How to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is an ancient grain that can be eaten by itself or added to many dishes. Learn how to cook quinoa and find a collection of recipes you can use with quinoa. 

Step by step directions and tips on how to cook quinoa.

Why make quinoa

Quinoa is one of those foods that's pretty unassuming and takes on the flavors of other ingredients.  It is often substituted for rice or barley in recipes.

Cooking it isn't difficult, but there are a few tips you need to follow so your quinoa isn't bitter tasting and is cooked correctly. 

Once cooked, quinoa can be stored in a covered container and refrigerated. You can add quinoa to recipes or make it the star of the show! I use cooked quinoa in salads, main dishes and often add it to everyday recipes, like pancakes to give a little extra protein and nutrition to dishes.

One cup of dried quinoa yields about three cups of cooked quinoa.

Types of quinoa

There are three main types of quinoa - red, white and black. You can also find tri colored quinoa which is a mixture of all three. Each variety cooks the same!

What's so great about quinoa?

Benefits of quinoa include:

• High in protein
• Gluten Free
• High fiber
• High in magnesium
• Contains all 9 essential amino acids
• High in other vitamins, calcium and iron

Step by step directions

• Rinse quinoa first to remove a bitter coating. I like to rinse it even if the package states the quinoa has already been rinsed.

• Place rinsed quinoa along with fresh water into a saucepan
• Heat over high heat until mixture begins to boil. Stir lightly and cover pan.
• Turn heat to the lowest setting and cook for 15 minutes
• After 15 minutes, turn heat off and let sit with cover on for 5 minutes
• Remove cover and fluff with a fork

Recipe tips

• All types of quinoa have the same cooking method
• One cup of dried quinoa yields about three cups of cooked
• Be certain to rinse quinoa. This helps remove any bitterness
• Once water comes to a boil, turn heat to the lowest setting and cover pot. I like to place on my smallest burner with the lowest heat.
• For extra flavor, use broth instead of water

Quinoa Faqs

Recipes with quinoa

• Sweet potato salad with quinoa - Delicious and good for you salad.
• Quinoa waffles - Traditional waffles with added cooked quinoa into the batter. 
• Quinoa pancakes - Traditional pancakes with added cooked quinoa into the batter.
• Quinoa banana bread - Delicious loaves of banana bread with added quinoa.
• Quinoa enchilada bake - Vegetarian casserole filled with black beans, cheese and enchilada sauce
• Quinoa farro salad - Whole grain salad  with lentils, black beans and red bell peppers
• Quinoa salad - Fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and kalamata olives
• Quinoa peach salad - quinoa, brown rice and peaches 
• Southwest quinoa salad

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious recipes!

This post was originally published in January 2019. The images and recipe have been updated.