How To Cook Quinoa

Learn how to cook perfect, fluffy quinoa on the stove, plus everything else you ever wanted to know about the healthy, quick-cooking grain.

As a dietitian, it's probably a given that I LOVE quinoa. It's nutritious, easy to make, and is ever so versatile. Whether you have never cooked quinoa or you just forget how long to cook it each time, here is everything you need to know about making this fluffy, nutritious super grain! Fun fact: if I don't set the timer when I make quinoa on the stove, I burn it. Every. Time. Do yourself a favor and set the timer. Let's continue.

How To Cook Quinoa: The Short Answer

The ratio of quinoa to liquid 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid. Simmer it for 15 minutes with the lid on. Read on for the long answer.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a pseudograin (or pseudocereal) - that is, it's technically a seed, but it's cooked and eaten like a grain, so it's usually classified as a whole grain. It's been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years and has now become mainstream here in the United States. It has a light, nutty flavor and is very easy to prepare.

Is Quinoa Healthy?

Quinoa is a functional food, meaning it has disease fighting properties that contribute significantly to health. It is high in protein at 8 grams per cup (cooked) and is one of the only plant sources of complete protein - it contains all 9 essential amino acids that we must get from food. Quinoa is also high in fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. Quinoa also contains several bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, phytosterols, and flavonoids that fight disease. The unique makeup of fiber, fat, and protein in quinoa makes it great for people with diabetes because it doesn't spike the blood sugar as quickly as traditional grains, and is great for fullness and satisfaction. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, so it's safe for people with Celiac disease. In other words, yes, quinoa is extremely nutritious!

How To Make Quinoa

1. Add quinoa to a fine mash strainer and rinse under running water. (optional - see note below)
2. Place quinoa in a medium saucepan on the stove. Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Place the lid on the saucepan, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, let the covered quinoa rest for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Do You Have To Rinse Quinoa?

No, you don't have to. But there is a naturally occurring coating on quinoa, called saponin, that has a bitter flavor that is removed by rinsing quinoa. A lot of quinoa available is pre-rinsed, so you probably don't have to rinse it, but if in doubt, it doesn't hurt and will probably make your quinoa taste better. Note: many will call saponin toxic or an antinutrient. Saponins do have properties that can affect absorption of nutrients, but they also have many beneficial properties, like anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. My professional opinion as a dietitian is that it probably doesn't matter either way unless you eat massive amounts of quinoa every day.

Tips For The Best Tasting Quinoa

• Rise quinoa first to prevent a bitter taste (see above).
• Use broth in place of some or all of the water for more flavorful quinoa.
• Add ¼ teaspoon salt for every 1 cup uncooked quinoa.
• Set a timer for the simmering. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten about my quinoa on the stove until I could smell it burning. Oops!

How To Store Leftover Quinoa

Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Quinoa can be frozen for 3 months.

Delicious Recipes That Use Cooked Quinoa

• Grain bowls, such as my Salmon Walnut Quinoa Bowls, Green Goddess Shrimp Grain Bowls, Greek Chicken Grain Bowls, or Spring Green Grain Bowls.
• Meal prep-friendly snacks, like my Veggie Quinoa Muffins, or Peanut Butter Cup Quinoa Protein Balls.
• Power up a salad, like my Shrimp, Orange and Avocado Quinoa Salad, Blood Orange Quinoa Salad, Roasted Eggplant and Kale Quinoa Salad, Red White and Blue Berry Quinoa Salad, or Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad.
• Make it into a filling breakfast, like my Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash, or fluffy Quinoa Pancakes.

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