Quinoa is a popular and nutritious grain that can be used as a substitute for white rice in many dishes.
Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative or want to switch up your usual meals, quinoa is a great choice.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Jump to:
In this guide, I will discuss how to cook quinoa to replace rice and answer common questions like "Can I replace rice with quinoa?" and "Is quinoa a better substitute for rice?"
Can I Replace Rice With Quinoa?
Yes, you can definitely replace rice with quinoa in most recipes. While rice is a staple grain in many cuisines worldwide, it doesn't offer as many health benefits as quinoa.
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need.
It also has a low glycemic index and is rich in fiber and antioxidants. So if you are looking to make your meals healthier, swapping out rice for quinoa is a great option.
Is Quinoa A Better Substitute For Rice?
It depends on what you are looking for in a substitute. If you are looking for a whole grain that can be used similarly to rice, then quinoa is definitely a great option.
It has a mild, nutty flavor and can be cooked in the same way as rice - by boiling it in water or broth.
With fewer calories and higher dietary fiber, quinoa is an excellent alternative to traditional rice.
However, if you are specifically looking to consume fewer carbohydrates or looking for a gluten-free option, other grains may be a better fit.
For example, cauliflower rice or brown rice can be used as alternatives in these cases.
How To Cook Quinoa
Start by rinsing the dry quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. This helps remove any bitter coating that may still be on the grains.
In a pot, boil 2 cups of water, then add one cup of quinoa and a pinch of salt.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Your quinoa is now ready to be used as a substitute for rice in your favorite dishes.
Instant Pot Method
If you have an Instant Pot, you can also use it to cook quinoa.
Add one cup of quinoa and 1 ¼ cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot, then select the manual setting and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure.
Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid and fluffing with a fork.
This method is quicker and produces a fluffy, perfectly cooked Instant Pot quinoa every time. With the instant pot, you get better cooking time and a consistent chewy texture.
My Quinoa Recipes That Replaced Rice
Below are some of my main dish Quinoa recipes that replaced rice.
And I would suggest you try quinoa plain with some vegan curries like chickpea lentil curry, tikka masala, chana masala, and many more.
Some of these recipes are as simple as cooking quinoa along with fresh vegetables and appropriate spices in a little bit of olive oil for a great culinary experience.
- Lemon quinoa
- Quinoa pulao
- Mushroom quinoa
- Quinoa salad with beets
- Quinoa vegetable soup
- Mexican quinoa
- Quinoa Upma
Storage
Cooked quinoa can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Due to the longer shelf life, quinoa recipes are a good fit for meal prep options.
Other Serving Suggestions
Quinoa can be served as a side dish, mixed into salads, added to stir-fries, or used as a base for bowls.
You can also use it as a substitute for rice in dishes like fried rice, risotto, and sushi.
Where To Buy Cheaper
Quinoa can be found in almost any grocery store or health food store.
However, it can be quite expensive in some places. To find cheaper options, try looking at bulk food stores or buying a big batch of quinoa.
Types Of Quinoa
While white quinoa is the most commonly found variety, there are actually three main types of quinoa: white, red, and black.
While they all have similar nutritional profiles, you can experiment with different varieties to add color and texture to your dishes.
Related Recipes
Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.
Did you love this recipe? Rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And let me know in the comments what you loved about it.
Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
📖 Recipe
How To Cook Quinoa To Substitute White Rice
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ¼ cup water - 2 cups for stovetop
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Stove top method
- Start by rinsing the dry quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. This helps remove any bitter coating that may still be on the grains. In a pot, boil 2 cups of water, then add one cup of quinoa and a pinch of salt.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
- Your quinoa is now ready to be used as a substitute for rice in your favorite dishes.
How to cook in an Instant Pot
- If you have an Instant Pot, you can also use it to cook quinoa.
- Add one cup of quinoa and 1 ¼ cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot, then select the manual setting and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure.
- Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid and fluffing with a fork.
- This method is quicker and produces a fluffy, perfectly cooked Instant Pot quinoa every time.
Notes
- Cooked quinoa can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Due to the longer shelf life, quinoa recipes are a good fit for meal prep options.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Comments
No Comments