How To Microwave Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa (Easy Guide)

Categorized as Microwave Cooking
microwave Trader Joe's quinoa

Quinoa has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking. Although traditional cooking methods such as using a stove or rice cooker are preferred by some, microwaving is a quick and convenient alternative for preparing this nutritious grain.

This guide will demonstrate how to microwave Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa, a popular pre-cooked brand that only requires a few minutes to heat up. By following these simple instructions, you can savor a delicious and healthy meal without much hassle.

Quick Answer: For microwaving Trader Joe’s organic quinoa, puncture the bag and place it seam side up in the microwave on high for 3.5 minutes. Let it sit for 2.5 minutes, then carefully remove the bag with a towel or mitts. Cut open the bag and pour into a serving bowl, fluff with a fork and serve.

Can You Microwave Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa?

Yes, you can. It’s the easiest route to cook Trader Joe’s quinoa. Trader Joe’s has made it even easier for you to cook quinoa with their microwave-safe plastic bag. You don’t need to transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Just pop it in the microwave and heat it following the instructions on the bag.

After three and a half minutes you’ll get a perfectly cooked and fluffy quinoa that’s ready to serve.

Trust me, you’ll be surprised by how well this method works. When I first tried it, I was skeptical. I thought the quinoa would come out dry and overcooked. But to my surprise, I was blown away by how perfectly cooked it was.

Is It Safe To Microwave Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa?

It is safe to microwave Trader Joe’s organic quinoa. In fact, Trader Joe itself provides microwave instructions on the quinoa packaging. So, you can be sure that it won’t cause any harm.

When microwaving quinoa from Trader Joe’s, remember the magic number is 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which most bacterially-created toxins will be destroyed. If you are unsure about the internal temperature of your quinoa, use a food thermometer to check it.

There are also many other concerns about microwaving food, such as nutrient loss and radiation.

However, these concerns are unfounded. Nutrients are not lost when food is microwaved, and the amount of radiation that is emitted from a microwave is not harmful to humans.

In fact, microwaving food is one of the best ways to preserve nutrients. The only time that nutrients are lost when microwaving food is when the food is overcooked. Radiation from microwaves is not harmful to humans because it is non-ionizing radiation.

This means that it does not have the ability to break apart molecules, so it cannot damage DNA or other cells in the body. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the safety of microwaving food.

How Long Do I Microwave Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa?

The suggested cooking time for a 1200-watt microwave is three and a half minutes, but this may vary depending on the wattage of your particular oven. If your microwave is below 1200 watts, you may need to add an additional minute or two to the cooking time.

If you are new to cooking quinoa, you may want to experiment with the cooking time by microwaving it in 30-second increments. This will help you to figure out the perfect cooking time for your microwave.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa In The Microwave

Follow these simple steps to enjoy fluffy and delicious quinoa in no time:

Step 1: Get the Quinoa Ready

Remove one bag of pre-cooked Trader Joe’s organic quinoa from its packaging.

Step 2: Make Holes in the Bag

With a fork, poke 4-5 holes on the seam side of the bag. This allows steam to escape and prevents the bag from bursting.

Step 3: Put the Bag in the Microwave

Place the bag in the microwave with the seam side up. Make sure the bag is not touching the sides of the microwave.

Step 4: Microwave the Quinoa

Cook the quinoa on high for 3 and a half minutes. Since microwave power levels vary, it’s a good idea to monitor the quinoa to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Allow the Quinoa to Sit

After microwaving, let the quinoa sit in the microwave for 2 and a half minutes. This step enables the quinoa to absorb any extra moisture and become fluffier.

Step 6: Remove the Bag

With oven mitts or a kitchen towel, carefully remove the bag from the microwave to avoid burning yourself.

Step 7: Open the Bag

Using scissors, cut open the top corner of the bag and empty the quinoa into a serving bowl. Be cautious not to touch the bag or quinoa as they can still be hot.

Step 8: Fluff and Serve

Using a fork, fluff the quinoa in the bowl, and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Another Way To Prepare Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa

If you don’t have access to a microwave, you can also cook Trader Joe’s quinoa on the stovetop. It will take longer than in the microwave – about 5 to 6 minutes – but the stovetop method is just as easy.

Simply preheat a saucepan on high heat. Add the quinoa and 2 tablespoons of water to a pan. Then reduce the medium and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through. Once it’s done, fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Conclusion

Microwaving Trader Joe’s organic quinoa is a quick and easy way to cook it. All you need to do is poke a few holes in the bag, microwave it for three and a half minutes, and let it sit for another two and a half minutes.

After that, you can fluff it with a fork and serve. So, the next time you’re in a hurry, don’t forget that you can cook quinoa in the microwave. It’s a fast and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table.

FAQ

1. How do I know if my quinoa is done?

The best way to tell if your quinoa is done is to fluff it with a fork. If the quinoa is cooked through, it will be light and fluffy. If it’s still hard or crunchy, it needs to be cooked for a few minutes longer.

2. Can I reheat my quinoa twice?

Yes, you can reheat quinoa. But the best practice is to limit the number of times you reheat it. Reheating quinoa multiple times can cause the nutrients to break down, making it less healthy.

In addition, reheating quinoa more than once can make it tough and dry. If you do decide to reheat quinoa, be sure to add a little water or broth to keep it moist. And remember, it’s always best to eat quinoa fresh.

3. Is Trader Joe’s quinoa pre-cooked?

Yes, Trader Joe’s quinoa is pre-cooked. That’s one of the reasons it’s so quick and easy to make. All you need to do is reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

If you’re curious about microwaving other Trader Joe’s products, be sure to check out our other articles on the subject. We’ve got tips on microwaving Trader Joe’s brown rice and orange chicken so that you can enjoy these dishes in no time at all.

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!