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!
Hello,
I am new to using a rice cooker and I purchased a rice cooker that allows you to push a button for white rice or brown rice. When making quinoa what setting do you use? Also, do you use the rice measuring cup that comes with a rice cooker or an actual 1 cup measuring cup that is used for baking? I really would like to make this recipe. Thank you for your help.
Hi Colleen! Mine doesn’t haven’t multiple settings so I would just try the white rice setting. I use an actual 1 cup measuring cup when making this. Hope it helps! Good luck!
I just started cooking quinoa and had the same problems you listed. I love it more than rice. I have a rice cooker that is just waiting for a batch of Quinoa!
YUM! Looks so easy!!
I’d love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, and tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
I am really glad to have this recipe, so I can make the Quinoa in my Rice maker. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great day and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
My daughter uses her rice cooker all the time so I’ll pass this recipe on to her! I might even ask for one for my birthday! 🙂 Pinning too!
My family has never had quinoa. We love rice though. I think I will try it. Since I can make it in my rice cooker, at least I will know how to cook it now. Thank you.
I hope you like it! It’s so versatile!
Here’s my question. My rice cooker has a couple settings. I am guessing I would use the white rice setting, not brown rice (a longer cooking cycle). My white rice setting cooks for about 40 min. to complete the cycle. I do not have a timed option. Do you think I should simply open the cooker after 30 minutes? Thanks.
Hey, Peggy! Mine only has one setting, which I think is for white rice. I would try using that one. As it’s cooking, the water will start to disappear. I’d check it around 30 minutes and see if there is still some water that needs to evaporate, or if the water is gone. If the water is gone, I’d turn it off, cover it and leave it for another 5 minutes or so, then fluff with a fork. Hope that helps!
Thank you! That was my question as well.
Great post. Wish I though of it first. Ha ha! The quinoa looks fluffy and delicious!
It looks yummy!! I’ll try to do it…although I don’t have a rice cooker 🙁
Yes I love life hacks like this. Set it and forget it. Our rice cooker only works about half the time, but when it does it’s glorious!!