Steaming Quinoa: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Cooking Method

Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile seed that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. It is a great alternative to grains and is especially popular among those looking to increase their protein intake. While it can be cooked like rice, with a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio, some prefer a 3:1 ratio for fluffier quinoa. Here is a basic guide on how to cook quinoa in a steamer, yielding perfect, fluffy quinoa every time.

Rinse quinoa before cooking

Quinoa is a seed that grows with a natural coating called saponin, which has a bitter, soapy flavour. Saponin protects the seeds from fungus and pests. Most commercially sold quinoa has already undergone a process to remove the coating, and this will usually be indicated on the packaging. However, if there is no mention of this, or if you buy quinoa in bulk without packaging, it is recommended that you rinse it before cooking. You may also want to rinse it regardless, as some people are very sensitive to the taste of saponin and can detect residual amounts.

How to rinse quinoa

First, measure out the amount of quinoa you want to cook. Then, use one of the following methods to rinse it:

• In a fine-mesh strainer: Place the quinoa in a strainer with small enough holes so that the grains won't slip through. Rinse under cold running water for about a minute, occasionally shaking the strainer or stirring the quinoa with your fingers. Then, shake off any excess water and cook as directed.
• In a bowl: Place the quinoa in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cold water. Stir the quinoa, then tilt the bowl to drain the water off, using your hand or a lid to prevent grains from escaping. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and no suds form on the surface. Finally, drain the quinoa well and cook as directed.
• In a coffee filter: Line the basket of your coffee maker with a clean filter. Place the quinoa in the filter and rinse under cold running water, swirling it occasionally with your fingers, for about a minute. Then, allow it to drain thoroughly and cook as directed.
• In cloth: Place the quinoa in cheesecloth, a clean white t-shirt, a fabric nut-milk bag, or a vegetable storage bag. Twist the top to secure the quinoa, then rinse under cold running water for about a minute, lightly massaging the bag to distribute the water. Finally, squeeze the quinoa gently to remove excess water and cook as directed.

How to cook quinoa in a steamer

Once you have rinsed and drained your quinoa, you can cook it in a steamer. Place the quinoa into 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. Steam for 15 minutes, then turn off the steamer and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Use a rice bowl in your steamer

Using a rice bowl in your steamer is a great way to cook quinoa. It is a straightforward process and can be done in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, prepare the quinoa by rinsing it in a fine-mesh strainer under a steady stream of cold water. Rinsing removes the bitter substance called saponin that covers the seeds. It is important to rinse until the water runs clear. You can skip this step if your quinoa is pre-rinsed, but it is still recommended to give it a quick rinse to make it easier to digest.

Next, grease or spray the rice bowl with oil. This step is crucial to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the bowl. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or butter. Distribute the oil evenly using a paper towel.

Now, add the quinoa to the rice bowl. The general quinoa to water ratio is 1:2, so for every cup of quinoa, add two cups of water or another cooking liquid. You can use vegetable, beef, or chicken stock, or a combination of stock and water. For added flavour, you can also add seasonings like salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, or turmeric.

Once you have added the quinoa and liquid to the rice bowl, simply secure the lid and turn on the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a setting for white rice, use that. Otherwise, just press the cook button. The quinoa will take around 15 to 30 minutes to cook, depending on your rice cooker.

When the rice cooker turns off, let the quinoa steam for a few minutes to absorb any remaining moisture. Then, open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, fluffy quinoa ready to be served.

Using a rice bowl in your steamer is a convenient and hands-off approach to cooking quinoa. It eliminates the need to monitor the cooking process constantly, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

Use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio

To cook quinoa in a steamer, start by rinsing the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain well. This step is important to remove the bitter resinous saponin that is native to the plant.

Next, combine the quinoa with water using a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the quinoa and bring back to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and translucent, and each grain displays a tiny thread.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

Cook for 15 minutes

After bringing the water or stock to a boil in a medium saucepan, adding salt and quinoa, and reducing the heat to low, it's time to cook the quinoa for 15 minutes. This is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture for your quinoa.

During this 15-minute cooking period, it's essential to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan to trap the steam and ensure even cooking. This will help the quinoa absorb the right amount of water and become tender without drying out.

As the quinoa cooks, you'll notice subtle changes. The grains will start to swell, becoming slightly translucent, and a tiny "tail" will begin to sprout from each grain. This "tail" is the germ spiralling out, indicating that the quinoa is cooking correctly.

While the quinoa cooks, you can prepare other ingredients or perform other tasks in the kitchen. However, it's important not to wander too far away, as you'll need to be ready to turn off the heat after the 15 minutes are up.

Once the timer goes off, the quinoa should be tender and ready to be drained. It's important to follow this timing closely, as overcooking can lead to mushy quinoa, while undercooking may result in a drier texture.

After draining the quinoa, it's time to return it to the pan. At this point, you'll want to cover the pan with a clean dish towel, replace the lid, and let the quinoa sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This final resting period will ensure that your quinoa is perfectly fluffy and ready to be served or used in your favourite recipes.

Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking

After removing the pot from the heat, it is important to let the quinoa sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This additional step allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining water, transforming it into light, fluffy grains. The quinoa will continue to cook gently in its residual heat, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked while also reducing the risk of overcooking or burning.

During this resting period, the quinoa will absorb the excess water, preventing a mushy texture. This step is crucial in achieving the desired fluffy consistency. It also gives the quinoa time to cool down slightly, making it safer and more comfortable to handle and fluff with a fork.

The resting period also provides an opportunity for the quinoa to breathe and release excess steam. This ensures that the quinoa doesn't become overly soggy or sticky. It is a crucial step in achieving the desired texture and ensuring the quinoa is not waterlogged.

Additionally, this resting period allows the quinoa to finish cooking evenly. The gentle residual heat ensures that the quinoa cooks through without drying out, maintaining a soft and fluffy texture.

Finally, letting the quinoa sit undisturbed for 10 minutes gives busy cooks a brief respite to prepare other dishes or ingredients that accompany the quinoa. This makes it a convenient and time-saving option for meal preparation, especially when cooking multiple dishes simultaneously.

Frequently asked questions