How to Cook Quinoa Recipe
This simple and nutritious quinoa recipe teaches you how to cook fluffy and perfectly tender quinoa using either water or broth for added flavor. Quinoa is a versatile grain that’s rich in protein and fiber, making it an excellent base for a variety of dishes, from salads to sides.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups cooked quinoa 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 ¾ cups water or low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (optional – omit if cooking quinoa in broth)
- Rinse quinoa: Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1 minute. This step removes the natural bitter coating called saponin. Drain thoroughly.
- Cook quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water or broth, and salt (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low to simmer, cover with a lid, and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, roughly 14 minutes for 1 cup of quinoa.
- Let quinoa rest: Remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered. Allow the quinoa to steam and settle for 5 minutes to ensure fluffy texture.
- Fluff and serve: Use a fork to gently fluff and separate the quinoa grains before serving to avoid clumping.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is important to remove bitterness from the natural coating.
- Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the amount of quinoa and stovetop heat.
- Letting quinoa rest after cooking improves texture and fluffiness.
- Quinoa pairs well with vegetables, herbs, or as a base for protein dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19.7g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa recipe, how to cook quinoa, fluffy quinoa, quinoa side dish, gluten free grain