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5.0 from 33 votes

How to Cook Quinoa

This is our go-to method for how to cook perfect and fluffy quinoa. The proportions for quinoa are the same as for white rice: 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. You can easily scale up or down as needed.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 people (makes 3 cups cooked quinoa)
Calories: 181 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: South American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 Tbsp butter or extra light olive oil
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve for at least 30 seconds then drain well.
  2. Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp butter or oil. Add drained quinoa and stir constantly until quinoa is toasted, the grains separate and turn golden, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 13-15 minutes. When it’s done, you’ll see tiny spirals curl around the seeds and check with a fork to ensure the water has evaporated all the way down to the bottom of the pot.
  4. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for another 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Information

Calories 181kcal (9%) Carbs 27g Protein 6g (12%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 321mg (13%) Potassium 240mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 0.003g (0%) Vitamin A 93IU (2%) Calcium 25mg (3%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people (makes 3 cups cooked quinoa)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 181

% Daily Value*

Calories 181kcal 9%
Carbs 27g
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 321mg 13%
Potassium 240mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 0.003g 0%
Vitamin A 93IU 2%
Calcium 25mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%

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