Learn how to cook quinoa with helpful techniques for making it on the stovetop perfectly light and tender every time. This superfood seed contains all nine essential amino acids for a high-quality protein-packed side dish. A healthy gluten-free and vegetarian option to accompany any meal.
Quinoa is a superfood king that has found a special place in many kitchens as it has grown in popularity over the years. It’s not a surprise because this pseudocereal has numerous health benefits when incorporated into diets, for most people. It’s somewhat of an acquired taste and texture, as the spherical seeds have a nutty flavor, earthy flavor, and slight bitterness.
It’s a straightforward method to cook quinoa correctly. However, there are some critical preparation steps that you don’t want to skip before the cooking even begins. Learn how to prepare quinoa so that the eating experience is positive, maximizing the nutritional goldmine by incorporating it as a side dish or into various recipes.
How to cook quinoa
Cooking quinoa is very similar to preparing rice in that it uses the simmering method. Here are the key steps to making quinoa on the stovetop that is light, fluffy, and tastes good.
Soak and rinse
Unless it’s marked as rinsed on the bag, you’ll want to cover it in a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes to remove the outer shell. Then rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer with cool water for 30 seconds. Drain the excess water and transfer quinoa to a cooking pot.
Simmer
Add a liquid of choice and some salt to the pot with the rinsed quinoa–about 2 cups for every one cup of dry quinoa. Bring the water (or stock, for more flavor) to a boil in a saucepan. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low heat so the liquid simmers.
Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and check to see if all the water has been absorbed and the grain is translucent and tender. If so, you’re finished. If not, keep it on low heat until all the water (or liquid) is absorbed.
Sit and separate
Turn off the heat and allow the cooked quinoa to sit and stay covered for at least 5 minutes. This step enables the last bits of water to be absorbed and lets the steam and heat generated in the closed pot to finish the cooking process. This will ensure that the seeds are cooked through and become translucent in appearance. Use a fork to separate and fluff up the quinoa right before serving.
More quinoa recipes
Recipe Science
Always rinse the quinoa
No matter if the quinoa is labeled as “prewashed,” you want to give it a quick rinse under cold water. This is because the seeds have a coating called saponin that has a bitter flavor. Most of the coating is removed when processed before packaging, but the extra steps ensure that the bitterness is minimized.
How To Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a medium-sized bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 2 minutes.
- Transfer soaked quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer or seive. Rinse quinoa under cold running water for 30 seconds until water runs clear.
- Shake the sieve to remove excess water.
- Transfer to a medium-sized pot fitted with a lid.
- Add 2 cups of cold water and salt to the pot.
- Bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water boils, immediately reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover pot and simmer until quinoa absorbs all of the water and is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. If the quinoa still looks wet, continue to cook, checking every 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let stand, covered 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
Equipment
Notes
- Toasting Option: Once quinoa is rinsed, it can be sauteed in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes before adding in water add salt. This will accentuate the slightly bitter and nutty flavors of the quinoa.
- Chicken, beef or vegetable stock or broth can be substituted for water to add more flavor the quinoa.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Junne says
I think this will be delicious with my lentil dish
Jessica Gavin says
Agreed!I just made quinoa yesterday and it pairs well with various dishes. Let me know if you make some!
will roy says
I just learned from this the rinse method before cooking. Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome! Glad you found the tip for rinsing to remove some of the bitterness from quinoa helpful!
Lesa says
Thank you, this did the trick, I have always rinses for several mins. but the pre-soak before rinse, (I ended up with longer than 2 mins.) before the rinsing, and starting with cold water made all the difference, It really got rid of the bitter taste, it’s fluffy and nutty, and ready to use in my stuffed cabbage and mushrooms. Thanks so much~! Lesa
Jessica Gavin says
So happy that you found the method for rinsing and soaking the quinoa before cooking helped remove the bitterness!
Barrett Chambers says
This recipe worked perfectly. I added herbs, seasoning, and salt to the water. Delicious.
G says
I have great luck using 1 C Quinoa and 1 3/4 C liquid.
After rinsing, I saute´ the quinoa for 5 minutes w/ Macadamia oil, then add liquid.
Helps keep from being mushy.
Monique E Thomas says
Thank you Jessica! You’re one of my main go-to’s for recipe help!
Katrina Menzigian says
Thanks – well explained and easy to follow! Turned out perfectly.
LNdA says
Glad you’re teaching people that cooking quinoa is easy! However, 2 cups of water plus the retained water from rinsing to 1 cup quinoa will result in a mushy batch of quinoa. Unless you’re simmering the quinoa with the lid off and thus evaporating more water quinoa should should be cooked at 1.5 cups water to 1 cup quinoa.
Donna H says
I’ve used your recipe several times. After cooking, I freeze it in 1/4 cup muffin tins and then I can throw one or two into oatmeal, etc.
Betty Cammarata says
Your recipe is the first one that makes what I consider edible quinoa. Thanks very much for helping me include this healthy option in my family’s diet.
kathleen ostrowski says
I really like quinoa and now I can cook it myself with great results. Thanks Jessica.
Mandy says
Thank you!
Charlaine says
I followed your directions tonight. It’s the first time I’ve made quinoa. My question to you is can you overcook it?? My grains seem to stick together in clumps and it seems a little mushy. Is this normal? I did follow your directions to the tee but it did take more than 20 minutes to cook off the water. ?♀️ Please help!!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Charlaine- Was heat turned down to a simmer? The quinoa slightly sticks together once fully cooked, but shouldn’t be mushy. Sometimes too much water or cooking it a little too high for the heat during the simmering process might make it mushy. I found that keeping it covered for the 5 to 10 minutes off the heat helps with absorbing the water and keeping the quinoa fluffy.
Colleen Hardy says
I googled how to cook quinoa and your site seemed the best. I am using it in crockpot soup with vegetable and chicken broth, great northern beans, tomatoes and tons of spices. Cant wait to see how the quinoa in it tastes. My home is smelling wonderfully!
Mary says
I received a package of tri-colored quinoa as a Christmas gift. Thank you for your directions on how to cook quinoa. I’m going to try it tonight.
Marilea says
Hi Jessica, we have met before. I was looking for instructions on how to cook quinoa without realizing it was from your site. I was reading through reviews and I’m glad to have known this quinoa cooking procedure was from you .
Marilea
Jessica Gavin says
Hi There! So lovely hearing from you! I hope you give this method a try 🙂
Normajean says
I cook quinoa with broth usually and add to meatless tacos, beans and salads. Thinking about using a fruit juice as liquid and adding fruit like an oatmeal breakfast replacement option at times. Also add toasted nuts to the quinoa dishes. Usually cook it in the pressure cooker but not always.
Jessica Gavin says
Love these quinoa variations! What a yummy sweeter breakfast idea 🙂
Andy Dray says
Yes, came out great. I added pesto, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and Chic peas. Then chilled. AWESOME….. Thanks Jessica
Jessica Gavin says
Wow, that sounds amazing Andy!
William Caro says
Just made it with your recipe, very light and delicious. TY
Renee says
I’m going to turn it into a dessert by adding organic stevia, nutmeg and almond milk. I’ll let you know. Thanks for showing how easy to cook.
Jessica Gavin says
That sounds really yummy Renee, like a quinoa pudding!
Kimberly says
Thanks for the quick and easy directions! It turned out great 🙂
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback Kimberly!
Myra says
I don’t cook much. But I’d love to get into it more. I found your site by googling how to cook quinoa. Thanks for your insight. ?
Anne May says
I am making a Quioa Three Bean Salad.
Served cold or room temperature . Good for Pot locks . Using Vegetable stock for cooking .
This is a Vegan Pot Luck.
Jessica Gavin says
Quinoa is definitely great for potlucks!
Ashley says
Thank you so much about the tips how to cook quinoa .
Jessica Gavin says
You are so welcome Ashley!
Ankita says
Thanks a lot, Jessica. It helps me understand that cooking Quinoa is not really difficult. I will surely try making some soon!!
Jessica Gavin says
You are so welcome Ankita! I’m so happy that I can help you make quinoa, and you’re right it’s easy!
Arlene says
Thanks Jessica my first time making it and with your instruction it turn out absolutely delicious I love it and enjoying it. Love eating healthy my husband and I are in our 60 he’s 70. Thank you!!!