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4.9 from 27 votes

How To Cook Quinoa on Stove Recipe

Learn how to make quinoa on the stovetop to make perfectly cooked and fluffy quinoa every time. I made sure to cover proper cooking times for each type of quinoa (white, red, black, and tricolor quinoa).

Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Resting Time
10 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 156 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white quinoa
  • 2 cups water (Chicken Stock or Vegetable Broth would also work)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place raw quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Drain.
  2. Place rinsed and drained quinoa, water (or chicken broth or veggie broth), and a pinch of salt (optional) into a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Stir it and put the lid on.
  3. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil. It should take about 3-4 minutes for it to come to a boil.
  4. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Turn the heat off and let it rest for 10 minutes (covered). Fluff it with a fork and serve.

Notes

  • How to tell when quinoa is done cooking? You will know that the quinoa is done cooking when most of the liquid in the pan is absorbed with tiny air holes on the surface, and some of the quinoa seeds look like they have popped open, revealing the germ of the kernel.
  • You can use this recipe to cook red, black and tricolor quinoa as well. However, be aware that the cooking time might vary. For red quinoa let it simmer for 18 minutes, for black quinoa let it simmer for 20 minutes, and for multi color quinoa let it simmer for 18 minutes.
  • 1 cup raw white quinoa yields approximately 3 3/4 cups of cooked white quinoa.
  • How to tell when quinoa is done cooking? You will know that the quinoa is done cooking when most of the liquid in the pan is absorbed with tiny air holes on the surface, and some of the quinoa seeds look like they have popped open, revealing the germ of the kernel.
  • For additional flavoring you can add in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter into the cooking liquid. You can also use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water as your cooking liquid.
  • Best way to store: Place cooked quinoa in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Want to use a different technique to cook quinoa? Check out my Microwave Quinoa, Pressure Cooker Quinoa and Rice Cooker Quinoa recipes.

Nutrition Information

Calories 156kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 299mg (12%) Potassium 239mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Vitamin A 6IU (0%) Calcium 24mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156

% Daily Value*

Calories 156kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 299mg 12%
Potassium 239mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Vitamin A 6IU 0%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

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