Save time and learn how to make quinoa in the microwave in just minutes!
Quinoa is so nutritious and high in fiber, it is super healthy and can be added into just about any dish. Quinoa does not have to be eaten on its own, in fact, I prefer it mixed in with vegetable or a salad. It can also be used to add a nice texture or subtle flavor to other dishes.
When I need protein after working out or I just need something that will help fill me up fast, microwave quinoa is my go to. I know that it is a super food and that it will also be done in just a few minutes, ready to be mixed with the meal of my choosing.
Why Make Quinoa in the Microwave?
- It is the fastest and most simple way to cook quinoa
- Dirty less dishes by cooking in the microwave
- Quinoa is packed with protein!
- The microwave is consistent every time so you will never get mushy quinoa
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of quinoa
How to Make Quinoa in the Microwave – Step by Step
- First, you’re going to have to rinse the raw quinoa. Pour it into a bowl of cold water, swirl around, drain, and repeat until clean
- In a microwave safe bowl combine quinoa and water
- Cover with a plate and microwave on high for about 6 minutes
- Remove, stir, microwave for an additional 2 minutes
- Remove from microwave and allow to sit covered for 5 minutes, enjoy!
How to Store Quinoa
Quinoa will last in the fridge for 5 days. So, if you are sick of using rice for meal prepping, switch to quinoa every now and then. I suggest adding just a little bit of water to your quinoa if reheating it in the microwave, that way it does not get dried out.
What Should the Consistency of Cooked Quinoa Be?
Quinoa should be fluffy and slightly chewy when eaten. When cooked correctly, quinoa grains are slightly translucent and have absorbed all of the water they have been cooked in.
Dishes You Can Add Quinoa To
- Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl
- Crispy Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tangy Ponzu Sauce Recipe
- Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe
How to Make Quinoa in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
- Dash of Salt optional
- Dash of Olive oil optional
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water.
- In a large bowl (big enough to hold 3 cups cooked quinoa) Add the rinsed quinoa and water. Add a sprinkle of salt and dash of oil if you wish. Stir, making sure the quinoa is fully submerged in the water.
- Cover the bowl with a large enough plate to fully cover the bowl or use a microwave cover.
- With a kitchen towel, carefully remove the plate and give it a stir, then put the plate back on and cook another 2 minute son high.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave. You might still have some liquid in the bowl – this is normal!
- Let it sit covered on the counter for 3-4 minutes. While it sits, most of the liquid will be absorbed. If there is still more water in the bowl, wait a few more minutes. Then fluff it with a fork.
If you have tried making steamed quinoa in the microwave, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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Thanks so much for this cooking hack! So convenient and perfect for those days when you want to make a quick all in one dish!
I’ve made quinoa before and decided to try making it in the microwave for convenience, easier clean up, etc. I have a fairly powerful microwave and I cooked it for 13 minutes. And it still was not totally cooked and open. I was making it for a salad so added dressing and put in fridge overnight and its finally edible.
I think the author used the instant quinoa. 6 minutes is grossly inadequate for a grain that usually takes 25 minutes to cook. With regular organic quinoa cook it the same as rice. I microwave it on high for 5 minutes and then cover and microwave on medium for 20 minutes. It came out nicely.
Yes the 6 minutes did not work at all. I used a total of 20 and it was great. I used the same time I use for Jasmine rice.
Had to cook it about 10 mins, but all microwaves are different, and it turned out perfect. Added to my oatmeal. Thank you!
So glad it was perfect! And yes! You are so right, all microwaves are very different!
ALL I ended up with was seeds in hot water. Did not cook. I cooked for 12 minutes
I’m sorry Carole! We have reworked the recipe some. We hope you give it another try!
Loove quick recipes! I just started to use quinoa in my diet – and this is what I was looking for!
So glad it worked great for you!!
The microwave quinoa recipe came out a flop
Unfortunately, this did not work at all. What a waste of quinoa
I’m so sorry that it didn’t work out for you Jennifer. We have retested this method and it came out fluffy for us. All microwaves are different, some with stronger power than others. Can you let me know what didn’t work out for you? Too much water leftover? Never got soft and fluffy?
Oh no! I’m sorry Liz! What happened when you cooked it? We have just retested this recipe based on others feedback and it came out fluffy for us. All microwaves are different and some work on different % of power.
Thank you for fixing the recipe so no one else has to have the problem I did.Â
Shouldn’t this recipe be 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water?
I made it and it was very dry, so I had to keep adding more and more water. Â I only wanted a small amount so, according to your recipe, I used 1 c. quinoa and 1/2 c. water.Â