How to Cook Quinoa in a Steamer

Quinoa is a healthy, gluten-free grain that's simple to cook in a steamer.

Quinoa is a small, round protein-packed grain, as opposed to a starchy grain such as rice. However, it's as easy to make quinoa as it is to make rice. Quinoa has a texture like couscous and a mild, wheat-like taste. It can be used as a substitute for other grains in most recipes and is an ideal substitute for people who are gluten intolerant, as it is gluten-free. It's difficult to cook quinoa on the stove, but easy in a steamer or rice cooker.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cups
• Water
• Strainer
• Quinoa
• Steamer
• Clock or timer
• Towel
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Plan how much quinoa you want to make. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry quinoa yields enough cooked quinoa for one person. Measure how much dry quinoa you'll be cooking.

2. Rinse the quinoa, using your strainer, under clean, room-temperature water for two to three minutes.

3. Measure how much water you'll need. The water must be 1 1/2 times your amount of quinoa. For example, for 2 cups of dry quinoa you'll need 3 cups of water.

4. Pour your cleaned quinoa into your steamer along with the water you measured.

5. Switch your steamer on and allow it to cook. It'll need about 20 minutes, according to the amount of quinoa you're making. The steamer should turn off automatically once it's done.

6. Unplug your steamer and open its lid. Put a towel over the rim of the steamer. Close the lid and allow it to sit for five minutes. This will make your quinoa more fluffy.

7. Remove your quinoa from the steamer with a ladle or large spoon and place it in a bowl. It's ready to serve or mix with other ingredients.

References

• Purdue University: Quinoa
• Savvy Vegetarian: How to Cook Quinoa
• Cooking Quinoa: How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly

Resources

• Quinoa Corporation