Browse this extensive list of quinoa recipes to find your next favorite dinner! Learn how to make quinoa with our tried and true method for perfect fluffy quinoa.
How To Cook Quinoa was originally published April 20, 2011
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How to make best fluffy quinoa
If you're looking for a fool proof way to cook quinoa, we have it!
The stovetop method takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The steps are pretty easy: rinse it, cook it. Voila! Perfectly cooked quinoa, every time.
I cook my quinoa in my favorite glass lidded pot, so I can keep an eye on it. If you follow this stovetop quinoa cooking method, you shouldn't have to watch it closely, but even the slightest difference in temperature might bring a different outcome - quinoa that is not completely cooked through, or quinoa that burns on the bottom.
How to cook quinoa:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups liquid (broth or water)
- pinch salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rinse the quinoa to remove the glycoside residue (quinoa is a seed), reducing the bitter taste. I run the water for a minute or two, flipping the colander to rinse evenly.
- In medium size pot (with a glass lid is ideal) over high heat, bring the rinsed quinoa, liquid and salt to a rolling boil.
- Reduce to a very low simmer, cover with a lid and leave it alone for 15 - 20 minutes.*
- Remove from heat, fluff with fork, serve.
*Important note! Time will vary. I use the same glass lidded saucepan every time, on the same stove, and the quinoa is done anywhere from 14-18 minutes on average. Watch closely, and if you have a glass lid, use it so you do not have to remove the lid / allow steam to escape.
Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa, a whole grain food, is a protein powerhouse making it an awesome ingredient for the vegan diet.
Quinoa is classified as a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also a great source of fiber, iron, magnesium and manganese.
With a nutty flavor and fluffy, chewy texture, quinoa a wonderful alternative to rice, couscous or any grain. It's versatile, too; you can serve it warm or cold, combine it with other food to make it a main entrée or keep it simple as a side dish.
How to store quinoa
Dry / uncooked quinoa has about a year shelf life, if kept sealed in an airtight container in a cool place. We keep our quinoa fresh in an Airscape container in our pantry.
Do you need to refrigerate cooked quinoa?
Cooked quinoa will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. We store cooked quinoa in a glass container with a sealing lid. These make great food prep containers as well.
The Best Vegan Quinoa Recipes
From salads to stews and from savory to sweet, browse this collection of awesome vegan quinoa recipes that will inspire you to make delicious creations using this super-grain.
Did you make one of these quinoa recipes?
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Quinoa Recipes
Browse this extensive list of quinoa recipes to find your next favorite dinner! Learn how to make quinoa with our tried and true method for perfect fluffy quinoa.
Green Goddess Chopped Salad is brimming with freshness and bright, herby flavors. This is a great meal prep salad, it stays crunchy and flavorful for several days in the fridge.
An easy vegan meatball recipe with a soft texture, crispy exterior, and incredible flavor.
This entree salad has layers of flavor and texture, and these spicy buffalo wings are for everyone: soy free, gluten free, and oil free!
All the satisfying flavor, color, and texture in an easier to eat bowl. great for lunch or dinner – or breakfast – these super flavorful bowls are family friendly, easy to make, and antioxidant rich!
Tex Mex cucumber boats have a deliciously easy quinoa salad filling. Fresh and flavorful, this recipe is a great lunch or dinner.
Now everyone can enjoy vegan chicken nuggets – these are soy, gluten, and nut free! grab your favorite dipping sauce, stuff in a wrap, or top a salad.
A unique flavor twist on everyone's favorite party bite - sweet pineapple and buttery cracker crumbs add to this spicy bite!
This recipe has layers of flavor and texture - raw, roasted, and pan fried veggies over quinoa and vegan buffalo chicken - savory and satisfying!
These mozzarella stuffed chicken burgers are incredibly flavorful and allergy friendly - soy AND gluten free!
Fresh and satisfying, these cool salad stuffed peppers are brimming with bright flavors and are rich in fiber and protein.
A great meal prep recipe and the best potluck recipe, this vegan gluten free salad brings protein and fresh flavor.
Ginger carrot quinoa is a fresh and flavorful filling for a stuffed bell pepper! This is a great meal prep recipe for a quick dinner.
Bursting with fall flavor, this vegan salad makes a wonderful holiday side dish. Increase portions for an entree salad - perfect for a potluck or holiday party.
This hearty, plant based comfort food is an update on the classic recipe with the flavors that everyone loves.
A protein packed plant based update on the Mexican dip recipe you love – layers of fresh color, texture and flavor.
Vibrant cauliflower brings great color and texture to this salad. Layers of flavor and crunch with a bright lemony shallot dressing.
With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this comfort food dish brings layers of texture and flavor!
This hearty vegan mushroom pie satisfies your comfort food cravings with a creamy herb mushroom filling and a light gluten free pastry.
This plant based comfort food dish is fresh and flavorful. A hearty vegan entree that suits just about any diet.
Hearty mushrooms are filled with protein packed quinoa and kale, topped with all of your favorite burger toppings.
Vibrantly flavored with classic sushi flavors, this crispy vegan chicken burger is sandwiched inside the unique ramen bun.
These brightly flavored, protein powered stuffed avocados make the perfect lunch or dinner - flavors of spring!
A whole food comfort food dinner everyone loves. Warm and satisfying, this is a perfect winter meal.
A warmly spiced and incredibly flavorful bowl of wholesome goodness! Follow this versatile basic recipe and customize the ingredients to your liking.
Air fried or oven baked, this is a sticky savory sweet favorite for any meal - with salad, sandwich or wrap.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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Hitsugi says
I just started using Quinoa but 1st to ease myself into it I mixed it with med. grain rice. it was so nice, it tasted like flaxseed oil a bit which i love....then I tried just quinoa on its own, with flaxseed oil and a sprinkling of LSA and a pinch of salt.
Tomorow I am gonna try Roast pumkin Salad using rocket and quinoa, I use the Tri Colour version . I think i will even use it to replace cous cous......Wah the possibilites are endless.
Though I have one question, I use a rice cooker actually a pressure cooker and my quinoa sprouted whilst cooking, is that ok?
Kristina Sloggett says
that's interesting! you can definitely eat sprouted quinoa - people sprout it on purpose to eat it raw 🙂 you have some delicious ideas planned - I love it!
sara says
I always google "spabettie quinoa" when I can't remember LOL 😉
Paz says
ha ha, I am the same way, I never remember!!
Chip says
I am the same, I never remember the ratios. (and how I found you just now...) 🙂 glad I did, your site looks nice!
Curt says
thank you for this, I too am forgetful when cooking most any grain. bookmarked!! 🙂
Shelley says
thanks for this! love your website!