How to Cook Quinoa

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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. 

Quinoa is one of those foods that’s pretty non-assuming 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.

Types of quinoa

There are three main types of quinoa – red, white and black. White quinoa is the most readily available and is what I use most often. 

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

How do you cook quinoa?

The best way to cook quinoa:

• Always rinse quinoa first to remove a bitter coating
• Measure 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water
• Boil for 12 minutes in a covered pot
• Let sit off heat with lid on for an additional 15 minutes
• Fluff with a fork

Ways to use quinoa:

Some uses of quinoa:

• Eat as a side dish with a bit of soy sauce
• Add a tablespoon to scrambled eggs before cooking
• Sprinkle a tablespoon over a green lettuce salad

Recipes that use cooked quinoa:

• 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
• Garlic mushroom quinoa – From Damn Delicious

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How to Cook Quinoa

Cook Time

12 mins

Rest Time

15 mins

Total Time

27 mins

 

Method on how to cook quinoa

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to cook quinoa, quinoa

Servings: 3 cups

Calories: 104 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Place quinoa in a large bowl. Cover with water. Use fingers to rub grains between your fingers, gently massaging grains.

2. Pour into a fine meshed sieve and continue rinsing with running water.

3. Place quinoa and 2 cups of water into a pot.

4. Bring to a boil and cover pot. Boil for 12 minutes.

5. Turn off heat. Do not remove lid. Allow quinoa to sit covered with heat off for 10 minutes.

6. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.

Recipe Notes

• Can use chicken or vegetable broth in place of water.
• Once cooked, quinoa can be stored in a covered container and refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts

How to Cook Quinoa

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 104 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 6mg0%

Potassium 160mg5%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Protein 4g8%

Calcium 16mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.