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    Home » Recipes » Healthy » Quinoa

    How to Cook Quinoa Recipe

    Published: April 25, 2023 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: April 25, 2023 Leave a Comment

    7 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Quinoa is a versatile, healthy, and fiber-rich grain dish that is a staple food in South American cuisine. It is usually cooked with basic ingredients like water and salt or sometimes with chicken or vegetable broth. Quinoa pairs well with roasted or baked meats, roasted or baked vegetables, salmon dishes, and chicken dishes. It can also be a great addition to salads, soups, and stews. And can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as boiling, baking, or stir-frying.

    The recipe I have shared here shows you how to cook Quinoa on the stovetop using the absorption method. To make the cooking process visually clear, I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe below.

    Cooked Quinao in a white bowl placed on a white table with few ingredients scattered around.
    Jump to:
    • What is Quinoa?
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Cook Quinoa at Home?
    • Quinoa Water Ratio
    • Tips
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • Quinoa Recipe Video
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    What is Quinoa?

    Quinoa is a healthy, nutritious, and staple food in the Andean region of South America, which includes countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia. Quinoa has a nutty flavor and a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture when cooked. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, chicken soups, stews, and even desserts. It also pairs perfectly with roasted or baked vegetables and meat dishes.

    Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds, which are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

    Today, Quinoa remains an essential crop in the Andean region, and its popularity has spread worldwide as people have become more aware of its many health benefits.

    Wondering how to cook Quinoa easily at home? Here, I have shared an easy method to cook Quinoa on the stovetop. The stovetop method involves the absorption method, which helps the Quinoa to cook perfectly, resulting in fluffier and softer grains.

    Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that makes a perfect addition to your dinner rotations. Whether you're pairing it with chicken thighs, breasts, seafood, or other proteins, this dish will not disappoint. Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any meal. Without further delay, let's jump into the recipe.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    The ingredients you will need to cook Quinoa are straightforward and easily available in most kitchens. So let's see what are they below.

    Quinao recipe Ingredients arranged on a grey table in cups.
    • Quinoa: For this recipe, I have used tricolor quinoa, but you can use any variety you prefer. Quinoa comes in various colors, including red, black, and white, and they all have similar nutritional benefits. Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, and various essential minerals
    • Water: To cook the Quinoa, you will need water, and if you want to add more flavor, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead
    • Salt: Salt is an optional ingredient when cooking quinoa. For this recipe, I haven't used salt because I plan to use the cooked quinoa in salads or with other proteins and veggies that may already have enough salt. However, feel free to add salt to the water when cooking the quinoa if you prefer

    For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.

    How to Cook Quinoa at Home?

    The recipe I have shared here is How to cook Quinoa on a stovetop using the absorption method. Quinoa is a highly nutritious and versatile seed that can be prepared in many different ways. This stovetop method is a classic way to cook quinoa without losing its nutritional value.

    Cooked Quinao in a white bowl placed on a white table with few ingredients scattered around.

    Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.

    • Wash the Quinao: Start by adding the Quinoa into a glass bowl and rinse it with clean, cold tap water until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any debris or bitterness from the Quinoa
    • Drain: After rinsing the Quinoa, drain it using a fine mesh strainer to remove any excess water.
    • Toast: Next, heat a wide bottom pan over medium heat and add the rinsed and drained Quinoa to the pan. Toast the Quinoa for a few minutes until it turns aromatic. This will enhance its nutty flavor
    • Boil the quinoa: After toasting the Quinoa, add the water to the pan and spread the Quinoa evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil until it foams and bubbles up, which may take 5 to 7 minutes. At this stage, you can remove the foam using a spoon. The boiling time may vary depending on the quantity of Quinoa being used, but the thumb rule is that they have to boil until foam appears and bubbles
    • Close and cook: Once the Quinoa is boiled, reduce the heat to low and close the pan lid. Allow the quinoa to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. This will allow the quinoa to thoroughly cook and absorb all the water
    • Rest then Fluff: After the water is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before opening the lid. This will allow the Quinoa to cool slightly and become more fluffy. Serve the fluffy Quinoa with your favorite proteins, and veggies, or in salads of your choice

    Quinoa Water Ratio

    The amount of water you should use when cooking quinoa depends on how you like the texture. The recommended water-to-quinoa ratio for achieving a soft and fluffy texture is 2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 1 ¾ cups water is a good choice.

    Tips

    • Clean the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness: Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can make it taste bitter. It's essential to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove this coating and improve its flavor
    • Use mesh strainer: Use a fine-mesh strainer to drain the quinoa after rinsing: A fine-mesh strainer helps to remove excess water and prevents the quinoa from falling through the holes
    • Toast for flavor: Toast the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding water: Toasting the quinoa in a dry pan before cooking can help enhance its nutty flavor and give it a nice aroma
    • Use the right amount of water: The ideal water-to-quinoa ratio is 2:1. However, you can adjust the amount of water according to your preferred texture. If you like a slightly softer texture, you can use a ratio of 1:1¾
    • Boil and then cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid: It's important to bring the quinoa and water mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low and covering the pan with a lid. This helps to cook the quinoa evenly and ensures that it's tender
    • Dont over stir: Resist the temptation to stir the quinoa while it's cooking. Stirring the quinoa while it's cooking can cause it to break apart and become mushy. To prevent this, avoid stirring the quinoa while it's cooking

    Storage Suggestions

    Cooked Quinoa can typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days. It is best to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze cooked Quinoa for longer-term storage. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 to 5 months. When storing Quinoa in the freezer, it is recommended to divide it into portion-sized containers or bags for easy use. Before consuming, make sure to reheat it thoroughly.

    Cooked Quinoa can go bad if it's not stored properly or if it's been kept for too long. Signs of spoilage include a sour or unpleasant odor, slimy or mushy texture, and discolored or moldy appearance.

    Serving Suggestions

    Quinoa is a healthy and versatile side dish that makes a perfect pair with a wide variety of foods. Here are some ideas on what to serve with Quinoa:

    • Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, green beans, and Brussels sprouts add flavor and texture to your meal. Serve these alongside your Quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal
    • Roasted or baked meats: Roasted chicken, baked chicken thighs, grilled steak, or fish pairs well with Quinoa. Especially with baked salmon, air fryer salmon, and pan-seared salmon. The protein from the meat and the fiber from the Quinoa will keep you feeling full and satisfied
    • Stir-fry dishes: Vegetable stir fry, chicken stir fry, shrimp stir fry, and chicken and broccoli stir fry, and Quinao make a quick and easy meal for those busy nights
    • Salad: Use Quinoa as a base for a salad and top it with your favorite vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dressing
    • Tacos: Use cooked Quinoa instead of rice in your tacos for a healthier alternative. Add in your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa
    • Soups and stews: Add cooked Quinoa to your favorite soups or stews for added texture and protein

    Related Recipes

    You could also find similar recipes below and more at healthy recipes.

    • How to Cook White Rice
    • How to Cook Basmati Rice
    • How to Cook Brown Rice
    • How to Cook Jasmine Rice

    Quinoa Recipe Video

    I have also shared a detailed video on how to cook Quinoa below that I hope will help you make a healthy and nutritious dish at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.

    📖 Recipe

    Cooked Quinao in a white bowl placed on a white table with few ingredients scattered around.

    How to Cook Quinoa

    Quinoa is a versatile, healthy, and fiber-rich grain dish that is a staple food in South American cuisine. It is usually cooked with basic ingredients like water and salt or sometimes with chicken or vegetable broth. Quinoa pairs well with roasted or baked meats, roasted or baked vegetables, salmon dishes, and chicken dishes. It can also be a great addition to salads, soups, and stews. And can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as boiling, baking, or stir-frying.
    5 from 1 vote
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: South American
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 20 minutes mins
    Adjust 8 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups Quinoa
    • 4 cups Water
    • Salt, to taste, I haven't used salt here, but you can add if you prefer
    More on Unit Conversions »
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    Instructions
     

    How to cook Quinoa

    • To prepare quinoa, start by adding it into a glass bowl and rinse it with clean, cold tap water until the water runs clear. Then, drain the quinoa using a fine mesh strainer
      A bowl with rinsed quinoa.
    • Next, in a wide bottom pan with medium heat, add the rinsed and drained quinoa and toast it until it turns aromatic
      Toasting quinoa in a wide pan.
    • After toasting, add the water and spread the quinoa evenly
      A pan with quinoa and water.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil until it foams and bubbles up, which may take around 3 to 5 minutes. At this stage, you can remove the foam using a spoon. The boiling time may vary depending on the quantity of quinoa being used, but the thumb rule is that they have to boil until foam appears and bubbles
      A pan with boiling quinoa.
    • Once the quinoa is boiled, reduce the heat to low and close the lid of the pan. Allow the quinoa to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed
      Quinoa is being cooked with lid closed.
    • After the water is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before opening the lid. Finally, open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. It is now ready for you to taste and enjoy
      Perfectly cooked quinoa in a pan.

    To Serve

    • To serve this nutritious quinoa, pair it with your favorite chicken dishes such as oven-baked chicken breast or drumsticks. You can also pair it with seafood dishes like baked salmon or air fryer salmon, or add it to your favorite salads along with roasted or baked vegetables of your choice. This versatile ingredient can be enjoyed in many ways and is a great addition to any balanced meal
      Serving quinoa in a white serving bowl.

    Video

    Notes

    • Clean the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness: Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can make it taste bitter. It's essential to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove this coating and improve its flavor
    • Use mesh strainer: Use a fine-mesh strainer to drain the quinoa after rinsing: A fine-mesh strainer helps to remove excess water and prevents the quinoa from falling through the holes
    • Toast for flavor: Toast the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding water: Toasting the quinoa in a dry pan before cooking can help enhance its nutty flavor and give it a nice aroma
    • Use the right amount of water: The ideal water-to-quinoa ratio is 2:1. However, you can adjust the amount of water according to your preferred texture. If you like a slightly softer texture, you can use a ratio of 1:1¾
    • Boil and then cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid: It's important to bring the quinoa and water mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low and covering the pan with a lid. This helps to cook the quinoa evenly and ensures that it's tender
    • Do not over-stir: Resist the temptation to stir the quinoa while it's cooking: Stirring the quinoa while it's cooking can cause it to break apart and become mushy. To prevent this, avoid stirring the quinoa while it's cooking

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yellowchilis or tag #yellowchilis!

    FAQ

    What is Quinoa?

    Quinoa is a nutritious and fiber-rich grain-like crop. It is one of the staple food in the Andean region of South America. It is known for its high protein and fiber content, as well as its versatility in cooking. Quinoa is gluten-free and is often used as a substitute for rice or couscous in recipes. It comes in different colors, including white, red, and black, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as boiling, baking, or stir-frying.

    What is the best water ratio for cooking Quinoa?

    The best water ratio for cooking quinoa is 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of quinoa, you should use 2 cups of water. This ratio will ensure that the quinoa is fully cooked and absorbs all the liquid, resulting in fluffy and tender grains. However, you can adjust the amount of water according to your preferred texture. If you like a slightly softer texture, you can use a ratio of 1:1¾

    How long to cook Quinoa on the stovetop?

    To cook quinoa on the stovetop, you will need to bring the water or broth to a boil, add the quinoa, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. The cooking time for quinoa on the stovetop is typically around 15-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type and quality of quinoa, as well as the altitude and the size of the pot. It's best to check the quinoa periodically to make sure it's not overcooked or undercooked.

    I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.

    If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

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