How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly
- PREP 5min
- COOK 15min
- TOTAL 20min
This easy stovetop quinoa recipe is what did it for me. The quinoa cooks up to be light and fluffy without being mushy or bitter. Use water or add more flavor with broth. I love this veggie broth or homemade chicken broth.
While the stovetop is my preferred method, since sharing this recipe and a few reader requests, we have added three more methods for cooking quinoa below: in the microwave, Instant Pot, and a rice cooker.
You Will Need
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water or broth, like chicken stock or veggie broth
Pinch fine sea salt, optional
Directions
How to Cook Quinoa on the Stove
Add quinoa to a fine mesh strainer, then rinse under cool water for 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, add the quinoa to a bowl and cover with cool water. Move the quinoa around the bowl, drain the water, and repeat.
Shake the quinoa of any excess liquid. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or stock) in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa, 10 to 15 minutes. If you are making a larger batch of quinoa, this may take closer to 20 minutes.
Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for 5 minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and “fluff up.” Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
How to Cook Quinoa in the Microwave
Combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water (or broth) in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until the liquid level has reduced by about half, about 6 minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot!). Stir the quinoa. Cover the bowl again and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!
How to Cook Quinoa in an Instant Pot
You’ll need less water when cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot than other methods. A 1:1 ratio of quinoa to water is usually perfect. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of the pressure cooker with cooking spray. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of water or broth to the pressure cooker. Stir well to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom.
Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to HIGH pressure. Cook for 1 minute. Let the pressure release naturally for 12 minutes. Carefully open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
Lightly coat the inner pot of the rice cooker with cooking spray. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth to the rice cooker. Stir well to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom.
Secure the lid. Select the “white rice” setting if your rice cooker has one; otherwise, use the regular cooking cycle. Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the quinoa sit in the rice cooker for about 10 minutes with the lid closed. This allows the steam to finish cooking the quinoa. Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing tips: Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 2 months.
- More flavor: Stir olive oil, coconut oil, or butter into the cooked quinoa. Fold in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro. Squeeze fresh lemon juice or lime juice on top.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.