Cooking quinoa perfectly might seem daunting, but with the right technique, you can achieve fluffy, tender grains every time. Here I’ll show you how to cook quinoa in the simplest way.

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, versatile, and easy-to-prepare grain-like seed that can contribute to a balanced and varied diet.

Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, incorporate more fibre-rich foods into your meals, or experiment with new flavours and recipes, quinoa is a fantastic choice that also happens to be gluten free.

I love quinoa and eat it several times a week. It makes a great alternative to rice.

To keep things simple I often keep a batch of cooked quinoa in the fridge so that it can quickly and easily be added to dishes such as oat and quinoa porridge or a savoury breakfast bowl.

It can also be sprinkled onto salads, or re-heated in a pan with olive oil and your favourite herbs and spices and served alongside main meals.

Step 1

Rinse one cup of uncooked quinoa in cold water then drain in a fine mesh sieve. Add the washed quinoa and 2 cups of cold water to a saucepan.

Step 2

Cover with a lid and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the grains start to look like the picture below.

Step 3

Drain the cooked quinoa in a sieve, leave to cool slightly then fluff with a fork.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to five days.

FAQs

Why do I need to rinse the quinoa?

Unwashed quinoa can be quite bitter because it has a natural coating of a substance called saponin that prevents birds from eating it. Once rinsed off, the bitterness is removed.

Can I use stock or broth instead of water?

Yes, if you want your quinoa to have a savoury salty flavour then use vegetable or chicken stock instead of plain water.

How does quinoa taste?

Quinoa has a mild nutty taste and a chewy texture when cooked. It has quite a bland taste and flavours need to be added to it.