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Learn how to cook quinoa quickly and easily on the stovetop. Simple to make, this gluten-free grain is the perfect addition to main dishes, salads and is great for meal prep.
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Quinoa is a staple in our house because it is so versatile. It works with so many dishes. It’s a great base for beef stew and adding quinoa to salads is a quick and easy way to make them more filling. Like this Quinoa Salad with Salmon and this Greek Quinoa Salad with Chicken.
Cooking quinoa is super quick and easy, you just need water and dry quinoa, and it’s ready to serve in 15 minutes. This is simply the best recipe for quinoa.
What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a grain crop and its seeds are edible. It isn’t technically a cereal grain, so it’s a great alternative for those who are intolerant or sensitive to gluten.
Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that fits well into various diets, including vegan and vegetarian. It’s known for its protein content and is often appreciated for its fiber and vitamin B content. It is a complete protein, meaning that it provides all 9 essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes quinoa an excellent food for anyone following a plant-based diet!
What You Need
- Quinoa
- Fine mesh sieve
- Pot
- Water
How To Cook Quinoa On The Stove Perfectly Every Time
Cooking a batch of quinoa is so simple! It’s a hands-off process, so you can get on with the rest of the meal while it is cooking. Here are my simple quinoa cooking instructions:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under running water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot, and bring the water to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and cook until ready or all water has evaporated, about 15 minutes.
- Turn off the cooktop and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Expert Tips For The Best Quinoa Recipe
- Once the quinoa is done cooking, take it off of the heat and leave the lid on it for a few minutes. This will help the quinoa absorb any excess liquid.
- To make it even more flavorful, you can use chicken broth instead of water.
- Before serving, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Season the quinoa with salt, pepper, and stir in a little bit of olive oil, coconut oil or butter. You can also add in fresh chopped parsley, chives or minced garlic clove to make it taste even better. Other seasonings I like to add are: thyme, oregano, rosemary or Italian seasoninig.
How Long Does Cooked Quinoa Last
When I cook quinoa, I often make a double batch as it keeps really well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Refrigerate
Let the quinoa cool to room temperature before transferring it to an air-tight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
Cooked frozen quinoa will keep well for up to 6 months. Freeze it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
How To Use Quinoa
You can use quinoa in
- salads to make them more filling
- in grain bowls
- in burrito, wrap, or taco
- Added to soups for more texture
- In stuffed vegetables like peppers, zucchini, squash
- in veggie burgers
- or simply as a side dish
Recipe FAQs
Quinoa has a natural coating, called saponin. This coating can make the quinoa taste soapy and bitter if it is not rinsed off. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and run it under cold water for a minute or so.
The general rule of thumb for quinoa to water ratio is 1:2. So, for 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, you need 2 cups of water. For 2 cups of quinoa, you need 4 cups of water. This is the perfect quinoa to water ratio.
Add the quinoa to the water in the pan and then boil the water. Once it starts boiling, reduce to simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes.
1 cup of uncooked quinoa will make 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which will serve between 3 and 4 people.
Easy Quinoa Recipes
If you liked this tutorial on how to make quinoa, check out these delicious salads that use quinoa.
- Quinoa Salad with Salmon
- Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
- Greek Quinoa Salad with Chicken
- Salmon Quinoa Kale Salad
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How To Cook Quinoa
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Instructions
- Rinse quinoa using a fine-mesh sieve thoroughly under running water. Drain quinoa well.
- Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a pot, and bring the water to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cook until ready or all water has evaporated, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the cooktop, cover, and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Season with salt, pepper and other seasonings.
Notes
- Once the quinoa is done cooking, take it off of the heat and place a lid on it for a few minutes. This will help the quinoa to absorb any excess liquid.
- Before serving, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
