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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Freezer Friendly / How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

    How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

    Posted: Mar 27, 2022 Last Modified: Mar 26, 2022 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Did you know you can use a rice cooker to make quinoa? It comes out perfectly fluffy every single time and it’s hands off! Here’s how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker!

    Did you know you can cook more than just rice in your rice cooker? I love rice cooker quinoa because it’s a hands off recipe and perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the stove (or the stove is occupied/out of commission). The quinoa comes out perfect, just like Instant Pot Quinoa but with a rice cooker instead!

    A plate of quinoa with a spoon.

    This method of making quinoa was perfect for when we were renovating the kitchen and didn’t have access to our kitchen! I also love how you can just push the cook button and walk away, no need to worry about a pot boiling over or waiting for the pot to come to a boil before lowering it to a simmer. Plus, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the “keep warm” function if you’re out of the house or busy. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week for meal prep or simply make enough for dinner.

    Close up of a plate of quinoa.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Ingredients needed to make quinoa in a rice cooker.
    • oil spray — to keep sticking to a minimum (and clean up easier!).
    • quinoa — do you rinse your quinoa? This is debatable as it depends on your personal quinoa, while some people swear by rinsing their quinoa before cooking, I rinse mine sometimes, not always. Rinsing removes the quinoa’s natural coating, saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. However, the quinoa I purchase is pre-washed and cleaned so if I’m in a rush, I skip rinsing it. If you buy your quinoa at the bulk store, then I recommend rinsing it beforehand.
    • liquid — you can use water or broth. You can even cook quinoa in orange juice for a sweeter flavour but I’ve only tried this method on the stovetop, not the rice cooker. I try to use chicken broth or vegetable broth but it’s up to you!
    • bay leaf — one or two bay leaves add a nice subtle flavour to the rice cooker quinoa.
    • salt — I add a pinch of salt.

    How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

    • Quinoa with liquid, seasoning, and bay leaf in a rice cooker liner.
    • Quinoa in a rice cooker.
    • To a rice cooker liner, add the quinoa (rinsed beforehand if you prefer), liquid, salt, and bay leaf.
    • Place the liner into the rice cooker and press the cook button. The process should take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your rice cooker and amount of quinoa added.
    • Cooked quinoa in a rice cooker.
    • Quinoa fluffed in a rice cooker.
    • Once done, open the rice cooker, fluff the quinoa, and remove the bay leaf before serving.

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Keep in mind that quinoa will almost triple in size after cooking. Avoid filling the rice cooker past the maximum line.
    • I use the white rice setting on my rice cooker.
    • Feel free to use additional seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and more.
    My Recommendation
    Looking for a rice cooker? This is the one I use and I absolutely love it since I can set it and forget it.
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    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the cooked quinoa in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
    • Freezer: allow the rice cooker quinoa to cool before transferring to an airtight container or Souper Cubes before storing them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months.
    My Recommendation
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    Close up of a plate of quinoa.

    Recipe Using Quinoa

    Need some ways to use the quinoa you just made? Try these recipes:

    • Mango Chili Lime Meal Prep
    • Cold Peach Quinoa Salad
    • Quinoa Chicken Spinach Nergi Bowl

    Serving Ideas

    Serve your quinoa with…

    • Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
    • Greek Chicken Thighs
    • Honey Chipotle Chicken
    • Air Fryer Orange Chicken
    • Dutch Oven Chicken
    A plate of quinoa with a spoon.

    How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

    Did you know you can use a rice cooker to make quinoa? It comes out perfectly fluffy every single time and it's hands off! Here's how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 30 mins
    Total Time: 35 mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • oil spray
    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 2 cup water, or broth
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 bay leaf

    Equipment

    • Rice cooker

    Instructions

    • To a rice cooker liner, add the quinoa (rinsed beforehand if you prefer), liquid, salt, and bay leaf.
    • Place the liner into the rice cooker and press the cook button. The process should take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your rice cooker and amount of quinoa added.
    • Once done, open the rice cooker, fluff the quinoa, and remove the bay leaf before serving.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg
    Authour: Carmy
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Healthy

    Other places to connect with me
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    Email: [email protected]

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    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Toronto. Here you can find healthy-ish meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, and lightened up family favourites! Follow along as she shares what she learns along the way!

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