--- title: "6 Simple Steps to Cook Quinoa in Rice Cooker" description: "Learn how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker with just 6 simple steps. Enjoy this nutritious and versatile grain in no time." canonical: "https://kitchencuddle.com/cook-quinoa-in-rice-cooker/" author: "Anushree R." published: "2023-05-29T14:42:37" updated: "2026-10-30T02:52:23" --- # 6 Simple Steps to Cook Quinoa in Rice Cooker ![Quinoa cooked in rice cooker](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/quinoa-cooked-in-rice-cooker-1024x576.jpg) Some rice cookers have a quinoa program or an approved quinoa recipe. Use the method specified for your model and quinoa variety, and follow its supervision instructions. Let’s now check out the steps to cook quinoa in a rice cooker. ## Steps to Cook Quinoa in A Rice Cooker The way you prepare quinoa is just like how you [make rice in a rice cooker](https://kitchencuddle.com/how-to-use-a-rice-cooker/). The water amount, program and batch size all affect the result. Given below are the steps to cook quinoa in a rice cooker. ### 1\. Rinse the Quinoa Thoroughly Quinoa has an outer covering containing a substance called saponin. Saponin has a bitter taste and makes the quinoa taste bad after cooking. To get rid of this bitter taste, you must wash the quinoa to remove the coating. Rinsing the grains will get rid of the bitter covering. To rinse quinoa, place it in a colander or mesh strainer and wash it under running water several times. Squish and turn the quinoa around as you rinse it. This will make the covering come off faster. If you don’t have a mesh strainer, soak the quinoa for some time. Then, squish and swirl it around. Finally, drain the water to get rid of the coating. ### 2\. Soak the Quinoa This step is optional, but it will help the quinoa cook better. Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free seed used like a grain. Soaking requirements depend on the product and recipe. Rinsing can help remove surface saponins. Many packaged products are already prewashed, so check the label. Another advantage of soaking quinoa is that water enters the grains, making them soft. So they take less time to cook. Soaked quinoa also ends up softer and fluffier after cooking. ### 3\. Transfer the Quinoa with Water to The Rice Cooker To begin the cooking process, transfer the soaked or unsoaked quinoa into the rice cooker. Add an adequate amount of water. Use a quinoa recipe written for your rice cooker. The water amount can vary with the cooker, batch and whether the quinoa was soaked. Here are some important factors to keep in mind to get the best results: - For accurate measurements, always use the same measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker. - Use the water temperature specified in the approved recipe. - Add salt to the quinoa before switching on the rice cooker to flavor the water uniformly. ### 4\. Place the Lid and Turn on The Rice Cooker After adding the quinoa, water, and salt, place the lid on the rice cooker and turn it on. Some rice cookers have special settings for grains like quinoa. If this option is available, choose the quinoa setting. If there is no quinoa setting, use another program only when the manual or manufacturer’s recipe specifies it. Do not assume that a white-rice cycle is suitable for every model. You can also refer to the instruction manual with the rice cooker for any specific instructions that may improve results. While quinoa cooks, avoid opening the lid of the rice cooker as it will let the steam escape. This will further increase the cooking time. Opening the lid several times to check on the quinoa will also reduce the moisture levels and spoil the texture of the grains. ### 5\. Let It Rest After Cooking Depending on the type of rice cooker, it may either shut off or switch to “Keep warm” mode after cooking. Don’t open the lid and transfer the quinoa directly at this stage. Instead, let it sit in the rice cooker with the lid closed for at least five minutes. This will allow the grains to absorb the moisture that remains and achieve a better texture. After five minutes, open the lid and gently turn the grains over using a fork. It will help to fluff up the grains and separate them. ### 6\. Serve It Hot Quinoa tastes best when it’s piping hot. So serve it while it’s still fresh. If you cannot serve it immediately, choose safe hot holding or prompt refrigeration. Follow the manufacturer’s limits for the dish and holding duration. Use Keep Warm only if your manual permits it for quinoa and the food remains at 140°F or above. If you are not holding it safely hot, refrigerate the quinoa promptly in shallow containers, [within two hours or one hour above 90°F](https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/4-steps-to-food-safety). ## How to Enhance the Taste of Quinoa in A Rice Cooker? [![Quinoa salad](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/quinoa-salad-1024x576.jpg)](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/quinoa-salad.jpg) Quinoa is delicious when you cook it with just salt. Nevertheless, you can further enhance its flavor with other ingredients, even when you cook it in a rice cooker. Let’s look at some of the best options to do this. ### 1\. Flavor with Lemon Juice One of the easiest ways to flavor quinoa is by adding a squirt of lemon juice to the quinoa after the cooking process. You can add it at the stage when you fluff the grains and stir it around. When the quinoa is cooked, and it has rested for five minutes, open the lid and fluff the grains using a fork. At this stage, also add a dash of lemon juice to the dish. Mix it thoroughly, so all the grains are coated with the flavor. ### 2\. Cook in Broth You can replace the water used for cooking quinoa with a flavorful liquid like vegetable or chicken broth. The grains will absorb this liquid as they expand and cook. The resulting dish is very flavorful and indulgent. When cooking quinoa in broth, pay attention to how much salt you add to it. Since broth already contains salt, you can avoid adding any extra salt to prevent the dish from becoming too salty. ### 3\. Use Herbs and Spices for Flavoring Whole dry spices and herbs can enhance the flavor of quinoa and make it more delicious. You can add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, or pepper to the water in which the quinoa cooks. When the water boils, the flavors of these spices will infuse into the grains, and make them spicy. Another way is to temper whole spices and aromatics in oil or butter and pour them over the quinoa. Mix it in after it has cooked. You can also use fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, lime leaves, chilies, and cumin to flavor quinoa after cooking. When using fresh herbs, wait till the quinoa is cooked to stir them in just before serving. Other options include spice powders like chilly powder, Cajun seasoning, Indian curry powder, or Chinese five-spice powder for a dash of spice. ### 4\. Milk or Coconut Milk For a creamy breakfast or dessert, add milk or coconut milk to cooked quinoa. Coconut oil is not a substitute for the cooking water. Cook quinoa with milk in the rice cooker only if the manufacturer provides a suitable recipe: milk can foam or scorch, so a one-for-one water substitution is not appropriate for every model. Add sugar to taste. Additionally, you can also add flavoring agents like vanilla, cinnamon, or cardamom to enhance the flavor of this sweet dish. Add a sprinkling of chopped nuts and fruits to make it taste even better if you prefer. Alternatively, you can also add honey and chopped bananas, dates, almonds, and other sliced or chopped fruits to the sweet quinoa just before serving.