Are you interested in learning how to cook quinoa perfectly every time? Look no further. You’ll know how to do it most simply on this basic recipe and on the stovetop.
Quinoa is a versatile superfood that is technically a seed. Still, you’ll see it classified as a whole-grain or pseudo-cereal from the nutritional perspective.
Even though the classification might be confusing, we agree that quinoa is nutritious. It’s packed with fiber and whole protein, and it’s also Gluten-Free. It’s a staple in healthy diets, and of course, in my kitchen!
And since it features a mild flavor, we can use it in multiple recipes; however, sometimes, it can be tricky to cook to get the perfect texture. But no anymore!
HOW TO COOK QUINOA
This recipe on cooking quinoa is super simple, and it’s the basic procedure.
With cooked quinoa, you can prepare many recipes, so let’s learn how to cook it perfectly every time.
For the preparation, you’ll need:
- Quinoa: for this simple and basic recipe we’ll be using white quinoa.
- Water: 2 cups per 1 cup of quinoa. You could also use vegetable broth (2 part of liquid per part of quinoa).
- Salt: optional.
To prepare this recipe, we’re going to start rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a colander or some fine-mesh strainer.
Then pour the quinoa into a medium saucepan, and add water or vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and cook the quinoa for about 15 to 20 minutes (on a gentle simmer).
Let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid on, and then gently fluff the quinoa with a fork.
And that’s it. The quinoa is ready for serving or using in your favorite recipe.
Read the recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes.
What to love about this recipe? Well, it’s:
- Simple and easy!
- Light and tender every time.
- Nutritious and healthy.
Let’s prepare this fluffy quinoa!
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RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO COOK QUINOA (simplest way!)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa *see notes
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth or a combination of both.
- salt to taste optional.
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water, using a fine-mesh strainer or colander, for about 30 seconds. Drain well (some varieties are pre-washed or pre-rinsed, but I still follow this step to reduce the bitterness).
- Pour the quinoa into a medium saucepan with a lid. Add water** or vegetable broth, or a combination of both, and salt (optional). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and gently simmer until all the liquid has evaporated (15 to 20 min).
- Remove from the heat, and let the quinoa stand for 5 min, covered. Then remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- At this point, the quinoa is ready for enjoying it as is, or use it in your favorite recipe.
Notes
- * I’m using the white variety for this basic tutorial, the most regular one available in stores. With other common types, like red, black, or tricolor, the cooking time and the chewiness at the end can vary slightly. But you can follow the same steps; you maybe have to extend the cooking time a little more and add more liquid to cook harder varieties like the black one, for example.
- ** Optionally, before adding the water (or vegetable broth), you can toast the quinoa for a couple of minutes, occasionally stirring, being careful not to burn it.
- Store cooled leftovers in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS COCONUT CAULIFLOWER RICE WITH TOFU
Serve it warm for eating it as is, or cool for using in your favorite recipes like quinoa bowls, veggie patties, salads, and more.
You can also prepare this Rainbow Quinoa Salad!
DID YOU TRY THIS METHOD ON HOW TO COOK QUINOA?
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