Steaming Quinoa: The Perfect Oven Method

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews. It is a nutritious grain that provides protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Cooking quinoa in a steam oven is a convenient and efficient way to prepare it. By using steam, the quinoa cooks evenly and retains its texture and flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook quinoa perfectly in a steam oven, along with tips for incorporating it into delicious meals.

Rinse the quinoa before cooking

Rinsing quinoa before cooking is an important step in preparing this grain. It helps to remove any bitterness and ensure the quinoa is clean and ready for cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to rinsing quinoa:

Step 1: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh colander

Use a fine-mesh colander to ensure that the quinoa grains do not fall through the holes. Place the desired amount of quinoa in the colander and rinse it under running water. You can also place the colander with quinoa in a large bowl and fill it with water, then drain and repeat until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove the bitter-tasting coating that is naturally found on quinoa.

Step 2: Rinse until the water runs clear

Continue to rinse the quinoa until the water that drains out runs clear. This may take a few minutes and multiple changes of water. It is important to be thorough in this step to ensure that the bitterness is removed and to avoid an unpleasant aftertaste in your cooked quinoa.

Step 3: Drain the quinoa thoroughly

After rinsing, make sure to drain the quinoa well. You can do this by shaking the colander to remove any excess water. It is important that the quinoa is as dry as possible before you proceed to the next step of cooking it in the steam oven.

Step 4: Prepare for cooking

Once the quinoa is rinsed and drained, it is ready to be cooked. You can now proceed to spread the quinoa onto a baking tray or steam pan, add water and oil, and place it in your preheated steam oven. Follow the specific instructions provided by your steam oven for the best results.

Remember, rinsing quinoa before cooking is a crucial step to ensure the removal of any bitter taste and to prepare the grain for optimal cooking. By taking the time to properly rinse and prepare your quinoa, you will be rewarded with a delicious and healthy base for your meals.

Use a shallow dish or tray

To cook quinoa in a steam oven using a shallow dish or tray, start by rinsing the quinoa. This step is important to remove any bitterness and ensure your quinoa is clean. Place the desired amount of quinoa in a shallow baking tray or dish. The amount of quinoa you use will depend on how much you want to cook and the size of your tray or dish. Generally, a ratio of 1:1 quinoa to water is recommended.

After rinsing, spread the quinoa evenly in the tray or dish. Pour water over the quinoa, ensuring all the grains are covered. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil at this stage for flavour and moisture. Cover the tray or dish tightly with foil to ensure the steam doesn't escape.

Place the tray in the preheated steam oven. Most sources recommend setting the temperature to 100°C/212°F for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity of quinoa and your oven's settings.

Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the tray from the oven and let it stand, still covered, for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, remove the foil, and season with salt and olive oil to taste. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and it's ready to be served warm or cold.

If you have excess liquid after cooking, don't worry. Simply strain the liquid off and season the quinoa as desired.

Steam at 100°C for 10-30 minutes

To cook quinoa in a steam oven, start by rinsing the quinoa to remove any bitterness. Then, spread the quinoa evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and pour water over the top. Place the quinoa in the oven and steam at 100°C for 10-30 minutes.

The cooking time will depend on the amount of quinoa you are cooking and the type of steam oven you are using. For example, if you are cooking 150g of quinoa in a combi steam oven, 10 minutes at 100°C should be sufficient. However, if you are cooking a larger batch of quinoa, you may need to increase the cooking time to 25 or 30 minutes.

Once the quinoa has been cooking for the desired amount of time, remove it from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes. Then, remove the foil, and season with salt and olive oil to taste. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve warm or cold.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your specific steam oven, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly. Additionally, you can adjust the quantity of liquid used to cook the quinoa if you find that it is too wet or too dry.

Let it stand for a few minutes

When cooking quinoa in a steam oven, it's important to follow the right steps to ensure it turns out perfectly. After rinsing the quinoa to remove any bitterness, you'll want to spread it evenly on a shallow baking tray or a steam pan, adding water and oil. Then, it's time to steam!

The steaming time will depend on the quantity of quinoa and the type of steam oven you have. For example, in a combi steam oven, you might steam for around 10 minutes at 100 degrees Celsius. In a different type of steam oven, you may need to steam for longer, around 25 to 35 minutes, at a similar temperature.

Now, here's where the magic happens: let the quinoa stand for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the quinoa to rest and finish cooking perfectly. During this time, the quinoa will continue to absorb moisture, ensuring it becomes tender and fluffy. The standing time can vary from 3 to 4 minutes or even up to 30 minutes if you're aiming for room temperature quinoa for a salad.

While the quinoa rests, you can prepare other ingredients or simply take a short break. Once the standing time is complete, remove the foil or lid and season the quinoa with salt and olive oil. You can also fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and ensure it's light and airy.

By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly cooked quinoa that's ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into a delicious recipe, such as a quinoa salad or a hearty bowl.

Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil

To cook quinoa in a steam oven, start by rinsing the quinoa to remove any bitterness. Next, spread the quinoa evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and pour water and olive oil over the top. Place the tray in the oven and set the temperature to 100°C/100% or 265°F (129°C) and cook for 10, 25, or 35 minutes, depending on the quantity of quinoa.

Once the quinoa is tender, turn off the oven but keep the quinoa inside for another 5 minutes. Then, remove the quinoa from the oven and fluff it with a fork. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can serve the quinoa warm or cold.

If you have excess liquid after cooking, don't worry. Simply strain the liquid off, and then season the quinoa with salt and olive oil. This can be used as a base for a trendy version of tabouleh.

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