Name: How to Cook Quinoa | The Ultimate Guide
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white quinoa; 1 3/4 cups water or broth; 1/2 tsp table salt (if using water instead of broth)

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Do you want to add some extra protein and nutrients to your diet? If so, try cooking quinoa. Quinoa is a versatile grain that can be cooked in the rice cooker, on the stove top, in the oven, or in the slow cooker. In this ultimate guide, we will teach you how to cook quinoa using these methods. We will also discuss the difference between quinoa and rice, and share some tips for making perfect quinoa every time. Let’s get started!

In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of cooking quinoa and get tips for getting the most out of your quinoa meal. We’ll cover how to cook quinoa in different ways including on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, in the oven, and in a slow cooker. You’ll also learn the difference between quinoa and rice, as well as some helpful cooking tips for quinoa. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make delicious quinoa dishes at home.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a grain-like seed that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It’s a whole grain, meaning it contains all parts of the kernel, including the bran and germ. This makes quinoa more nutritious than most grains. It’s also gluten-free and has a slightly nutty flavor when cooked. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and manganese.

The Difference Between Quinoa and Rice

Many people compare quinoa to rice because they are both grains. However, there are several key differences between the two. For one thing, quinoa is considered a “complete” protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Rice does not have this distinction.

Quinoa is also much higher in fiber and micronutrients like folate, magnesium, iron, and manganese than rice. Quinoa is smaller and lighter than most varieties of rice, but it has a higher protein content (7-8 grams per cup) compared to only 4-5 grams in white or brown rice. Finally, it has a slightly nutty flavor when cooked which many people prefer to the blandness of rice.

Quinoa veggie bowl with avocado, cucumber, zucchini, pea shoots and pepitas.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a pseudocereal that has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is a close relative of spinach and beets, and is actually a seed that is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Quinoa is naturally gluten free, making it an excellent alternative to wheat-based grains.

How to Rinse Quinoa

Rinsing the saponins off quinoa in a fine mesh strainer.

Quinoa can have a bitter, soapy flavor, but you can rinse it to make it taste better. Rinsing quinoa removes its bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin occurs naturally on quinoa to protect it from being eaten by animals. Rinse quinoa well in a fine mesh strainer, rubbing the grains between your fingers in order to release the saponins. Do this for one full minute.

Murky water with saponin residue. — Rinse water with saponin residue.

Different Types of Quinoa

White quinoa is the most common type of quinoa. You might see it labeled as quinoa or ivory quinoa. It is very light and fluffy.

Red quinoa tastes like white quinoa, but it is firmer. Therefore, red quinoa is a good choice to mix into cold grain salads.

Black quinoa is not as easy to find as other types of quinoa. It keeps its shape better than white quinoa, and it has a nuttier taste.

Tri-Color Quinoa is a mix of White, Black, and Red quinoa.

Sprouted Quinoa is a regular quinoa seed that has started to grow into a plant, but it is stopped early in the process. To stop the growing at the right moment, whole grain seeds are soaked with water and kept warm and moist.

Instant Quinoa or ‘Quick Cook’ is cooked quinoa that is dried in order to make it an instant, microwave variety.

Tips for Perfect Quinoa Every Time

Use the right ratio of liquid to quinoa: For most methods, the general rule is 1 3/4 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of quinoa.
Always rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove any saponin residue which causes bitterness.
Don’t overcook it: Quinoa should be cooked until all the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender but not mushy.
Let it rest after cooking: This helps ensure that your quinoa won’t become gummy when you fluff it with a fork.
Add flavor to your quinoa by using broth instead of water when cooking it.
Make a big batch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Double or triple recipes easily by simply increasing the amount of uncooked quinoa and liquid you use while following the same instructions as above.
Quinoa can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.

The Benefits of Each Cooking Method

Cooked quinoa in a rice cooker. — **RICE COOKER METHOD**

Cooked quinoa in a baking dish. — **RICE COOKER METHOD**

RICE COOKER METHOD – Depending on the size of your rice cooker this can also be a great way to cook a large quantity of quinoa. In my opinion, the texture of this method as well as the oven method is perfect. Al dente but cooked all the way through. This is also a very easy, hands-off cooking method that can be ready in 35 minutes.

OVEN METHOD – Another great, hands-off way to cook as little or as much quinoa as you like. The texture is perfect. Ready in 35 minutes independent of the pre-heat time.

SLOW COOKER METHOD – You can cook a large quantity of quinoa. This is helpful for either cooking for a large group or for freezing in smaller quantities for convenient food prep. The grains are the softest of all the cooking methods.

STOVE-TOP METHOD – This is probably the most common method, mostly due to the package instructions on most quinoa packages. It does yield a nice, al-dente grain with a nutty flavor. It’s mostly a hands-off method also.

How to Make Quinoa Less Boring

Quinoa salad with feta cheese, spinach and olives.

Quinoa is a versatile grain, absorbing flavors you mix with it. For a savory salad, toss with feta cheese, chopped olives, wilted greens and your favorite vinaigrette.

Quinoa salad with kidney beans, tomatoes and cilantro.

For a Southwest version, in a medium bowl toss quinoa with corn, black beans, tomatoes, scallions, avocado and a Creamy Southwest Dressing.

For a citrusy vibe, add to a mixed greens salad and add mandarin orange slices, rotisserie chicken and Orange Ginger Salad Dressing.

Quinoa breakfast bowl with apples and walnuts.

For a sweet, cereal-like breakfast option, in a small bowl add quinoa, sliced apples, raisins and walnuts. Add brown sugar and pour your favorite milk over.

How to Cook Quinoa | The Ultimate Guide

Yield: 3 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup white quinoa
1 3/4 cups water or broth
1/2 tsp table salt (if using water instead of broth)

Instructions

Rinse quinoa well in a bowl of water, rubbing the grains between your fingers in order to release the saponins. Decant the water carefully, then add fresh cold water and repeat until the water is clear-ish and the suds are gone.

STOVE-TOP METHOD - Place 1 cup of quinoa in a medium sauce pot and add 1 3/4 cups of water or broth, add salt if using water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat, leave the lid on for 5 more minutes. Fluff with fork.
OVEN METHOD - Preheat your oven to 450°F. Measure out 1 cup of grain into a small baking dish. Add 1 3/4 cups of water or broth and salt (if using water), to the quinoa. Stir to combine, then cover with a lid or foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes covered. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve!
SLOW COOKER METHOD - Place 1 cup of grain into a slow cooker. Add 1 3/4 cups of water or broth and 1/2 tsp salt (if using water) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover with the lid. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 90 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve!
RICE COOKER METHOD - Place 1 cup of grain into a rice cooker. Add 1 3/4 cups of water or broth and 1/2 tsp salt (if using water). Stir to combine, cover and activate the rice cooker. My rice cooker took 27 minutes to cook. After the rice cooker switches off, let rest with the lid on for 5 more minutes. Fluff with fork.

Notes

The slow cooker and oven method is perfect for cooking larger quantities of quinoa. This recipe is for the one cup version but you can scale this easily in a slow cooker or oven. The cooking time remains the same. The slow cooker method yields a slightly softer grain.
You may substitute any broth for water in these recipes. Be sure to skip the salt if you do.
May freeze quinoa up to 3 months, or keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 2.5 gramsgSaturated Fat: 0 gramsgTrans Fat: 0 gramsgUnsaturated Fat: 2.5 gramsgCholesterol: 0 mgmgSodium: 0 mgmgCarbohydrates: 31 gramsgFiber: 3 gramsgSugar: 1 gramgProtein: 6 gramsg

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to cook perfect quinoa every time! With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to make delicious, nutritious quinoa dishes in no time at all.

Now that you know how to cook quinoa, get creative and start experimenting. Whether you opt for the stove top, oven, microwave or slow cooker method, you’re sure to make a delicious dish with this versatile grain. Enjoy!

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