How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker (Ratio, Steps and Tips)
Quick answer: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa well, add 2 cups of water, and cook it in your rice cooker on the white rice or grain setting. It usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the cooker. Let it rest with the lid closed for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. 1 cup of dry quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Quinoa to water ratio for a rice cooker
| Dry quinoa | Water or broth | Cooked yield |
|---|---|---|
| ½ cup | 1 cup | about 1½ cups |
| 1 cup | 2 cups | about 3 cups |
| 1½ cups | 3 cups | about 4½ cups |
| 2 cups | 4 cups | about 6 cups |
1:2 is a reliable starting point. For firmer, more separate grains, try 1 cup of quinoa to 1¾ cups of water. Quinoa roughly triples in volume, so do not fill the pot more than about half full.
What you need
- Quinoa in any color: white, red or black
- Water or vegetable broth
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- A fine-mesh strainer
How to cook quinoa in a rice cooker
- Measure the quinoa with the rice cooker cup or a standard measuring cup, and use the same cup for the water.
- Rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30 to 60 seconds. This removes saponins, the natural coating that makes quinoa taste bitter or soapy.
- Add the rinsed quinoa and water or broth to the pot, and spread it evenly.
- Choose a setting. Use the quinoa or grain setting if your cooker has one. Otherwise use white rice.
- Cook. Close the lid and start the cycle. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
- Rest. When the cooker switches to Keep Warm, leave the lid closed for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Fluff and serve. Fluff gently with a fork. The grains should be tender with a small white curl showing.
Settings and cook times vary by model, so check your manual.
Tips for fluffy quinoa
- Always rinse well. Skipping it is the most common cause of bitter quinoa.
- Use broth instead of water for more flavor.
- Toast the dry quinoa in a pan for a few minutes before adding it to the cooker for a nuttier taste.
- Do not stir during cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Mushy quinoa: use less water next time, such as 1 cup of quinoa to 1¾ cups of water.
- Crunchy or hard: add a few tablespoons of water, close the lid and let it steam for 5 more minutes.
- Bitter taste: rinse more thoroughly next time.
- Water bubbles over: use a smaller batch or a larger cooker.
Is quinoa healthier than rice?
Quinoa has more protein and fiber than white rice, and it is a complete plant protein with all nine essential amino acids. It is also naturally gluten-free. See the full numbers in our quinoa vs rice nutrition comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do you put in a rice cooker for quinoa?
Use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa. For firmer grains use 1¾ cups.
Do I need to rinse quinoa?
Yes. Rinse it thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin coating. Soaking is optional.
Does quinoa double in size when cooked?
It roughly triples. One cup of dry quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.
Can I use any color of quinoa?
Yes. White, red and black quinoa cook the same way. Red and black hold their shape a little better and have a slightly chewier texture.
Can I cook quinoa and rice together?
Yes, but they need different amounts of water and cook at similar times only for white rice. Cook them separately for the best texture, or follow a combined recipe.
How do I get rid of the bitter taste?
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Using broth instead of water also helps.
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