) and I love it. But I’m kicking myself for not trying this sooner. Sure, it cooks rice perfectly, but did you know it’ll cook quinoa perfectly, too?
It makes sense but for some reason, I’d just never given it a shot. And if we’re being honest, quinoa was always one of those foods that seemed tough to get exactly right. Mine wouldn’t be quite as fluffy as I hoped, or there would be a few spoonfuls stuck to the bottom of the pot. Nothing awful, but it just wasn’t quite right.
Then I dumped my quinoa into this magical contraption and the result was perfectly fluffy quinoa! Magic!
I know it probably seems like I’m overreacting but as someone who is trying to get more into meal prep, being able to make a batch of quinoa on Sunday and then dole it out during the week, this is a game changer! Alright, so here’s the “recipe” (but it’s so easy, it barely needs one!)
Benefits of quinoa
- Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs!
- Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, so it will keep you full and give you sustained energy
- It’s very budget friendly! To save even more money, look for it in the bulk bins
How to Make Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Rice cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Making quinoa in your rice cooker is a fast and easy way to get perfectly cooked quinoa!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse your quinoa.
- Pour the quinoa and broth or water into the rice cooker. If you’re not sure what you’re going to use it for, you might want to just use water. If you know your future plan, broth can be a good option to give it more flavor.
- Add in salt and turn on the rice cooker.
- Most will be done cooking in around 30 minutes.
- Once it’s done cooking, wait a few minutes and then fluff it with a fork.
- It will end up making about 3-4 cups of quinoa.
Notes
Don’t remove the lid while the quinoa is cooking.
Once it’s done, fluff it with a fork before serving.
I was so excited about this, I already made this kale and quinoa salad with my first batch of quinoa!
The recipe was already easy, but now I can whip this together in minutes before popping it in the oven!
If you’re looking for a rice cooker, this one makes a perfect batch of quinoa.
This is the rice cooker that I have (affiliate link) and it works great! I’m sure it would work in pretty much any sort of rice cooker though so if you already have one at home, give it a try!
I really need a rice cooker! It would seriously make my life so much easier with all the rice I eat all the time! 🙂
I love it for rice and now I’m excited that it’s not a single-use appliance anymore!!
This is pretty much changing my life. 🙂
My sister lovessss her rice cooker! I feel like I have too many kitchen appliances already so I will probably never get one, but my step mom is going to get one soon so I will definietly be borrowing hers! And I agree that quinoa can be quite fussy sometimes, so this simple way to cook it sounds perfect!
I love that you can make a huge batch for smaller recipes!
You’re not overacting at all! This is mind blowing stuff, lol! I agree, quinoa can be difficult to cook perfectly so knowing that the slow cooker does such a good job is valuable information. Thanks for sharing!
Ooh what a great idea! I don’t have a rice cooker, but I do love the idea of making a bunch of quinoa on the weekends.
I love finding new ways to use an existing appliance haha. There will be lots of quinoa batches in my future!
you can also use it to make apple sauce – just put cored peeled and diced apples and add a bit of water and some cinnamon sugar and voilà , you have apple sauce for the week – just put in a little jar
I love using the rice cooker for quinoa, it makes it so easy instead of standing and stirring!
I so easily forget about my slow cooker and how it can do absolutely ANYTHING. I’ve never used it for quinoa, but definitely hear you on not always getting the best results when done on the stove. Will definitely keep this in mind for next time.
I would assume that a slow cooker would work similar to a rice cooker although I’m not sure. Worth a shot!
A sow cooker wouldn’t work the same.
Love my rice cooker, it makes the absolute best pork tenderloin. Make diagonal slices in roast, slice up an apple and a sweet onion. Put a slice each Apple and onion in the roast slots. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar, a tsp each ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. A cup of chicken broth. Set cooker to meat and wait for it to be done. Meat falls apart. Cook quinoa or rice as a side dish. It makes the absolute most wonderful meal. Even my son, who finds pork too dry, loves this dish. He told me it’s the best meat he has eaten.
Your rice cooker has a MEAT option??
I have a rice cooker that we got and have yet to use. I think next time we cook quinoa I’m going to try it this way.
I never thought this was possible, thanks for the hack!
No problem! Anything that makes healthy meals easier is worth sharing!
wow… thank you so much for this healthy, easy to make recipes!!! Specially this “Qinoa cooked in Rice Cooker”. …you are awesome!
I love love your “simple” recipe posts more than anything. I hate crazy complicated recipes, so gravitating towards the every day, doable ones are my thing. Thanks for sharing – never thought of this!
That makes me so happy to hear! Sometimes I feel silly for posting “simple” ideas but at the same time, I feel like those are the most practical!