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How to Cook Perfect Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

Quinoa is notoriously easy to turn into mush on the stove. Your rice cooker is actually the secret weapon for perfectly fluffy, separated quinoa grains.

By Mia Nakamura •

Why the Rice Cooker Works Best

Quinoa cooks very similarly to rice, relying on precise absorption of liquid. While the stovetop requires constant monitoring of heat to prevent burning or sogginess, a rice cooker’s internal thermostat handles the temperature curve perfectly.

The Essential Ratio

For quinoa in a rice cooker, the golden ratio is 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid.

Note: Use standard measuring cups for this, not the 180ml rice cooker cup, unless you keep the 1:2 ratio consistent with whatever cup you use.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Cook Perfect Brown Rice Every Time (Rice Cooker and Stovetop).

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Rinse thoroughly: Quinoa is coated in saponin, a natural compound that tastes soapy and bitter. Even if the package says “pre-rinsed,” rinse it again in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds.
  2. Grease the pot (Optional): Lightly coat the inner pot with a spray of oil or a small pat of butter. Quinoa has a tendency to stick more than white rice.
  3. Add ingredients: Combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of liquid (water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth), and a pinch of salt.
  4. Select the setting: Use the standard White Rice setting.
  5. Let it rest: When the cycle finishes, do not open the lid immediately. Let it sit on “Keep Warm” for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Fluff: Open the lid and fluff gently with a fork or rice paddle.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Cook Perfect Quinoa in a Rice Cooker.

Flavor Upgrades

Cooking quinoa in plain water results in a very bland base. To elevate it:

  • Use broth: Substitute water entirely with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
  • Toast it first: Before putting it in the cooker, toast the rinsed and dried quinoa in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until it smells nutty.
  • Aromatics: Add a smashed garlic clove or a slice of fresh ginger to the pot before cooking. Remove them before serving.

If you’re looking for a reliable rice cooker for this recipe, here are our tested picks: