If you keep up with my blog, you know that I’m a quinoa fanatic. This wasn’t always the case, though! Before I REALLY knew how to cook quinoa, it always turned out soggy and bland. Then I learned that when you cook it the right way, it’s perfectly fluffy and flavourful. To make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I did, I put together this post for an in-depth look at quinoa—how to cook it, and also what it is and how to use it. Let’s dig in!
What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is an ancient seed that originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia and Peru and has been around for at least 5,000 years. The texture is similar to couscous, or even steel-cut oats in the way it absorbs cooking liquid. It has a mildly nutty flavour that complements almost any cuisine!
Why This Quinoa Recipe Works
The perfect liquid-to-quinoa ratio. This is the first key to fluffy quinoa! For 1 cup of quinoa, you want 2 cups of water or broth; it’s a 2:1 liquid-to-quinoa ratio every time. Never bitter. While many packaged quinoa brands are pre-rinsed, not all of them are. Rinsing your quinoa first is a game-changer because it takes the bitterness away. Toasted to perfection. I always start by toasting the quinoa, which adds another layer of flavour.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
Uncooked quinoa – 1 cup of quinoa yields about 3 cups of cooked quinoa. You can use any variety of quinoa—white, black, red, or a blend. If you’re making red quinoa, it will likely take an extra few minutes to cook. Broth – Or water. I like to use my homemade vegetable broth because it adds so much flavour to the quinoa. Sea salt Olive oil – For toasting the quinoa.
How To Cook Quinoa
Rinse. Add the quinoa to a mesh strainer and rinse under running water until the water starts running clear. Shake a bit to dry. Toast. Heat the olive oil in a pan set over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and toast for 2 minutes. Simmer. Add the liquid, salt, and any seasonings. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and reduce to medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring a few times. Finish. Once the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, remove from heat. Fluff with a fork, then let the quinoa rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Leave the pot partly covered. Set the lid slightly to the side so that you allow some steam to escape. Make it in batches. I love to meal prep quinoa for a week of easy lunches. However, cooking a huge pot isn’t the best way to go. I only cook 1 cup of quinoa at a time to keep it from getting mushy in the pot. If you need a ton, make it in batches! Look for the water to be absorbed. As a general rule of thumb, if the water has absorbed into the quinoa, it should be perfectly cooked, assuming you used the correct liquid ratio and cooking temperature. Don’t over cook it. Always be sure to set a timer for your quinoa so it doesn’t get over cooked. If it’s still crunchy but there’s no water left, add a tablespoon or two more and keep cooking.
My Favourite Ways to Use Quinoa
Meal bowls. Use cooked quinoa as a base for vegan burrito bowls and vegan poke bowls instead of rice. Salads. Quinoa is great for cold salads! Try it in this cashew Thai quinoa salad recipe or come up with your own. Curries and stir-fries. Or anything you want to soak up with a grain! I love it with this tempeh stir fry and coconut chickpea curry. Burgers and patties. Quinoa burgers and crispy quinoa patties are both made with cooked quinoa. Fried rice. Yes, you can even make quinoa fried rice!
How to Store Cooked Quinoa
Store quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The best way to reheat it is in the microwave, although you can also eat it cold.
Can I Freeze Cooked Quinoa?
Yes! Freeze cooked quinoa in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Quinoa Recipes
Coconut Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa 30-Minute Quinoa Enchilada Skillet Quinoa Pizza Bites Vegan Fried Rice with Quinoa Buffalo Quinoa Cauliflower Vegan Meatballs
Enjoy friends! If you make this quinoa recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
