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This image shows a bowl of perfectly cooked quinoa prepared in the microwave. The grains are fluffy and tender, making them ideal for a quick meal or side dish.

Microwave Quinoa Recipe

Microwave quinoa is a quick and easy method for perfectly cooked, fluffy grains. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy tender quinoa in under 15 minutes, making it a convenient base for salads, bowls, or side dishes.
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Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 8 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 3 people
Calories 209 kcal

Equipment

  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • microwave-safe plate or cover
  • large microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup  quinoa, rinsed under cold water

Optional

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil, or butter
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water.
    This image shows quinoa being rinsed under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. The rinsing process removes bitterness and prepares the quinoa for cooking in the microwave.
  • Transfer the rinsed quinoa to a large microwave-safe bowl.
    This image shows rinsed quinoa being mixed with water, salt, and oil in a large microwave safe bowl. The ingredients are fully combined and ready to be microwaved.
  • Add water, salt, and oil (if desired), and stir to ensure the quinoa is fully submerged.
  • Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid.
  • Microwave on high for 6 minutes. Carefully remove the cover, stir, and microwave for an additional 4 minutes.
    This image shows a large bowl of quinoa covered with a microwave safe plate while microwaving. The quinoa is cooking evenly, with steam beginning to rise inside the microwave.
  • If any seeds are still unopened, microwave for another minute.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
    This image shows quinoa being fluffed with a fork after cooking. The grains appear light and airy, perfect for serving as a side dish or base for various meals.
  • If there's still water, let it sit uncovered for a few more minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork before serving.
    This image shows a serving of fluffy microwave cooked quinoa in a bowl. The quinoa looks tender and ready to be enjoyed as part of a healthy meal.

Notes

  • This recipe works best with white quinoa, though some tricolor quinoa brands may require extra cooking time.
  • If your quinoa isn't fully cooked, microwave in 1-minute intervals until the seeds pop open.
  • Let the quinoa cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.