Quinoa
Don’t let the long stove cook time hold you back from enjoying this nutty, protein-packed grain. Quinoa cooks quickly in the microwave and forms the perfect base for grain bowls or saucy entrees. Make sure to use dry quinoa for this recipe — pre-soaking the quinoa will make it more likely to overflow while cooking.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
Cook Times
| Grain | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1 ½ cups | 2 cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | ¾ cup | 1 ⅓ cups | 2 cups | 2 ⅔ cups |
| Time | 10 mins | 10 mins | 12 mins | 12 mins |
Max Quantities
Medium Deep Dish: 1 cup
Large Deep Dish: 2 cups
Instructions
Add quinoa to an Anyday deep dish. Stir and spread quinoa in an even layer. Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Don't let quinoa sit in the liquid for too long before cooking.
Cook in the microwave at the power level above for the time listed, or until the water has been absorbed and quinoa is tender (try one!). If still is still too hard, add more time at the power level listed in 1-minute increments.
Rest for 2 minutes with the lid on to allow quinoa to gently finish steaming.
Cooking Tips
- Always use an Anyday Deep Dish to cook grains (the water will likely overflow in the Shallow Dishes). Do not cook more than the max quantities listed above.
- If the lid pops up a bit and a few kernels escape through the vent during cooking, don’t worry! This is normal when making quinoa in the microwave.
- If it’s taking longer than expected, increase the power level by 1. If it’s bubbling over (more than a few kernels escaping), decrease the power level by 1.
- To cook quantities not listed in the table, use a quinoa:water ratio of 1:1⅓.
Changing your power level
Did you know your microwave has different power levels? The default is full power, but lower power levels are helpful for certain foods like grains, which tend to bubble over if cooked at full power, or custards, which require gentle simmering.
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
Want more quinoa recipes?
Level it Up!
Try these versatile flavor combinations with this cooked ingredient.
Italian-style: Mix with cherry tomatoes, black olives, chopped parsley, and Italian dressing
Cranberry pecan: Mix with red wine vinegar, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped parsley, and olive oil.
Chili: Top with a can (or 2) of vegan chili
Veggie bowl: Mix with chopped avocado, chopped cucumber, cooked chickpeas, and your favorite light ranch dressing
