How to Make Quinoa in the Microwave

Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to your diet. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook quinoa, using the microwave is a fantastic option. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to make quinoa in the microwave.

Ingredients

1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water or broth
A pinch of salt (optional)

Equipment

Microwave-safe bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plate
Fine-mesh strainer

Read More: How To Make Chicken In A Microwave

Instructions

Rinse the Quinoa Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter. This step is crucial for improving the flavor.
Combine Ingredients Place the rinsed quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of water or broth to the bowl. If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, use broth instead of water. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
Cover the Bowl Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate. Make sure it’s slightly vented to allow steam to escape.
Microwave the Quinoa Microwave the quinoa on high for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot, so use oven mitts or a towel). Give the quinoa a quick stir and then cover it again.
Continue Cooking Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on high for another 5 minutes. After this, check to see if the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender. If there is still water left and the quinoa needs more time, microwave it in 1-minute intervals until fully cooked.
Let It Sit Once the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed, let the bowl sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff and Serve After 5 minutes, uncover the bowl and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Your microwave-cooked quinoa is now ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Microwave Quinoa

Adjust Water Ratio: Depending on the power of your microwave, you might need to adjust the water ratio slightly. If your quinoa seems too dry, add a little more water next time.
Flavor Boost: For added flavor, you can mix in a teaspoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or some chopped herbs after cooking.
Storage: Cooked quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Quinoa Recipe Ideas

Once you’ve mastered cooking quinoa in the microwave, you can use it in various dishes:

Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and refreshing salad.
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: Combine quinoa with almond milk, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious breakfast.
Quinoa Stir-Fry: Use quinoa instead of rice in your favorite stir-fry recipe for a protein-packed meal.

Cooking quinoa in the microwave is quick, easy, and convenient. With this method, you can enjoy this nutritious grain in no time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or meal prepping. Give it a try and discover how simple and delicious quinoa can be!