How to Cook Quinoa (The Easy Way)

In this tutorial we show you exactly how to cook quinoa the easy way. Our stovetop method is fail-proof and will result in the most perfectly tender and fluffy cooked quinoa. This how-to includes a photo tutorial as well as a video, and will come in handy the next time cooked quinoa is on the menu or an ingredient in a recipe you want to make, such as our Greek Quinoa Salad or Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad. Be sure to bookmark the post for future reference.

Serving Quinoa

When it comes to quinoa there are several ways to serve this tender, fiber rich, cooked “pseudograin”. You can serve it as a simple side, in place of rice, add it to a salad, and even use it in baked casseroles. It’s an easy way to add heartiness to a meal and also a good source of plant-based protein.

What you need to make Quinoa

• quinoa – you can find quinoa at most grocery stores both packaged and in the bulk section
• water – you can also use your favorite broth. If using broth, we recommend a 50/50 mix of water and broth
• strainer – this is for rinsing the quinoa. Rinsing removes quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy but if you purchase pre-rinsed quinoa, like Ancient Harvest Quinoa, rinsing is not necessary.
• saucepan – we love Caraway Homes pot and pans.

How to make quinoa

Here are the instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, but if the quinoa is pre-rinsed, you can skip this step.
2. Cook the quinoa add the quinoa and water to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir together. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Then stir with a spoon, fork, or spatula and serve.
4. Store leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

For the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium, and more per serving.

The Best Quinoa Recipes!

What is quinoa Used for?

As mentioned above, quinoa is an incredibly versatile grain. It can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to eat quinoa:

Sweet Ways to Use Quinoa

• Top a serving of quinoa with berries, chopped nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of almond butter, and splash of milk. Serve warm.
• Add cooked quinoa to baked goods like banana muffins or baked oatmeals.
• Add uncooked quinoa to granola – try our Cherry Pecan Granola with Quinoa.

Savory Ways to Use Quinoa

• Serve as a simple side dish.
• Add to casserole, soups, chilis, and mixed dishes. Try our 5-star Chipotle Quinoa Casserole that everyone has been raving about or our family-friendly Pizza Quinoa Casserole.
• Add it to salads. We have several quinoa salads for you to try! Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad, Greek Quinoa Salad, Chili Lime Black Bean Quinoa Salad, Harvest Quinoa Salad, and Peach Arugula Quinoa Salad.

Video: How To cook Quinoa

For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!