What is the ratio of water to quinoa?

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

How much quinoa to cook for 1 cup?

How to Cook: Quinoa Uncooked Quinoa Amount of Water Cooked Quinoa 1/4 cup 1/2 cup (125 mL) 3/4 cup 1/3 cup 2/3 cup (160mL) 1 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cup (330 mL) 2 cups 1 cup 2 cups (500 mL) 3 cups Mar 19, 2013

Should you rinse quinoa?

Some people are particularly sensitive to saponins, which is why unrinsed cooked quinoa has a reputation for tasting bitter. However, most quinoa that is sold in packages has been "pre-rinsed," which means the saponins have been removed and rinsing isn't necessary .

Do you need to soak or rinse quinoa?

Most commercially sold quinoa has already undergone a process to remove the coating, and this information is usually indicated on the package. If it's not mentioned, or if you buy quinoa in bulk without packaging, you'll definitely want to rinse it .

Do you boil water before adding quinoa?

For 1 cup of quinoa, you'll need 2 cups of boiling water. If you want to build even more flavor. While you're washing the quinoa, start to boil the water . Once the water reaches a rapid boil, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (per cup of quinoa), then add the washed quinoa.

Is quinoa healthier than rice?

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice . A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Do you stir quinoa while cooking?

Stay vigilant: Stir the grains constantly to avoid burning, watching for that perfect golden moment, around 6 to 8 minutes . Water is this grain's go-to companion, but other liquids–think low-sodium chicken, mushroom or vegetable broth–add flavor. Just keep the ratio 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa.

How do you season quinoa so it tastes good?

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper . I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

Why should you soak quinoa before cooking?

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time . To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Is quinoa better for you than rice?

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice . A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Do you stir quinoa while boiling?

We prefer to bring the cooking liquid to a boil, stir in the grain , turn the heat down to low, then cover and simmer gently until all the liquid is absorbed. You'll know when the grain is done because it will look like it has popped open, revealing the germ of the kernel.

How to Cook Quinoa (a step-by-step guide + recipes!) (2024)

Random cravings. I get them all the time. Could be due to the fact that I’m pregnant, but in fact, I go through these weird phases where I’ll eat the same thing for a month straight. Does that ever happen to you?

Just this past month I’ve been obsessed with all things made with buffalo sauce. Plus honeycrisp apples, blueberry bagels with jalapeno cream cheese, kale smoothies, veggies burgers, pineapple, greek yogurt with strawberries, and of course, my favorite little grain: quinoa!

What is quinoa?

While quinoa looks and behaves like a grain, it’s actually a seed that comes from a flowering plant! It has been used in South American cooking for thousands of years and more recently became a “superfood” here in the U.S.

Different types of quinoa

Seeds. Quinoa seeds themselves come in white, red and black varieties, so you’ll usually see bags labeled individually or as “tricolor quinoa” with all three. White quinoa takes the shortest amount of time to cook, followed by red quinoa and then black quinoa.
Flour. You can also make flour out of quinoa that’s a great, gluten free flour to bake with! Try out my AMAZING quinoa flour chocolate chip cookies.
Flakes. Quinoa also comes in flakes, which just means that the quinoa seeds have been pressed & rolled to look and act like a rolled oat. A great way to enjoy quinoa for breakfast!

Taste & texture

Taste. Quinoa has a slightly nutty taste to it, which makes it perfect for adding to your favorite dishes or simply seasoning it with a few basic flavors.
Texture. Once cooked, quinoa has a fluffy and slightly chewy texture like rice but is smaller in size like couscous. I use it in both sweet & savory recipes!

Health benefits of quinoa

Not only is quinoa delicious & versatile, but it’s also filled with a range of amazing health benefits!

Gluten free. Quinoa is naturally gluten free, making it a great whole grain alternative to those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
Protein & fiber. One cup of cooked quinoa packs 8g of protein and 5g of fiber. More than regular rice while being lower in carbs and calories. Quinoa is also a complete protein, which means it has all essential amino acids that we can’t produce on our own. Pretty impressive for a plant!
Vitamins & minerals. Quinoa also had a great amount of magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc that we may not get enough of. It’s also high in antioxidants compared to other grains.
Blood sugar. Unlike processed grains, quinoa has a low glycemic index and won’t spike your blood sugar. Something that’s great for staying full & satisfied without crashing later on.

Another thing that’s wonderful? Quinoa cooks in only 15 minutes, which makes it perfect to store in the fridge and add to your weeknight dinner menu or toss in your lunch. Of course, making sure you know how to properly cook quinoa will make your meals that much better.

How to cook quinoa

Step 1: rinse your quinoa

You’re probably wondering why we rinse the quinoa first. Quinoa can be pretty bitter if you do not properly rinse it before you cook it because it has a natural coating of a substance called saponin that prevents birds from eating it. To rinse this off, simply place 1 cup quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it a few times under cool water.

Step 2: use the right cooking liquid & ratio

Start with a 1:2 ratio: one part quinoa, two parts water or other cooking liquid (chicken broth, milk, etc). I use 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups of liquid, which will make about 3 cups of cooked quinoa. If you want you can double that to make a larger batch. Using different liquids brings a bigger flavor dimension to the quinoa, but water is great too:

Milk. Typically if I’m making breakfast quinoa, I cook it in milk. I especially love coconut milk!
Broth. If I’m making it as a savory side dish, I’ll cook my quinoa in a chicken or vegetable broth for a bit of flavor from the salt.
Water. Cooking your quinoa in water will also work great (and is what we’re using in this tutorial).

Step 3: cook the quinoa

If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook quinoa, I’ve got the exact timing and tip for you! Here’s how to do it:

Add quinoa and water or broth to a pot and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for exactly 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes remove the pot from the heat and let stand covered for another 5-10 minutes. No peeking!

Step 4: fluff the quinoa with a fork

The quinoa will pop upon cooking and expand. To help separate the grains, use a fork and fluff the quinoa. Add in fruit, nuts, milk, spices, or whatever your heart desires, or serve it in one of these great recipes below.

How to store cooked quinoa

Let the quinoa cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Then simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Can you freeze cooked quinoa?

Actually, yes! To freeze it simply let it cool completely and then place it in airtight, freezer-friendly bags or containers. To reheat it you’ll let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temp before microwaving it.

Delicious ways to use quinoa

Once you’ve learned how to make perfect quinoa, it’s time to creative adding it to amazing recipes. Not only is quinoa delicious in tons of different salads, sides and even pancakes, it’s also super tasty on its own with a bit of olive oil, salt & pepper or even some parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. YUM. Here are more recipes to try:

Roasted Carrot Cauliflower Quinoa Salad with Sunshine Dressing
BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Banana Quinoa Pancakes
Vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Meatloaf Muffins
One Pot Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Crispy Toasted Quinoa Peanut Butter Truffles

Looking for more? Get all of our best quinoa recipes here!

I hope you love this easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to cook quinoa! If you try this method be sure to leave a comment & a rating so I know how it turned out. Enjoy, xo!

How to Cook Quinoa (a step-by-step guide + recipes!) (9)

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How to Cook the Best Fluffy Quinoa

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Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

ServesServes 4 servings

Learn exactly how to cook quinoa on the stovetop and add it to all of your favorite recipes! With this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how long to cook quinoa so it's nice and fluffy, how to make it taste good on its own and plenty of new ways to use it. Our best quinoa recipes included!

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or broth of choice

Instructions

Rinse your quinoa: place 1 cup quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it a few times under cool water.
Add quinoa and water or broth to a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for exactly 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let stand covered for another 5-10 minutes.
Next, fluff quinoa with a fork and serve. Makes about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

Recipe Notes

To store: Let the quinoa cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Then simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

To freeze: simply let it cool completely and then place it in airtight, freezer-friendly bags or containers. To reheat it you'll let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temp before microwaving it.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cups cooked quinoaCalories: 160calCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 2.5gFiber: 3g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by:Eat Love Eats