How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

  1. 1

    Rinse the quinoa thoroughly

    Place quinoa in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that tastes bitter and soapy if not rinsed off. Do not skip this step.

  2. 2

    Add quinoa and water in a 1:1.75 ratio

    For 1 cup of quinoa, add 1.75 cups of water (or low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock for extra flavour). Add a pinch of salt. Quinoa absorbs slightly less liquid than white rice.

  3. 3

    Use the White Rice setting

    Close the lid and select the White Rice cycle. The rice cooker handles the rest automatically — it switches to Keep Warm when done.

  4. 4

    Rest on Warm for 5 minutes then fluff

    Leave on Keep Warm for 5 minutes after the cycle completes. Open, fluff with a fork and serve. The quinoa should be tender with the germ (the little white spiral) visibly separated from each grain — this is how you know it is properly cooked.

Toast quinoa first for nutty flavourFor richer flavour, toast rinsed, dried quinoa in the rice cooker pot (with the pot on the stove or in the cooker on sauté mode if available) for 2–3 minutes before adding water. This develops a nutty, slightly roasted flavour that makes plain quinoa much more interesting.

Serving Ideas

Quinoa is a complete protein and extremely versatile. Use as a base for grain bowls, substitute for rice with curries or stir-fries, add to soups, mix into salads, or eat as a hot breakfast porridge with honey and fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Almost — the main difference is the water ratio. Rice typically uses 1:1.5 to 1:2 water. Quinoa uses 1:1.75. Using a rice ratio will leave quinoa slightly wet. The White Rice setting works for quinoa on virtually all rice cooker models.
Cooked quinoa keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days, making it ideal for meal prep. It also freezes well for up to 3 months — freeze in portions on a tray then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave with a splash of water.