How to Cook Quinoa
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How to Cook Quinoa
Learn How To Cook Quinoa perfectly every time with my foolproof recipe. Once you've got it down, you can use it in all sorts of dishes, like grain bowls, salads, soups + meal prepping! Not only does it come out super fluffy, but it's also packed with goodness, like protein, fiber, and all sorts of essential vitamins + minerals! Completely Gluten-free!
Quinoa is such a versatile ingredient that magically slots into SO MANY meals like salads, bowls + soups, bringing along a punch of protein + nutrients. But honestly, it didn't quite knock my socks off from the get-go. The first time I had it, it was mushy and a little soggy but once I learned How To Cook Quinoa properly, it was a total game-changer!!
Some of the dishes I absolutely adore making with quinoa are Vegan Bolognese Pasta, Slow Cooker Quinoa Veggie Soup, Healthy Pumpkin Quinoa Pancakes, Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice, and Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos.
BUT, let's get real here ---- Cooking quinoa can feel like a bit of a gamble sometimes, getting that quinoa just right? Tricky stuff. But don't sweat it—I've got the ultimate foolproof method to nail it every single time. Say sayonara to soggy quinoa! Haha. This recipe guarantees your quinoa will be light, fluffy, and downright delicious.
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What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa (Pronounced “keen-wah”) which originates from the Andes in South America is a superfood seed that's super versatile in the kitchen. It's got this nutty taste, a bit like rice but with a lighter texture. Plus, it's packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good stuff. You can find it in different colors like white, red, and black, each with its own flavor. And the best part? It's gluten-free + cooks up quickly!
How to Cook Quinoa
The most important part about cooking quinoa is to rinse it before cooking! Then bring the veggie stock (or water) + salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Once it's bubbling, add the quinoa and whisk away for 1-2 minutes. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, giving it a whisk every few minutes, until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, leaving you with fluffy quinoa. Take it off the heat and mix your seasonings of choice! I used black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
QUINOA:
- Dry quinoa. Rinsed. You can use your favorite type, white, red + mixed all work for this recipe.
- Vegetable stock or water. Veggie stock adds in more flavor.
- Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder + Italian seasoning, homemade or store-bought (optional)
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR QUINOA.
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this quinoa recipe. Everything from my fave pots, wooden spoons and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Tips For Cooking The Best Quinoa Every Time
Let me walk you through cooking quinoa perfectly every single time! It's easy once you get the hang of it, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Rinse the quinoa!!!!! --- Before cooking, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter taste caused by saponin, a natural coating. This step is a MUST!
Use the right ratio --- For fluffy quinoa, use a ratio of 2-3 parts liquid (such as water or vegetable broth) to 1 part quinoa. This ensures that the quinoa absorbs the liquid properly.
Let it rest --- After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to continue cooking the quinoa + helps it fluff up.
Add flavor --- Enhance the taste of your quinoa by cooking it in vegetable broth instead of water, or by adding herbs and spices. If you want to mix it up my lemon pepper seasoning or cajun seasoning would work so well!
Toast for extra flavor --- Before cooking, you can toast the quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This adds a nutty flavor to the quinoa.
Fluff with a fork --- Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
How To Use Quinoa
There are seriously countless ways to use quinoa in recipes—I'm all about cooking it up for meal prep! Here are some of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Quinoa makes a great base for salads.
- Vegan meatballs --- The texture works PERFECTLY for making plant-based meals like this Vegan Bolognese Pasta
- Use it in grain bowls, it makes a great base that is versatile + customizable.
- Swap out regular oatmeal and replace it with quinoa for breakfast!
- Use it in place of rice for quinoa fried rice
- Stir into soups + chili.
- Use it as a side dish to go alongside dishes like steak, lamb, salmon or chicken!
- Pop it inside peppers for stuffed peppers or my personal fave Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with Quinoa
Can I Add More Flavor To Quinoa?
If you're up for adding some extra flavor, you've got tons of options to choose from! Consider mixing in vegetable or bone broth for a savory boost. Then, after cooking, stir in some olive oil, coconut oil, or butter for richness. Don't forget to toss in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro to liven things up. And for a tangy kick, squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes or Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce.
Common Q + A's About Quinoa
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to serve.
Yes, it's recommended to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Rinse it under cold water using a fine mesh sieve or colander.
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease1
Yes, quinoa is considered a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health.
Yes, quinoa can be used as a substitute for rice in many dishes, providing a higher protein and nutrient content compared to rice.
To prevent mushy quinoa, ensure you're using the correct ratio of water to quinoa and avoid overcooking it. Once the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming mushy.
More Basic + Easy Recipes
Now that you've fallen in love with this quinoa recipe, give these other easy recipes a try next:
- How To Cook Brown Rice
- Sweet + Spicy Herb Crackers
- Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip
- How To Cook Basmati Rice
- How to Make Quick Pickled Vegetables
- Easy Shredded Chicken
- How To Make Chocolate Oat Milk
- How To Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries
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How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
QUINOA:
- 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups organic vegetable stock or water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, homemade or store-bought (optional)
Instructions
TO COOK THE QUINOA:
- Begin by adding the veggie stock (or water) and salt to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Add in the quinoa, whisking continuously while boiling for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking every 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through, and liquid has dried, and the quinoa has thickened and appear "fluffy". Remove from heat and stir in the black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve in your favorite meal.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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