How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly [The Trick!] | Elizabeth Rider (2024)

If you want to learn how to cook quinoa that turns out perfectly fluffy every time, this trick is for you.

Quinoa is absolutely delightful when it turns out fluffy and full of flavor. However, soggy, flavorless quinoa is the worst.

Fear not! I’m going to teach you how to cook perfectly fluffy quinoa that’s full of flavor and will keep you coming back for seconds.

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and full of protein and fiber. It cooks like a grain but it’s technically a seed. Quinoa is super filling, so a little goes a long way in a salad or side dish. In case you’re wondering, there is no difference in nutrition between the different colors of quinoa.

Quinoa almost doubles in size when cooked. See the printable recipe card below to see the quinoa to liquid ratios for cooking. Print it, bookmark this page or pin it to Pinterest for easy reference in the future.

How to Cook Quinoa (Tutorial)

Quinoa is great in both savory and sweet dishes. Use this technique to have perfectly fluffy quinoa every time.

Step 1: Rinse Quinoa before Cooking

Most people are tempted to skip this step but I recommend it for better flavor and texture.

Grains and seeds like quinoa are stored in large barrels and can contain a bitter flavor or dust on the outside if not rinsed. Rinsing your quinoa will yield better flavor. However—and this is part of the trick in step 3—when you rinse it you’re adding water to the dish. Read on to step 3 for what to do to avoid soggy quinoa. Let as much water drain out as possible after rinsing. I let it sit in the fine mesh colander for 30-60 seconds to let the water properly drain out.

Step 2: Use the Correct Size Pan

Using the right size pan is important in all cooking techniques, but especially here as the quinoa needs to absorb all of the water without cooking too slowly or too quickly. I use a 3-quart pan for anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1 cup quinoa, and a 4-5 quart pan for more. Use a 6-quart pan for 2 cups of quinoa. There is some wiggle room there, just don’t try to cook a small amount of quinoa in a huge pot, or a large amount of quinoa in a small pot as it will either overcook or undercook.

Step 3: The Trick! Add The Correct Amount of Water

Here’s the trick to cooking your quinoa to turn out fluffy and not soggy:

The water to quinoa ratio is 2:1, so you’ll need 2 cups of liquid (water or stock) for 1 cup dried quinoa. However, since we rinsed it, there is a little water in the quinoa already. Use just shy of a 2:1 ratio for perfectly fluffy quinoa.

See the measurements and ratios in the printable recipe card below.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil, Reduce to Simmer

Now for the easy part! Set the stove to high and bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce it to a simmer. Depending on your climate, elevation, and stove, it can take 2-5 minutes to bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Cover, then Set a Timer

Once you reduce to a simmer, COVER the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and set a timer for 10 minutes.

Covering the pan prevents too much water from evaporating out. Your quinoa should take 12 minutes to cook, but I say set a timer for 10 minutes to start checking it then.

The quinoa is done once all of the water is absorbed.

Step 6: Let Sit for 15 Minutes, Then Fluff with a Fork

Once the water is absorbed, remove it from the heat. Give it a stir and cover and let it sit for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff it with a fork. Voila! Perfectly fluffy quinoa.

I sometimes let mine sit for a few hours on the stove to cool to room temperature while I’m cooking other things. You can use your quinoa hot, warm, room temperature, or cold.

If storing in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Recipes to Use Your Perfectly Cooked Quinoa

• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Berries
• Curry Quinoa Salad
• Quinoa Tabouli

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