How To Cook Quinoa on the stovetop perfectly every time with these tips and tricks for perfect quinoa every time!
I love quinoa recipes! Check out all my favorite quinoa recipes here.
Chelsea’a tip
What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa is one of my favorite swaps for rice. It’s naturally gluten free, easy to cook, and honestly just really good. Pronounced “keen wah,” it’s become a go to in my kitchen and a staple my family actually loves.
Cooking quinoa on the stovetop is simple and very similar to cooking rice. This method gives you light, fluffy quinoa with great flavor every single time.
What Type Of Quinoa To Pick:
Among over 120 varieties, white, red, and black are most common, with tri-colored quinoa a mix of all three.
- White Quinoa: The most widespread, often simply labeled as quinoa.
- Red Quinoa: Retains shape well, ideal for salads.
- Black Quinoa: Earthier and sweeter than white.
There’s no gluten in quinoa. However, a lot of quinoa is produced in facilities where cross-contamination could occur. Make sure to check the label on your package!
How To Cook Quinoa Ingredients
| Ingredient | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | Use your favorite variety. |
| Water | Use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. |
| Salt | Use ½ teaspoon per cup to boost flavor. |
How To Cook Quinoa
- Toasting: For added flavor, toast in a completely dry pot.
- Rinsing: Rinse under cold water.
- Cooking: Simmer quinoa with water and salt on low after boiling, covered, for 13 mins.
- Resting: Let sit covered for 10 minutes off heat.
- Fluffing: Uncover, fluff with a fork, and serve.
One cup of dry quinoa yields approximately three cups of cooked quinoa.
Quick Tip
Why rinse quinoa? Quinoa’s saponin coating makes it bitter. Rinse in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 seconds to remove.
How To Cook Quinoa With Flavor
If it’s part of a recipe, no need to flavor. For standalone quinoa, enhance flavor with seasonings.
Heat 1 tablespoon of any oil in a pot, add 1 teaspoon of spices (like turmeric, curry, paprika, chili powder, etc.), or minced garlic, and stir for 30 seconds. Add rinsed quinoa and proceed with recipe.
Storage
- Uncooked: In an airtight container, dry place, lasts 2-3 years.
- Cooked: Cool, then refrigerate in airtight container, 5-7 days, or freeze up to 12 months.
Reader Favorite Quinoa Recipes:
How to Cook Quinoa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa see note 1
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat a medium pot over high heat. Add the dry quinoa to the pot (don’t add oil). Toast quinoa for 4–6 minutes, stirring regularly, until it smells nutty. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Pour toasted quinoa from pot to a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds. Shake off excess water. (This step removes bitter saponin coating).
- Return rinsed quinoa to pot along with salt and water. Set to medium heat. Wait until the water starts bubbling gently across the entire surface. Once bubbling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 13 minutes. Do not lift the lid, stir, or disturb the quinoa during this time. After 13 minutes, check to ensure all the water has been absorbed by the quinoa. (Larger batches will take longer.)
- Quickly replace the lid if removed and take the pot off the heat. Let the quinoa stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as the quinoa will continue to steam and finish cooking.
- Uncover, fluff quinoa with a fork, and serve.
Recipe Notes
- White Quinoa: The most widespread, often simply labeled as quinoa.
- Red Quinoa: Retains shape well, ideal for salads.
- Black Quinoa: Earthier and sweeter than white.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wondering 1 serving, is it 1 cup?
I have never cooked quinoa before will try tonight and let you know the results. Thanks you for clear and concise directions.
So excited to hear what you thought! 🙂
I could never get my quinoa to taste good until I tried your method. I love your easy step by step instructions too. Thank you!
Yay! You’re so welcome 🙂
Thank you so much for this, it was so helpful! I don’t know why I have been so intimidated to make it!
Thank you so much for this, it was so helpful! I don’t know why I have been so intimidated to make it!
I love quinoa! Thanks for all of the helpful tips!
Thank you so much for this! I’ve tried making it before and it just wasn’t right. I feel more confident trying again now.
These dishes look so tasty! Thanks for sharing this! I haven’t cooked quinoa a lot, so these help!
Love all these tips! I will be having quinoa with my salad today at lunch so I couldn’t have seen this at a better time!