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How to Cook Quinoa

Once you know how to cook quinoa to fluffy, tender perfection, you'll want to add this protein- and fiber-rich whole grain to your menu or meal prep every week.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories: 156 kcal
Cuisine: Mediterranean , American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa (see note 1)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth (see note 2)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To rinse the quinoa (if needed, see notes), using a large, fine-mesh sieve, rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold running water.
  2. In a 2-quart or large pot, bring water and salt to boil. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat, fluff, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Quinoa: Dry, uncooked quinoa (I love Bob’s Red Mill), any color you desire. If you can find pre-rinsed quinoa, that's ideal.
  • Water or chicken broth: Water works wonderfully, and is free and sodium-free. For more flavor, cook quinoa in chicken broth; homemade or store-bought.
  • Yield: This method for how to cook quinoa creates 3 cups, enough for six 1/2-cup side dish-sized servings.
  • Storage: Transfer cooked, cooled quinoa to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: To keep the cooked quinoa from clumping together as it freezes, spread it out on a sheet tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep on ice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.5cup Calories 156kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 239mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Vitamin A 6IU (0%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings (1/2 cup each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5cup
Calories 156kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 239mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Vitamin A 6IU 0%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

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