How To Cook The Best Quinoa

What You Need

Whether one is cooking on the stovetop, rice cooker/instant pot, or microwave, these are the three things one ever needs. You can certainly try add-ons for flavor while serving.

• Dried Quinoa: Quinoa is available in three colors; white, red, and black. You will find a mixed version that is often labeled tricolor quinoa. The lighter varieties often have a milder flavor so it's best to start with the white one if you’re new to the world of quinoa-recipes. The white ones also cook the quickest.
• Water: Just like with cooking rice, cooking quinoa also involves boiling/steaming it in water. You can also use substitutes like chicken/veggie stock for flavor if you like. More on quinoa to water ratio below.
• Seasoning: Just salt works fine but you can also add other spices and herbs for flavor and visual purposes.

Quinoa To Water Ratio

The perfect ratio for quinoa to water is 1:2. For every cup of quinoa, you will require two cups of water. You must know that from one cup of dried quinoa, you get a cooked product of three cups.

You can substitute it with milk, chicken, or veggie stock. The same amount goes for those, too.

3 Ways To Cook Quinoa

Now that you have everything you need, it's time to get cooking. We have here three most popular types of cooking methods for quinoa.

1. On The Stove

Step 1: Rinse of The Quinoa

Rinse your quinoa always before you begin cooking. Take a mesh sieve, and under running water, rinse the quinoa for 30 seconds. This will take off the saponin coating on the quinoa which may make it soapy and bitter.

Packaged quinoa sometimes can be pre-rinsed, so it is good always to check the packaging before starting the cooking process.

Step 2: Adding Water to Quinoa

Once quinoa is well washed, put it into the pan along with water. Maintain a 1:2 ratio as discussed above.

Step 3: Cooking

Bring it to a boil and then reduce the flame to a minimum for simmering. Quinoa cooks for 15-20 minutes or until it absorbs all water. Don't put a lid on the saucepan as it allows the quinoa to be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve

When all the liquid is absorbed, remove the saucepan from the heat. After a while, cover the quinoa with a lid and steam it for about 15 minutes. Finally, fluff with a fork and serve.

2. In A Rice Cooker

Step 1: Prep The Rice Cooker

Spray the bottom and sides of the pressure cooker/Instant Pot with oil. This prevents the quinoa from sticking.

Step 2: Add Quinoa and Water

Put rinsed quinoa into the pressure cooker or Instant Pot, adding water in a 1:1 ratio. Mix well so the quinoa will not burn to the bottom. Lock the lid on top.

Step 3: Cook

Run the pressure cooker on the same function as you would for white rice. If you do not have such a program, simply press start and cook.

3. In The Microwave

Step 1: Microwave Quinoa and Water 

Combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid and microwave it for about 6 minutes or until half of the water has been absorbed.

Step 2: Remove and Stir

Bring the bowl out of the microwave and stir well. This step is crucial to make sure all the quinoa cooks evenly.

Step 3: Microwave Again and Serve

Put the bowl back into the microwave and cook for another 5 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

Tips To Make The Perfect Quinoa

Toast The Quinoa: In order to add flavor to quinoa, consider toasting it before you start the cooking process. This easy 3-minute step helps bring out the nutty taste of the grain. Toast the dried quinoa for 2-3 minutes or until there is a nutty aroma. Remove it from the pan and cook accordingly.

Season After It Cooked: Quinoa can be slightly bland on its own so it's a good idea to season it after its cooked. Adding flavor during the cooking process might affect the cook time on the grain. Instead, add black pepper and some dried herbs after it’s done cooking.

Read Instructions on the Package: Despite the estimated cooking time, some quinoa might require more or less time to cook. Reading the instructions on the package helps you determine the exact cooking time as well as the amount of water needed to cook the quinoa.

Soak The Quinoa: Soaking quinoa prior to cooking helps release the phytic acid found in the grain. This increases digestibility and reduces the cooking time. You can either soak it for 2 hours or overnight depending on how much time you have on your hand.

Ways To Enjoy Quinoa

• Salads and Bowls: Perhaps the most popular way that people consume quinoa today is by adding it to salads or bowls. Quinoa is complementary with greens and also with other strong-tasting veggies. Add it to the seasonal harvest with a tangy dressing to make delicious and healthy quinoa salads. It is a breakfast staple in Buddha bowls.
• Patties: Use cooked quinoa to make vegan patties for your cookout. As compared to other vegan options like beans, quinoa holds its shape and also takes in all the flavors you add to it.
• Soups: Another way to use quinoa is to add it to soups. Try a tortilla soup that is enhanced in texture thanks to the addition of quinoa.
• Seasoned Quinoa: Have it as it is. Try quinoa with peas and onions that are often seasoned with additional spices like paprika and cumin. It is a great way to substitute white rice in your meals.

How To Store Quinoa

You can store both cooked and uncooked quinoa. Uncooked quinoa can be stored for up to a year as long as you keep it out of the sunlight. On the other hand, cooked quinoa can be kept in the fridge for a week.

Can You Freeze Cooked Quinoa

Yes, you can definitely freeze cooked quinoa. For this, simply let the quinoa cool down and put it in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Remove all the air from the inside and freeze it for up to a month.

Reheating Cooked Quinoa in the Microwave

If frozen, let the quinoa thaw overnight. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before you begin the reheating process.

Place the quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave. Add about 2 teaspoons of water to the mix to prevent the quinoa from going dry.