How to Cook Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa--the quinoa in a pot ready to be enjoyed.

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5 from 7 votes

How to cook quinoa on the stovetop and all my tips/tricks to make it light, fluffy, and flavorful every single time!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Rest Time5

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish, Vegetarian

Cuisine: American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: how to cook quinoa

Servings: cups cooked quinoa

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $0.75

Equipment

Medium pot

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa see note 1
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt

US - Metric

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.

Notes

Note 1: 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.

Storage: Store uncooked quinoa in an airtight container in a dry place for 2–3 years. For cooked quinoa: cool, then refrigerate in airtight container for 5–7 days or freeze up to 12 months.

Nutrition