Having frozen quinoa on hand and ready to grab out of the freezer whenever you need it is incredibly helpful when it comes to meal planning and saving time. This guide to freezing quinoa covers everything from cooking and cooling, to storage and reheating tips. Using the tips and tricks on this post means you will be saving time and reducing your food waste at the same time.
Preparing the quinoa for freezing
To preserve quinoa’s fluffy texture and slightly nutty flavour, you will need to follow the proper process of cooking and storing. This way, reheating with only a moment's notice will become quick and convenient.
Cook the quinoa
The first step is to rinse the quinoa under cold water thoroughly. This is important as it removes the outer coating which can have a bitter, almost soap-like flavour if not removed through rinsing.
Using a ratio of 2:1 water to quinoa, bring the water to boil in a saucepan before adding the quinoa, covering, and reducing to a simmer. Continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
Quinoa can also be cooked in a rice cooker using the white rice function.
You can try this Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole if you want to try making quinoa in an Instant Pot.
Once the quinoa has cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and to release steam, allowing it to cool slightly.
Cool the quinoa
To prevent the formation of ice crystals, make sure you cool the quinoa completely before freezing. Then, spread a thin layer of cooled quinoa on a baking sheet, ensuring that the grains don’t clump together.
Let it reach room temperature before moving on to the packaging step.
Pack and freeze
Once cooled, transfer the quinoa to freezer-safe reusable silicone bags. Label each bag with the quantity of quinoa and the date. This will make it easier to grab exactly what you need later when you reheat it.
This also helps to make sure you use the quinoa within a reasonable time, and that you don't end up with 'freezer surprise' when you pull it out and have no idea what's in the bag.
Before sealing the bags, press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and ensure the quinoa stays in a thin, flat layer when freezing. Lay the bags down flat in the freezer, which will save space and help the quinoa thaw evenly. If you store it properly, the quinoa can last up to six months in the freezer without losing its flavour or texture.
Reheating frozen quinoa
There are multiple ways for you to reheat frozen quinoa, and each has its advantages.
Try some of the options below to see what works for you.
Microwave method
Place the frozen quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl and add a few teaspoons of water to rehydrate the grains. Cooking the quinoa this way means you don’t have to thaw it first.
Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat for one to three minutes on high, or as long as it takes for the quinoa to become hot and fluffy once finished.
Stovetop method
Add the frozen quinoa to a small pot with a few tablespoons of water. Cover and heat on low, stirring occasionally until the quinoa warms through and regains its light texture.
Steamer method
Pour the frozen quinoa into a steamer basket and place the basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover it and steam for about five to ten minutes, stirring a couple of times to ensure even heating.
How much quinoa to cook for freezing
If you are cooking quinoa with the intent to freeze it afterwards, plan how much you need based on your typical meal.
For adults, normally a ¾- to 1-cup serving of cooked quinoa is used, or for a smaller serving, you would use ½ cup. If you want leftovers or are preparing for a family, one or two cups of dry quinoa would be a good idea.
For reference, one cup of dry quinoa equals around three cups of cooked quinoa. You should check the package instructions for more accurate measurements, as this may vary slightly depending on the brand.
Tips for using frozen quinoa
Frozen quinoa is very versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes.
Here are some ideas:
You can add your reheated quinoa into grain bowls, stir fries, or salads such as this Quick and Easy Cold Quinoa Salad. For extra protein or texture, it can be added directly to soups, stews or casseroles. It can also be made into unique burgers like these Easy Poached Salmon Quinoa Cakes.
For a nutritious start to your day, you can add quinoa to your breakfast bowl, as well as fruit, nuts, and some honey. You could try making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Breakfast Quinoa for a sweet, but healthy, brekkie.
Quinoa can also be used as a base for roasted vegetables or a protein-filled side dish.
“I love freezing quinoa for quick meals! Having it on hand means I can quickly toss it into salads or make a fast breakfast bowl with some fruits and nuts. It simplifies meal prep, especially on those busy weekdays when I don’t have much time to cook. I usually make a big batch and portion it out into freezer bags, which defrost quickly and make it super convenient to grab whenever I need it.”
— Jere’ Cassidy, One Hot Oven
Final thoughts
Freezing quinoa is perfect for busy weeknights and a simple way to make your meal prep much easier. With just a few steps, you can prepare and freeze quinoa while still ensuring it maintains its delicious flavour, ready to be used whenever you need it.
Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also guarantees that you will always have a healthy grain on hand. Quinoa can become a regular in your cooking routine and make it easier to create a balanced, satisfying meal.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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