How to Cook Quinoa in the Microwave
Cooking Quinoa has never been so easy! With nothing more than water, salt, and a microwave, you can prepare restaurant-worthy quinoa in a matter of minutes.
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If you’ve ever felt intimidated at the prospect of cooking quinoa (and let’s be honest, even regular old white rice can sometimes be a headache to prepare), then fear not. This recipe is both quick and easy, ensuring perfect results every time.
Plus, there’s no better way to kickstart a meal-prep habit than by stocking your fridge with a big container full of quinoa. And with a neutral flavor profile, we recommend treating it like a blank canvas, ready to adapt to any flavors you throw at it. Add some curry or turmeric for a Mediterranean flair, or go with basil and oregano for an Italian dish, or simply dollop some butter and sprinkle some salt in there for a classic comfort meal. Trust us, Quinoa is the friend you need for any phase of your life.
Is Quinoa Healthy?
When it comes to quinoa, believe the hype. There’s a reason this superfood showed up in just about every health food store and artisanal restaurant over the last 15 years.
Quinoa is a flowering plant whose seeds are rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a whole bunch of other good stuff. Think of it as super rice. And if you’re worried that preparing quinoa in the microwave might zap out some of that nutrition, rest assured that microwaving is actually one of the healthiest cooking methods. Its short cooking time protects nutrients and keeps quinoa from turning mushy or bland. Add in extra butter or seasoning for added oomph if you’re feeling extra spicy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under cold water
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse
The quinoa thoroughly to ensure it’s clean before cooking.
Combine
Quinoa with water and seasonings in a bowl, making sure it’s ready for even cooking.
Cover
The bowl traps steam and promotes uniform cooking.
Microwave
The quinoa first for 6 minutes, stir, then finish cooking for 2 more minutes.
Rest
The quinoa is covered to allow full absorption of the liquid.
Fluff and Serve
The perfectly cooked quinoa and enjoy.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Why does it keep spilling over every time I cook?
Look, we get it – microwaves are annoying sometimes. Depending on which model you have, microwave intensity can be slightly higher or lower. Our secret? Try adjusting your microwave settings down to 70% of its full power in order to prevent spillage. Once you make a few batches, you should be able to gauge cooking times exactly to your microwave’s specifications.
What kind of bowl should I use?
Whenever you’re cooking something in a microwave, it’s vital that you use a dish that’s microwave-safe. In this case, we recommend a large bowl, of at least 45 ounces. Smaller bowls can spill over and cause a mess.
Can I use any type of quinoa?
Yes, by all means, but we recommend you go with white quinoa for best results. Just remember that darker quinoas tend to require an extra minute or two in order for the water to fully absorb. Whatever you choose, always see about getting the freshest batch you can in order to ensure the richest flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
What makes quinoa so great is you can make it ahead of time and pair it with just about anything. Serve it as a side dish with a juicy steak or cut of chicken, spoon it over a salad (we recommend this low carb broccoli salad) or add it into a wrap (this Thai wrap might do the trick). Either way, you can’t go wrong with whatever dish you choose.
Microwave Quinoa Recipe – How to make quinoa in microwave?
Servings 3 servings
Calories 247kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed under cold water
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil optional
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any impurities.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir to ensure the quinoa is fully immersed.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid to contain the steam and cook evenly.
- Microwave on high for 6 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the cover with a kitchen towel, stir the quinoa, and continue to microwave for an additional 2 minutes.
- Allow the cooked quinoa to rest, still covered, for 5 minutes on the countertop. Any remaining liquid will be absorbed during this time.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and serve as desired. DEVOUR!
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 3mg
The post How to Cook Quinoa in the Microwave appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
