How to Cook Quinoa

Isabella Cannon

| 2 min read

Quinoa is a seed native to the Andes Mountains in South America, but its popularity spans the world. It’s high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. The tiny seed has a nutty flavor profile with slightly earthy undertones, and it is a popular ingredient for recipes like granola, soup and salad. Quinoa comes in three varieties, each with its own texture and flavor. White quinoa, the most common and well-known type, has a light and fluffy texture. Red and black quinoa are slightly denser with a chewy texture. 
You can cook quinoa in broth instead of water to add more flavor. You can also try toasting quinoa seeds before boiling them by heating olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet and sautéing for about 5 minutes.

How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop

Total Time:

15 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 1 cup white quinoa

  • 2 cups water or broth

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Rinse the quinoa under cool water using a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 seconds. There are certain substances in the coating of quinoa, called saponins, that can impart a bitter flavor. Rinsing helps remove any residual saponins. Let the water drain while you prepare the pot of water.

  • Step 2

    Add 2 cups of water or broth for every cup of quinoa to the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the drained quinoa and cover the pot.

  • Step 3

    After the pot has reached its boiling point, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pot simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Step 4

    You’ll know the quinoa is done when all the liquid is absorbed, and the seeds have turned slightly translucent and tender. Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.

  • Step 5

    After a few minutes, you can fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.

How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

Total Time:

15 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 1 cup white quinoa

  • 13⁄4 cup water or broth

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Rinse the quinoa under cool water using a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 seconds, then let it drain.

  • Step 2

    For every 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, use 1 ¾ cups of water in a rice cooker. Scoop the rinsed quinoa into your rice cooker and add 1 3⁄4 cups of cold water. Using hot water can give quinoa a gummy texture. Optionally, you can stir in salt as it cooks.

  • Step 3

    Put the lid on your rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has separate settings for white and brown rice, choose the white rice option. Both white rice and quinoa need about 15 to 30 minutes to cook.

  • Step 4

    After cooking, keep the lid on the rice cooker and unplug the machine. The quinoa will finish steaming as it rests.

  • Step 5

    After about 5 minutes, lift the lid and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. Fluffing the quinoa will loosen any pieces that are stuck together, giving your quinoa a lighter texture. Serve as is or incorporate quinoa into other dishes.

How to Store Quinoa

Allow cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. Do not leave cooked quinoa out for more than two hours without refrigeration because it can cause bacteria to form. You can also transfer room temperature quinoa to a freezer-safe container or individual freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating from the fridge, place quinoa in a microwave safe container and add a tablespoon of water. Put it in the microwave covered with a paper towel. Heat on high until warmed through. If you are reheating it after it's been frozen, transfer the quinoa to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. If needed, add a bit of water, and place it in the microwave with a loosely fitted lid or towel. Heat on high until warm.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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