Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly every time with this simple tutorial! This recipe results in quinoa that is fluffy, nutty, and never bitter every time.
Use this basic quinoa recipe for Quinoa Pizza Bites, tasty Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowls, tasty One-Pot Mediterranean Quinoa, or Mini Quinoa Frittatas.
We love that this recipe works beautifully alongside lemon asparagus recipe or even these classic roasted brussels sprouts recipe.
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Why should I know how to cook quinoa perfectly
What is the hype about this little round grain? Why is it so popular with foodies and families? Quinoa is one of the most popular grains these days, and for good reason.
It is a healthy option, a superfood to be exact, that adapts to flavors easily.
This is one of the reasons everyone, including us, is raving over adding it to our cupboards!
Once you've cooked quinoa perfectly, you will understand what the hype is all about! This is one of the most versatile grains out there - plus, it is a perfect source of amino acids. As a grain option, it is healthy, versatile, and affordable.
The hype is valid, and if not already, you should be considering it as a new pantry staple so you can put it on your meal plan weekly.
Some Top Quinoa Health Benefits
- A gluten-free grain is a great substitute for other glutenous grains in celiac patients
- 8 grams of protein per 1 cup
- Includes all 9 essential amino acids
- High in magnesium and Iron
- 5 grams of fiber per 1 cup
- It is low on the glycemic index, so perfect for diabetics
What type of quinoa is the best?
There are a few popular types of quinoa, but there is no one specific type that is better than another. However, some people prefer one kind of quinoa over another.
With white, red, and black quinoa most commonly found in the grocery store, it really is about your preferences.
Most recipes will include white quinoa because it is most often the easiest and most readily available. We have had success with all types of quinoa in various recipes.
White quinoa has the mildest flavor and holds up best after cooking, and it is the most common to find in any grocery store or market.
This is why you see it in salads and cold dishes more often than the other types of quinoa.
Both red and black quinoa are often better used in soups, casseroles, or hot dishes that blend with other ingredients and flavors.
Why do you have to rinse quinoa?
While many packaged quinoas have been pre-rinsed, it is worth rinsing any quinoa you purchase before cooking. You need to rinse quinoa because it has a natural coating that can be bitter when cooked.
This is, in fact, the main reason people say they don't like the flavor of quinoa.
That bitterness can be offputting. Rinsing your quinoa first can help remove that coating and make the quinoa taste better.
Better flavor means it's easier to include this grain in your regular meal plan.
How do you make quinoa taste good?
Since quinoa, like many grains, absorbs the flavors it is cooked with; it is easy to add any flavor you prefer.
Using a broth or a seasoned cooking liquid is important to add flavor to your dish. If you want to know how to cook quinoa perfectly, it is vital to season your cooking liquid well.
For this recipe, we use a simple addition of salt to the cooking water. This, like many grains, really needs a salted liquid to absorb that flavor. Some other ideas for imparting flavor are below:
- Try different broths instead of water - vegetable, beef, chicken, or bone broths.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or marjoram to the broth.
- Add soy sauce, or liquid amino's to the cooking liquid.
- Mix quinoa with sauces like hot sauce (siracha), enchilada sauce, or salsa.
- Stir in browned butter before serving.
What can I serve quinoa with?
Since quinoa is versatile, you can add it to almost any meal. It even goes well with your breakfast bacon and eggs or Breakfast Frittatas.
For a healthy and protein-packed meal, you can serve this as a side with our baked chicken tenders. Add a dash of seasoning or browned butter to the quinoa for an extra yummy flavor!
If you want a recipe with more spice, slow cooker taco soup would be a great choice to pour over quinoa. This adds more texture and protein to a favorite recipe without sacrificing health.
Definitely make our Thai Quinoa Chicken Bowls and this simple One-Pot Mediterranean Quinoa!
How to Cook Quinoa - printable recipe & tutorial
Below you can grab this basic recipe for how to cook quinoa, plus a personal favorite way to cook quinoa. This is a very basic but effective recipe that can be adapted to your flavor preferences.
It only requires 3 ingredients!
Step 1
Rinse your quinoa by placing the uncooked quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and running under cool water for 2 minutes.
This helps wash away the natural coating that can produce a bitter flavor.
Step 2
Place your rinsed quinoa, water or broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
Step 3
Remove your quinoa from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Now, it's ready to eat or store for meal planning!
Tips for making quinoa
- Even if the package says the quinoa is pre-rinsed, to avoid any bitterness, give it a quick rinse to ensure the natural outer coating called saponin is removed.
- If you want to bring out the nutty flavor in the quinoa, place it in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Does cooked quinoa go bad if left out?
To protect yourself from bacterial growth, don't let cooked quinoa sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours. Always keep it in the fridge to avoid spoilage.
How to tell if cooked quinoa is bad
While it can be hard to tell if quinoa has gone bad, there are a few signs to look for to know for sure, including:
- An abnormally hard texture.
- A foul smell.
- Visible signs of mold growth.
If your cooked quinoa exhibits any of these signs, throw it out.
Quinoa FAQs
If stored properly in an airtight container, cooked quinoa lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for meal prepping.
Although recipes can vary, we like to use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, so it cooks up nice and fluffy. Some recipes may call for 1 ¾ cups of water for every cup of quinoa. It really depends on your preference.
PRO TIP: Make sure you cooked quinoa comes to room temperature before storing it so that it doesn't absord excess moisture from the steam.
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Printable Recipe
How to Cook Quinoa
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water (or broth)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa by placing the uncooked quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and running under cool water for 2 minutes.
- In a medium sauce pan, place rinsed quinoa, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Notes
- Even if the package says the quinoa is pre-rinsed, to avoid any bitterness, give it a quick rinse anyway to make sure the natural outer coating called saponin is removed.
- If you want to bring out the nutty flavor in the quinoa, place it in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Cooked quinoa keeps in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Nutrition
Food safety tips
- Always refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours (1 hour with dairy and when the temperature exceeds 90 °F).
- Always wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
See more food preparation and food safety guidelines at USDA.gov.
Elise says
I now make a big batch of quinoa using your recipe and eat it every day for lunch, flavored with some lemon, garlic, and salt. Delicious!!! Goes great in or with a salad or some chicken and veggies for a tasty, filling, and healthy meal. Thanks for the awesome recipe! I never could get quinoa right before.
Erin Henry says
We love hearing this, Elise! You're eating healthy and enjoying it! Meal prep is the best!
Cheryl says
This was the best quinoa I’ve ever made! Thanks!
Erin Henry says
Yay! So glad to hear it, Chery! It's a great addition to almost any meal. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Stephanie says
I have never been able to get my quinoa to turn out right but I followed your instructions and it came out perfectly! Thank you!!
katerina @ diethood.com says
This is such a fantastic post! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Beth Pierce says
These are great ideas! I can't wait to use these!
Erin Henry says
They should let you create the best quinoa around, Beth!