• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Seasonal Cravings

Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Gluten Free
    • Gluten Free For Beginners
    • Printable Gluten Free Food List
    • Gluten Free Diet Meal Plan
    • 100 Gluten Free Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • 20 Best Gluten Free Products at Trader Joe's
    • How To Meal Plan
    • Clean Eating For Beginners
    • Clean Eating Pantry Staples
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Cocktails
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups
    • Smoothies
  • Portfolio
  • About
    • About Karen
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer | Policies
    • Food Blogging Resources
go to homepage
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Gluten Free Guide
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Gluten Free » How to Cook Quinoa

    How to Cook Quinoa

    Published: Dec 5, 2019 Modified: Apr 1, 2020 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    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.


    how to cook quinoa -quinoa in a white bowl

    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.

    uncooked quinoa in a wooden bowl

    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. 

    ingredients for how to cook quinoa

    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.  

    how to cook quinoa on the stove in a pot

    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

    how to cook quinoa on the stove

     

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

    how to cook quinoa

    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.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: how to cook quinoa
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 104kcal
    Author: Karen Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup white quinoa
    • 2 cups water or broth
    • ½ tsp salt

    Instructions

    • Add two cups of water or chicken broth to a medium sized pot.  Add one cup of quinoa to the pot and add salt.
    • Turn heat to high and bring to a full boil. You will see little bubbles all around the edges of the pot.
    • Turn heat to low, cover with a lid and set timer for 15 minutes.
    • When timer ends remove from heat and let sit for five minutes.
    • Remove lid and fluff well with a fork. Taste and add more salt if needed

    Notes

    This recipe will make 3-4 cups of cooked quinoa.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

    how to cook quinoa

    FAVORITE QUINOA RECIPES

    High Protein Quinoa Yogurt Parfait

    High Protein Quinoa Yogurt Parfait

     

    how to cook quinoa breakfast bowl

    Quinoa Breakfast Bowl 

     

    how to cook quinoa on stove Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili

    Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili

     

    how long to cook quinoa Detox Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing

    Detox Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing

     

    how long to cook quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

    Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

     

    how to cook quinoa perfectly

    Quinoa Tabbouleh with Kale

     

    how to cook quinoa perfectly

    Indonesian Beef and Quinoa Bowl

     

    how to cook quinoa perfectly

    Cranberry Almond Quinoa

    how to cook quinoa

    Pin this post for later!

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

    Previous Post: « Ultimate List of Gluten Free Blogs
    Next Post: Faster Way to Fat Loss Review »

    Reader Interactions

    Tell Us What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food photographer and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, gluten free recipes made with seasonal ingredients. Let's get cooking!

    ABOUT KAREN»

    Popular

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

    Broccolini and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

    Plum and Pomegranate Toast

    Sausage and Bok Choy Grain Bowl with Creamy Tahini Dressing

    Sheet Pan Cod with Butternut Squash

    Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclaimer | Policies
    • Portfolio

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2021 Seasonal Cravings