Quinoa Rice: A Nutritious and Easy Upgrade to Your Korean Meals
The basic staple of Korean cuisine: “밥 (Bap)”, a.k.a cooked/steamed short-grain rice. Cooking short-grain rice can be more tricky than long-grain rice. But let me show you the easy & simple ways to cook it perfectly!
Looking for a simple way to add more protein and fiber to your everyday Korean meals? Quinoa rice (퀴노아 밥) is an easy, nutritious twist on traditional Korean steamed rice. With its slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture, quinoa blends beautifully with short-grain rice, making it a perfect complement to simple Korean dishes like Doenjang Jjigae, Gochujang Glazed Tempeh, and even a comforting bowl of Kale Doenjang Guk.
Why Add Quinoa to Rice?
Koreans have long enjoyed a variety of mixed grain rice (잡곡밥), and adding quinoa is a modern take on this healthy tradition. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- More Protein & Fiber – Quinoa is a complete protein, making it great for plant-based eaters.
- Better Texture & Flavor – Adds a light, slightly chewy bite to your rice.
- Rich in Nutrients – Packed with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- Easy to Cook – Cooks just like regular rice in a rice cooker or pot.
Understanding Quinoa: A Superfood for Your Rice Bowl
Quinoa, originally from South America, has gained popularity worldwide due to its impressive nutritional profile. It’s gluten-free, rich in antioxidants, and has been a staple in many health-conscious diets. Incorporating quinoa into Korean cuisine bridges tradition with modern health trends.
Types of Quinoa You Can Use
- White Quinoa – Mild in flavor, soft, and fluffy when cooked.
- Red Quinoa – Slightly firmer with a richer, nuttier taste.
- Black Quinoa – Earthier flavor and firmer texture.
- Tricolor Quinoa – A mix of all three, offering variety in texture and taste.
How to Add Other Grains, Beans, Nuts, and Seeds to Your Rice Blend
Just like quinoa rice, you can mix in a variety of grains, beans, and even nuts or seeds to create a hearty and nutritious rice blend. In fact, some Korean households mix up to 20 different grains into their 잡곡밥 (Japgokbap)!
You can customize your blend to your liking, but a good rule of thumb is to keep a 30:70 ratio of mixed grains to rice. Adding too many grains can make the rice denser and harder to digest, so balancing the ratio ensures a great texture and easy digestion.
Below, I’ll walk you through the different grains, beans, nuts, and seeds you can add, along with the best ways to prepare them for cooking.
Grains
| Type of grain | Preparation | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Quinoa | Rinse & oak with rice for 30 min. | Local supermarkets, organic stores, online shops |
| Yellow millet | Rinse & oak with rice for 30 min. | Local supermarkets, organic stores, Asian grocery shops, online |
| Green millet | Rinse & oak with rice for 30 min. | Asian grocery shops, online |
| Oats(steel-cut) | Rinse & oak with rice for 30 min. | Organic stores, online shops |
| Oats(whole) | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local grocery stores, organic stores, online shops |
| Brown rice(short grain) | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local supermarkets, organic stores, Asian grocery shops, online |
| Red rice | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local supermarkets, organic stores, online |
| Black rice(Rice berry) | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local supermarkets, organic stores, Asian grocery shops, online |
| Wheat | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local supermarkets, organic stores, online shops |
| Barley | Rinse & soak in fridge overnight | Local supermarkets, organic stores, Asian grocery stores, online shops |
Beans
| Type of beans | Preparation | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Red/white bean | Rinse & soak overnight in fridge | |
| Brown/green lentil | Rinse & soak with rice for 30min. | |
| Chickpea | Rinse & soak overnight to 1 day in fridge | |
| Azuki red bean | Blanch in boiling water(to get rid of toxins) & soak in cold water overnight | Asian grocery stores, online shops |
| Green bean(mung bean) | Rinse & soak overnight in fridge | Asian grocery stores, online shops |
Nuts
| Type of nuts | Preparation | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut(uncooked, dried) | Soak in water overnight in fridge | Asian/ethnic grocery stores, onilne shops |
| Chestnut(raw, peeled) | Add to soaked rice before cooking(no extra water required) | Asian grocery stores |
| Chestnut(dried, peeled) | Soak in water overnight in fridge | Asian grocery stores, online shops |
| Ginkgo nut(peeld, fresh or frozen) | Add to soaked rice before cooking(no extra water required) | Asian grocery stores, online shops |
Seeds
| Type of seeds | Preparation | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Flax seeds | Add to soaked rice before cooking (1-2 Tbsp per serving is ideal) | Local supermarkets, organic stores, online shops |
How to make Quinoa rice?
Making quinoa rice is as simple as rinsing, mixing, and cooking. Check the recipe below and also watch my YouTube video for the step-by-step tutorial with full details. If you’re using short grain rice(a.k.a., sushi rice), note that the soaking process is the key to making delicious cooked rice. Short grain rice has a denser texture than other rice varieties (like basmati, jasmine, etc.).
Quinoa rice (cooked rice with quinoa)
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Short grain rice a.k.a. Sushi rice
- ½ cup Quinoa choose whatever color you want(white, red, & black)
- 2½ cup Water
Instructions
- In a pot, add the rice.
- Pour in enough water so that rice is completely immersed.
- 1st rinsing: quickly rinse and drain to get rid of impurities.
- 2nd rinsing: refill water and gently massage the rice as if kneading dough & drain (Excess starch on the rice grains will come off. Resulting in fluffy rice after cooking).
- 3rd & 4th rinsing: refill water again and quickly rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Repeat 2 times. Drain as much as you can and set aside.
- Rinse quinoa in a colander and add to the pot.
- Add measured water(grain to water ratio=1:1.2). Let stand for 30 min.
- Heat the pot(with lid open) over high heat and bring to a boil.
- When the rice fully boils, give it a stir with spatula and close the lid.
- Reduce the heat to low heat and simmer for 15 min.
- Higher the heat to medium heat and let excess water evaporate for 10 sec.
- Turn off the heat. Let stand for 5 min. with the lid still closed.
- Stir and fluff the rice with a spatula and serve with your favorite Korean dishes!
Video
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Quinoa Rice
Even though cooking quinoa rice is simple, small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Rinse – Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can cause bitterness if not washed properly.
- Using Too Much Water – This can make the quinoa too mushy and clumpy. Stick to the right ratio for best results.
- Not Letting It Rest – After cooking, let the rice rest to allow for even texture and moisture distribution.
Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa Rice
Quinoa rice is not only delicious but also provides a wealth of health benefits:
- Supports Digestive Health – High fiber content promotes good digestion.
- Helps in Weight Management – Keeps you full longer and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels – A great option for those managing blood sugar.
- Provides Essential Amino Acids – Unlike rice alone, quinoa offers all nine essential amino acids.
FAQs About Quinoa Rice
Can I cook quinoa rice in different types of cookware?
Yes! While this recipe is for a regular pot, you can use a coated pan, casserole pot, cast iron pan, or even a Dutch oven—as long as it has a lid. If using a rice cooker, the rinsing and soaking process remains the same, and you simply press the Cook button.
For a Dutch oven or cast iron pan, follow these steps:
- After rinsing and soaking, heat over medium heat with the lid open until it comes to a boil.
- Let it boil, stirring occasionally, until the water thickens and bubbles reduce in size (about 6-7 minutes after boiling).
- Reduce heat to low, cover with the lid, and simmer for 7 minutes.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy perfectly cooked quinoa rice no matter what cookware you use!
For a pressure cooker, follow these steps:
Reduce the water slightly and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
How do I store leftover quinoa rice?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water for best results.
Can I freeze quinoa rice?
Absolutely! Portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and steam or microwave before eating.
What rice/grain/bean/nut/seed mixture did you like the best? I would love to hear all about in the comments 🙂
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Love the instructions on using all the different variaties of grains and nuts! My favourites: mixing rice with barley or millet, yum 😋
Oh yes! The classic Korean favorite rice blends 🙂 Thanks for the comment!