How to Cook Quinoa in the Microwave

quinoa before cooking

Put your pots and pans away and cook Quinoa the easy way. Quinoa (KEEN-wa), which has been traced back to the ancient Incas, is similar to rice or couscous but is not a grain. It has a light nutty flavor and can be used in a side or main dish in most any cuisine. It is usually boiled, but a microwave can produce the same product.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup of water (or chicken broth)
• Spatula
• Microwave safe bowl
• Lid or plastic wrap
• Pot holders or oven mitts
• Measuring cups

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.

2. Place the quinoa and 2 cups of water in a microwave safe dish. The dish needs to be at least 1 qt. deep because the quinoa will boil up while it cooks. Cover the dish loosely with a lid or plastic wrap.

3. Cook the quinoa for about 3 minutes. Remove it from the microwave and stir. Wait 1 minute, then put it back in the microwave for another 3 minutes. It is done when it begins to stick together, the outer white ring is visible, and spiraling apart from many of the grains. If it is not finished cooking, add no more than 2 tbsp. of water and microwave it for 1 minute at a time.

4. Allow the finished quinoa to sit 1 minute or more to finish cooking and absorb any water that is left. Handling the dish and lid with pot holders, mix the quinoa with a spatula and add whatever ingredients you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Microwaves vary, so you may need to experiment with the amount of water and the cooking time.

• If you are left with too much water when finished cooking, drain it off if desired.

• Be careful when handling the heated dish, lid or plastic wrap. Be cautious of escaping steam.

References

• Bohemian Revolution: Quinoa recipes and cooking tips

Resources

• Quinoa Corporation - Ancient Grains Brand Supergrain Products