Why Restaurant Quinoa Is So Much Better

Summary

This tutorial reveals the secrets to cooking perfect quinoa, whether you want it soft, cold, or crispy. Learn the essential steps for rinsing quinoa to remove its bitter coating and how to adjust water ratios based on your cooking method, whether using an Instant Pot or stovetop. The video also covers how to make crispy quinoa for garnishing salads or dishes with a few simple steps and minimal oil. With tips on flavoring and storing quinoa, this guide ensures you'll make quinoa that’s perfectly fluffy, crunchy, and flavorful every time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain, but it’s used as a grain in cooking.
• 😀 30 years ago, quinoa was virtually unknown in the US, but it's now a popular ingredient in restaurants and homes.
• 😀 Quinoa needs to be washed to remove saponin, a bitter coating that can affect its taste.
• 😀 Many quinoa packages claim to be pre-washed, but even then, it's good to rinse it before cooking to avoid bitterness.
• 😀 For the best cooking results, use a 1.75:1 water-to-quinoa ratio in an Instant Pot or rice cooker, and 2:1 for stovetop cooking.
• 😀 Let quinoa rest after cooking (at least 30 minutes) before fluffing to avoid mushy results.
• 😀 Don’t stir quinoa immediately after cooking—it can lead to a sticky, mushy texture.
• 😀 Quinoa can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for later use.
• 😀 To make crispy quinoa, use a non-stick or cast iron pan with minimal oil for even browning and crispiness.
• 😀 Stir quinoa while cooking on medium-low heat, but don’t increase the heat to avoid uneven cooking and hard seeds.
• 😀 After crisping, quinoa can be seasoned with ingredients like pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, or za’atar for added flavor.

Q & A

Why is quinoa referred to as the 'PewDiePie of grains'?

Quinoa is compared to PewDiePie because it was once an obscure food but has now become incredibly popular, similar to how PewDiePie rose to fame from humble beginnings.

Is quinoa a true grain?

No, quinoa is actually a seed, but it is often used as a grain due to its similar texture and cooking properties.

What is the importance of washing quinoa before cooking it?

Quinoa naturally contains a bitter coating called saponin, which needs to be washed off before cooking to avoid an unpleasant taste.

Why does quinoa require a different water ratio when pre-washed versus unwashed?

Pre-washed quinoa has absorbed some water during the washing process, so it requires less water to cook, whereas unwashed quinoa requires more water to properly cook.

What is the recommended water-to-quinoa ratio for cooking in an Instant Pot or rice cooker?

For cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot or rice cooker, use a water-to-quinoa ratio of 1 and 3/4 cups of water for every 1 and a half cups of quinoa.

How does cooking quinoa in a regular pot differ from using an Instant Pot?

In a regular pot, quinoa needs to be brought to a boil uncovered to allow for some water evaporation, then covered and cooked on low for 20 minutes. The water ratio is also higher (2 cups of water per 1 and a half cups of quinoa) due to steam loss.

Why should you not stir quinoa right after cooking it?

Stirring quinoa immediately after cooking can cause it to become sticky and mushy. It's best to let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the quinoa to firm up and become fluffier.

What is the best way to store cooked quinoa?

Cooked quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

What is the key to making crispy quinoa, and why is a skillet method preferred over the oven?

The key to making crispy quinoa is to toast it gently in a skillet with minimal oil. The skillet method is preferred because it provides more even heat and is quicker than using an oven, which can lead to uneven cooking.

How do you flavor crispy quinoa, and what are some seasoning options?

Crispy quinoa can be flavored with a variety of seasonings such as pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, za'atar, smoked paprika, or Moroccan spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. It’s important to season it just before serving to preserve its crunch.