How to Cook Quinoa

5 from 2 votes

Perfectly cooked quinoa is simple! Make it on-demand or meal prep and plan ahead. Quinoa, gluten-free and a complete protein, can easily replace rice in any dish.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: How-To

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 104kcal

Author: Kathy Carmichael

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Rinse quinoa in a mesh strainer
The ratio for quinoa to water is 1 X quinoa to 2 X water
For example, 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups cold water
Place rinsed quinoa and cold water in a pan together
Add salt
Stir
Bring to a boil
Cover, and reduce to simmer
Cook 15 minutes
Remove covered pan from the stove burner
Let sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes
Remove cover, and fluff with a fork
If using immediately, serve.
If using later, wait until quinoa completely cools, then transfer to a covered container and place in the refrigerator
Lasts 1 week in the refrigerator.

Notes

WHAT KIND OF QUINOA IS THE BEST TO COOK?

Whatever color quinoa you choose, is based on individual taste. As I said before, I love the vibrant red quinoa, as well as the black and tri-color quinoas. Because I prefer a bolder, nuttier taste, these quinoas not only bring life and color to my food, they taste better to my palate. If you prefer a more mild, neutral taste, always opt for the white quinoa.

The first time I ever cooked quinoa, I followed the directions on the bag, and it was an epic fail. Consequently, I burned the bottom of the quinoa, and the rest was edible, but not great. Of course, I thought I just didn't like quinoa, but I was wrong. Similar to my first experience with tofu, I simply wasn't cooking the quinoa correctly. And despite my efforts of trying to cook it right, I finally figured it out by successfully failing.

Regardless of the color or type of quinoa, I have found one way to cook it where it comes out perfect, each and every time.

Nutrition