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How to Cook Perfect Quinoa
5 from 21 votes

How to Cook Perfect Quinoa

This method cooks quinoa by boiling it in salted water until tender and translucent, then draining and letting it steam covered. The result is fluffy, separate grains with a subtle nutty taste and a slightly chewy core. The recipe ensures properly cooked quinoa ideal for serving warm or cooled. Rinsing before cooking removes bitterness, and resting covered finishes the texture.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
12 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 104 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

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  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. Add the water to the pan with the quinoa and kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Boil the quinoa like pasta, until al dente and the centers become transparent, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 12 minutes. Drain, fluff with a fork, and return the quinoa to the pot, cover with a kitchen towel and a lid and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, or spread the quinoa on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
  3. Cooked quinoa can be stored in a sealed container and refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Rinsing quinoa well before cooking improves flavor and removes bitterness.
  • One cup of dried quinoa yields approximately three cups cooked.
  • To enhance flavor, cook quinoa in broth or add a smashed garlic clove to the boiling water, then discard before draining.
  • Cooked quinoa keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for 4 to 5 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.5cup Calories 104kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 395mg (16%) Potassium 160mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 104

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5cup
Calories 104kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 395mg 16%
Potassium 160mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.