Quinoa rice, a combination of white rice and quinoa is the perfect way to make white rice more nutritious without sacrificing taste and texture. This healthy and tasty 2 ingredient recipe is loaded with fibre, protein and nutrients. An easy recipe that can be made in your rice cooker on your stovetop, you will never make white rice the same way again.
As an Asian registered dietitian and nutritionist, this 50/50 blend recipe is how I make rice for my family. The 1:1 ratio of each is the most palatable, yet a nutritious way to enjoy it. The fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals can help crush hunger, balance your blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. This recipe is also:
Diabetes-friendly
Heart health friendly
Made with common, easy to find ingredients
Ingredients
Jasmine Rice – The most popular and the traditional white rice eaten with Chinese dishes.
Quinoa – The most popular and easiest one to find.
How to Prepare
Prepare the rice: Measure out your rice. While being mindful of water consumption, rinse until it becomes relatively clear. I rinse it 3x. I also find it easier to rinse it in a fine mesh stainless steel colander.
Prepare the quinoa. Measure out an equal portion of quinoa. You may need to rinse it with water before you cook it to get rid of saponins. Saponins are found naturally on the outer layer and can taste bitter. However, some brands sell it pre-rinsed, making rinsing unnecessary. Follow the package instructions in preparation.
How to Make Quinoa Rice in a Rice Cooker
Use a rice cup to measure out both ingredients. One rice cup is 180 mL or ¾ cup standard US measuring cup.
1. For every one rice cup, add one equal rice cup full of quinoa to the inner pot. The ratio is a 50/50, a 1:1 ratio.
2. In total, the volume of 1 rice cup and 1 quinoa cup for this recipe is 2 cups altogether. Therefore add to the #2 line, or slightly less than the #2 line. Adjust the water level based on the number of combined cups of each.
3. Place the inner pot back into rice cooker and press “cook” button to start the cooking process!
4. Once done cooking, fluff mixture together with a rice paddle.
See recipe card for serving sizes.
How to Make Quinoa Rice on the Stovetop
1. Most recipes for stovetop rice require a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. For the perfect recipe, use less water. I used 1 ¾ cup water to 1 cup rice/quinoa blend, ½ cup rice, ½ cup quinoa instead of a 2:1 ratio.
2. In a small saucepan with a tight fitting lid, bring water to a boil.
3. For every cup of rice, add an equal cup of quinoa.
4. Reduce heat to low and cover with the lid. Let simmer/cook for about 15-18 minutes. Check the mixture at the 15 minute mark to see if it needs more time.
5. Once mixture has absorbed all of the liquid, turn off heat and fluff it up with a fork or paddle.
See recipe card for serving sizes.
Dietitian Expert Tips
I want to eat healthy, but I do not like quinoa. Start with a larger ratio: Try 3:1 white rice to quinoa – approximately ¾ to ¼ cup. However, the more quinoa used, the higher the amount of protein and fiber.
Cool cooked white rice to lower the glycemic response and increase the resistant starch. Safely cool completed recipe for 24 hours in the fridge. Reheat, serve and eat for more balanced blood sugars.
Safe storage: Cook to above 140 ℉ (60 ℃) . Cool quickly and store in refrigerator colder than 40 ℉ (4 ℃). Discard leftovers after 3 to 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How much water should I add to make it in the rice cooker?
Add the amount of water that corresponds to the number of cups of both ingredients. For example, if you have 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of quinoa, add water to fill to the #2 line on the inner pot. When in doubt, add less water.
What setting do I cook it in the rice cooker?
You can cook it on the regular setting because they both generally have the same cooking times.
What does it taste like?
This 50/50 ratio recipe has the same texture and mouthfeel as white rice, but it has a mild, nutty flavor from the quinoa.
Quinoa Rice
Equipment
- 1 rice cooker or a small saucepan
Ingredients
Rice cooker method
- 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water Use slightly less
Stove top method
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice rinsed
- 1/2 cup quinoa
Instructions
Rice cooker method:
- Add both ingredients to rice cooker inner pot.
- Add water to the #2 line, or slightly less than the #2 line.
- Press “cook” button. Once done cooking, fluff mixture together with a rice paddle.
Stovetop method:
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add both ingredients to pot. Reduce heat to lowest and cover with lid.
- Let simmer/cook for about 15-18 minutes. Check at 15 minutes to make sure the bottom of the pan is not getting scorched.
- Remove pot from heat and fluff up with a fork or rice paddle.
Notes
- Rice cooker method makes about 5 cups cooked. One serving is about 200 ml / 3/4 cup. Makes about 6 servings.
- Stovetop method makes about 3 cups. One serving is about 200 ml / 3/4 cup. Makes about 4 servings.
- The 1:2 ratio of quinoa + rice to water works with any amount. When in doubt, use slightly less water.
- Safe storage: Cook to above 140 ℉ (60 ℃) . Cool quickly and store in refrigerator colder than 40 ℉ (4 ℃). Discard leftovers after 3 to 4 days.
Did you make this recipe? Post your recipe and tag @michellejaelin to share your creation! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
Other healthy Asian food recipes you might enjoy:
Barley Fried Rice
Very simple and delicious.
Thank you so much for your nice comment!