How to Cook Quinoa
Perfect quinoa every time!
Learn how to cook quinoa with just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes. This healthy rice substitute is perfect for meal prep and versatile enough for salads, breakfast bowls, and more!
For more nutritious side dishes, try Air Fryer Asparagus and Air Fried Cauliflower next!
How to Cook Fluffy Quinoa
Quinoa has gained popularity in recent years and I am absolutely here for it! Perfectly cooked quinoa is a delicious addition to any meal. I’ve made this enough to know how to achieve the best light and fluffy texture. If you’ve ever experienced wet, clumpy quinoa, I’ve got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Quinoa Recipe
Easy. This is super simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Healthy. Quinoa is fiber-rich and a complete protein source so it has all of the essential amino acids that any animal protein has!
Versatile. Quinoa has a slightly nutty, neutral taste that is enhanced by whatever flavors you add to it. Make it savory, sweet, or spicy. Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the base of your meal.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is actually a seed and not a grain. The seed is in the amaranth family and was first cultivated in the Andes in South America. Quinoa comes in a variety of colors so like red quinoa, white quinoa, and black quinoa, but the flavor is pretty indistinguishable.
It’s filling and super nutritious!
Quinoa Ingredients
Quinoa: Rinse with cold running water.
Chicken broth: This adds amazing savory flavor.
Lemon: A pop of citrus brightens the overall taste. Use lemon zest and lemon juice
Salt: This enhances the overall flavor. You can add to taste.
Equipment Needed
Medium size saucepan with a lid
Fine mesh strainer
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Cook Perfect Fluffy Quinoa
Rinse your quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. Then combine the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, and salt in a saucepan. Turn the heat on high and bring it to a boil.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and put the top on the saucepan for about 10 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy. When it is fluffy, turn off the heat, add in the lemon juice and zest. Then mix to combine well.
Enjoy it as a side dish, as a base for stews, as a rice substitution, or add it to salads!
Tips
Do not forget to rinse the quinoa before cooking. Dry quinoa has a natural coating of saponin, a chemical that repels insects. If you don’t rinse or soak quinoa, the saponin leaves a bitter flavor.
The trick to cooking quinoa is to mind the quinoa-to-water ratio. Whether you make a big batch or just a few servings, use 1 cup of quinoa for every 2 cups of liquid.
After reducing the heat to low, keep the quinoa covered for 10 minutes for the best results.
Recipe Variations
Broth: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth (if vegetarian) or beef broth.
Fresh herbs: For a fresh pop of flavor, try parsley, dill, cilantro, or tarragon.
Dried herbs: Season with Italian seasoning, parsley, paprika, or dried thyme.
Sweet Quinoa: If making quinoa sweet vs. savory, swap the chicken broth for milk, plant milk, or water.
How to Serve Quinoa
Quinoa Breakfast Porridge: one of my favorite ways to incorporate quinoa is to make a breakfast porridge, similar to oatmeal! Instead of cooking the quinoa with broth, try using milk of choice or water. Omit the lemon and salt & enjoy the oatmeal as a protein packed breakfast. Add blueberries, strawberries, peanut butter, and any nuts for a hearty breakfast!
Oatmeal Substitute: Try this chocolate brownie oats recipe, but substitute the oatmeal for quinoa!
Quinoa Salad Bowl: Make a big bowl with your favorite leafy greens, quinoa, any vegetables on hand, and your favorite protein! Pair it with a simple salad dressing like this easy homemade avocado ranch salad dressing and you will have a hearty salad!
Quinoa Instead of Rice: If you love rice, try swapping it once for quinoa! I love making stir fry with quinoa. So add your favorite vegetables, protein, and stir-fry veggies in a pan & sauté with some soy sauce! You can add some chicken on top, or serve it on the side of some salmon and veggies! Check out these recipes here!
What to Serve with Quinoa
Serve quinoa with a protein like chicken or salmon. Here are some tasty pairings.
Storing Leftovers
After it has completely cooled down to room temperature, store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place cooked quinoa in the fridge for up to 2 months.
FAQ
What is the ratio of water to quinoa?
For every 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, add two cups of water.
What is healthier rice or quinoa?
When compared to white rice and brown rice, quinoa has more health benefits. Quinoa has more fiber than rice, plus, it has amino acids and protein.
How healthy is quinoa for weight loss?
Because it is rich in fiber, which boosts metabolism, quinoa can be used to lose weight. However, if you are on a low-carb diet, be mindful of your quinoa consumption because there are over 39 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of quinoa. But it still has less carbs than a serving of rice.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY LEARNING HOW TO COOK THE BEST QUINOA! IF YOU LOVE IT, LET ME KNOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.
How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Rinse your quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth and salt into a saucepan. Turn the heat on high and bring it to a boil.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and put the top on the saucepan for about 10 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy.
- Once fluffy, turn off the heat, add in the lemon juice and zest. Mix to combine well.
- Enjoy it as a side dish, as a base for stews, as a rice substitution or add it into salads!
