Steaming Quinoa: The Perfect Timing For A Healthy Dish

Quinoa is a nutritious and protein-rich seed that is often cooked and eaten like a grain. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, soups, and baked goods. When cooked, quinoa grains become slightly translucent and sprout a tiny tail. While it can be cooked in a saucepan, some people prefer to use a rice cooker or steamer. But how long does it take to cook quinoa in a steamer?

Rinse the quinoa

Rinsing quinoa is an important step in preparing the grain for cooking. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin, which is a self-defence mechanism to protect the quinoa plant from microbes, fungi, birds, insects, and other foraging animals. Saponin has a bitter, soapy taste and can cause gastrointestinal distress, so it is important to remove it by rinsing the quinoa before cooking.

Most commercially sold quinoa has already been washed and had the saponin removed, and this will usually be indicated on the packaging. However, some people are particularly sensitive to the taste of saponin, so it is always a good idea to give the quinoa a quick rinse before cooking to improve the taste and remove any saponin residue.

• Measure out the amount of quinoa you want to cook.
• Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. The holes in the strainer should be small enough that the tiny quinoa grains won't slip through.
• Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30-45 seconds, or until the water runs clear.
• Drain the quinoa fully. You can set it over an empty bowl to make sure it drains completely before cooking.

If you don't have a fine-mesh strainer, there are a few alternative methods you can use to rinse quinoa:

• Cheesecloth: Place the quinoa in the middle of a cheesecloth, collect the edges to enclose it, and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove the excess water, or hang it over the faucet and let the water drip out.
• Nut milk bag: Fill a nut milk bag with quinoa, rinse under cold running water, and squeeze to remove the water.
• Coffee filter: Place a clean coffee filter in the basket of your coffee maker, add the quinoa, and rinse under cold running water. Allow to drain thoroughly before cooking.
• Bowl: Place the quinoa in a large bowl, cover with several inches of cold water, and stir. Tilt the bowl to drain the water off, using your hand or a pot lid to prevent the quinoa from escaping. Repeat until the water runs clear, then drain the quinoa well before cooking.
• French press: Place the quinoa in a French press, fill it with cold water, and drain. Repeat until the water runs clear.
• Old t-shirt: Place the quinoa in the middle of a clean, white t-shirt, collect the sides, and rinse under running water until the water runs clear.

Once your quinoa is rinsed and drained, it is ready to be cooked!

Drain the quinoa

To drain the quinoa, you'll first need to rinse it. Place the quinoa in a bowl or a fine strainer and cover it with cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Drain the quinoa through a strainer and rinse it until the water runs clear. This step is important as it removes any bitter resinous saponin that is native to the quinoa plant. Most commercially sold quinoa has been pre-washed, but it's always good to give it an extra rinse.

Now you're ready to cook your quinoa. Combine the quinoa with water or broth and a pinch of salt in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. The quinoa should be cooked for around 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

Once the quinoa is cooked, drain any excess water and return the quinoa to the pan. Cover the pan with a clean dish towel, replace the lid, and allow the quinoa to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This step lets the quinoa steam and become light and fluffy. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

Use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa Using a 2:1 Water-to-Quinoa Ratio

Quinoa is a nutritious, gluten-free seed that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. It has a naturally nutty flavour and a fluffy, chewy texture when cooked.

Preparing the Quinoa

Before cooking, it's important to rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitter-tasting, naturally occurring insecticides called saponins. Most commercially sold quinoa has been pre-washed, but it's always a good idea to give it an extra rinse.

Cooking the Quinoa

To cook quinoa using a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio, first, combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. For example, use 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to make four 1/2-cup servings. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Cooking time will vary depending on the quantity of quinoa you are preparing. For smaller amounts, the quinoa will be ready in closer to 10 minutes, while larger amounts may take up to 20 minutes. As it cooks, the quinoa will absorb all of the water.

Once the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, remove the pot from the heat and cover it. Let the quinoa steam for about 5 minutes. This step allows the quinoa to fully absorb the water and pop open into fluffy, curlicued grains.

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. At this point, you can season the quinoa with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil, or use it as a base for other recipes.

Tips for Cooking Quinoa

• To add more flavour to your quinoa, you can use liquids other than water, such as vegetable or chicken broth, coconut milk, or non-dairy milk.
• Make sure to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside and cook the quinoa evenly.
• If you're in a hurry, you can cook quinoa in a rice cooker. Some models have a quinoa setting, making it a one-step process.
• Leftover cooked quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days.

Cook for 15-20 minutes

Cooking quinoa in a steamer

Step 1: Rinse the quinoa

It is important to rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove the bitter resinous saponin that is native to the plant. Place the quinoa in a bowl or a fine strainer and cover/hold it under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain well.

Step 2: Prepare the quinoa in a steamer

Place the quinoa in the rice bowl of your steamer, and add a little less water than quinoa. For example, use about 1/2 cup of water for 3/4 cup of quinoa. You can also use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water.

Step 3: Steam the quinoa

Turn on the steamer and steam the quinoa for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Let the quinoa sit

Turn off the steamer and let the quinoa sit for about 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time.

Step 5: Fluff the quinoa

After 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt, to taste, or stir in a drizzle of olive oil and a clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Tips:

• Most commercially sold quinoa has been washed already, but it is always good to give it an extra rinse.
• If you are not sure what you will use the quinoa for, it is recommended to just use water. If you know your future plan, you can use broth to give it more flavor.
• Quinoa is strengthening for the whole body, and for the kidneys in particular. It is high in protein, and also rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins.

Fluff with a fork

Fluffing with a Fork

Fluffing quinoa with a fork is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to separate the grains and ensure they are light and airy. This is especially important when cooking quinoa in a steamer, as it can become mushy if left in the water for too long.

Once the quinoa has been cooked according to the instructions (see above), it is important to remove it from the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This helps to ensure that the quinoa is not overcooked and that any remaining water is absorbed.

After the quinoa has rested, it is time to fluff it with a fork. Use a gentle lifting motion to separate the grains and break up any clumps. Be careful not to stir or mix the quinoa too vigorously, as this can cause it to become sticky or mushy.

The amount of time it takes to fluff quinoa with a fork will vary depending on the amount of quinoa being prepared. For a single cup of dry quinoa, fluffing should only take a minute or two. For larger quantities, it may take a bit longer to ensure all the grains are separated.

It is important to use a fork rather than a spoon or other utensil for fluffing quinoa. A fork allows for more precise and gentle separation of the grains, helping to achieve the desired light and fluffy texture.

Once the quinoa has been fluffed, it is ready to be served or used in other recipes. Quinoa can be served as a side dish or added to salads, soups, baked goods, and more. It is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Frequently asked questions