How to Cook Quinoa Recipe

Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly with simple tips and tasty recipes. Find out why quinoa is so healthy, how to store it, and easy ways to use it in salads, soups, and more. Get shopping tips to find quinoa at great prices and make it a part of your weekly meal prep.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to cook quinoa, quinoa recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Resting time: 5

Total Time: 25

Servings: people

Calories: 54kcal

Author: Tammy Overhoff

Equipment

1 bowl to soak the quinoa
1 Mesh strainer
1 medium sauce pan

Ingredients

1 cup dry quinoa white, red, or black
2 cups broth or water use any broth

Instructions

Place the dry quinoa into a bowl and fill it with water. Stir with a spoon until the water becomes cloudy.
Drain and rinse the quinoa using a mesh strainer, cheesecloth or paper towel in a regular strainer.
Put the rinsed quinoa into a small pot with 2 cups of water or broth.
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 - 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for ten more minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork.

Video

Notes

The serving size is 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa.

Essential Cooking Tips for Quinoa

Rinsing quinoa is important because it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter or soapy taste. For the best results, use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse the quinoa under cold water.
The ideal water-to-quinoa ratio is 2:1. This means using two cups of water or broth for every cup of dry quinoa. This ratio ensures the quinoa cooks evenly and has a light, fluffy texture.
Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor to your quinoa. Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can all be used, depending on your preference and the dish you're preparing.
Cooked quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It's great for meal prep, as you can make a batch ahead of time and use it in various dishes throughout the week.
Yes, you can freeze cooked quinoa. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen.

Nutrition