How to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is my favorite of all the grains and it's gluten free so it's an essential pantry item at my house.  It is infinitely adaptable and packed with protein and fiber.  Here is the ultimate guide to How to Cook Quinoa.

Learning how to cook quinoa is one of the most basic of the cooking skills!  I make quinoa weekly and keep it in the fridge all week for salads, grain bowls and dinner side dishes.  I love having a healthy grain at the ready when hunger strikes.  

WHAT IS QUINOA

Quinoa is a technically a seed but it is categorized as a whole grain because of the way we eat it. It's available in black, white, red and  yellow varieties.  Many people consider quinoa to be a superfood.  

HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA

• Quinoa is packed with protein at 8g per cup and all the essential amino acids.  It's a great plant based source of protein for vegans.
• It contains more fiber than other grains with 5 grams per cup.  Fiber helps you to stay full longer, improves digestion and helps to promote good gut flora.  Most Americans do not get enough daily fiber. You should get at least 28g per day.  
• Quinoa contains manganese, folate, copper, phosphorous, iron, lysine and zinc.  
• Quinoa is especially beneficial when it replaces other less healthy grains like rice and wheat.
• Quinoa is low fat and cholesterol free
• Quinoa is a low glycemic index carb which can help you feel full longer.
• Quinoa is gluten free!  If you want to learn more about going gluten free check out my Gluten Free Guide.

HOW TO COOK QUINOA ON THE STOVE

Quinoa is fairly easy to cook but it's not incredibly forgiving.  If you add too much water or cook it for too long you will have a mess. I have learned this from experience!  Now I make it the exact same way every time I prep it for the week.  

1. Add two cups of water or chicken broth to a medium sized pot with one cup of quinoa. 
2. Salt well - I like to use course salt.
3. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.  Make sure this a full boil where you can see bubbles all along the sides of the pot.
4. Turn heat down to low and cover with a lid. Set timer for 15 minutes.
5. When timer goes off, remove from heat and let sit five minutes with the lid on.
6. Fluff well with a fork and serve or pack away for healthy meals all week. 

QUINOA FAQ

1. Do I have to rinse quinoa?  No, that is up to you.  Some people say it helps to make it less bitter but I've never noticed a difference.  Some quinoas are pre-rinsed.
2. Do I have to soak quinoa?  No, you do not.
3. How long does it take to cook quinoa?  20 minutes, 15 to cook and 5 minutes to rest.
4. What is the water to quinoa ratio?  2:1, 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water or broth
5. Do all colors of quinoa take the same amount of time to cook?  Not exactly.  White quinoa cooks the fastest and that is what I am referring to here. 
6. How do I cook quinoa in a rice cooker?  It's so easy.  Put in your 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water, add salt and press start.  
7. How do I cook quinoa in the microwave?  I have no idea but check out Fit Foodie Finds here.  

Quinoa is a great base for so many flavors and meal starters.  It makes great grain bowls and works well as an addition to salads.  You can even eat it as a sweet or savory breakfast bowl.  However, when you are serving it as a simple side dish you have to spice it up a bit.  It can be a little bland.

11 WAYS TO SPICE UP QUINOA

• Add olive oil or butter
• Add soy sauce or tamari 
• Add lots of freshly chopped herbs and a squeeze of citrus
• Add butter, lemon juice and garlic
• Mix in crumbled feta or even better...tomato basil flavored feta
• Season with a spice mix like Herbs de Provence or Everything Bagel
• Stir in leftover protein like chicken, steak or shrimp, chopped small
• Mix in cooked beans and chopped scallions
• Mix in peas
• Stir in chopped fresh veggies, like cucumber, peppers and tomatoes
• Add tomato sauce and parmesan

 

Scroll down to find all my favorite quinoa recipes from breakfast to dessert!

FAVORITE QUINOA RECIPES

High Protein Quinoa Yogurt Parfait

 

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl 

 

Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili

 

Detox Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing

 

Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

 

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Kale

 

Indonesian Beef and Quinoa Bowl

 

Cranberry Almond Quinoa

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