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    Dinner Β» How To Cook Quinoa - Best Quinoa Recipes

    Published: Aug 29, 2021 by Kristina Sloggett Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β· 82 Comments

    How To Cook Quinoa - Best Quinoa Recipes

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    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

     

    dry quinoa being poured into a small, light blue pot. text "quinoa recipe collection, how to cook quinoa" below image.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:

      1. How to cook quinoa
      2. Benefits of quinoa
      3. How to store quinoa - dry and cooked
      4. The best vegan quinoa recipes
     

    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 Β½ 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 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 at least 20 minutes.
    • Remove from heat, fluff with fork, serve.

     

    glass jar on its side, dry quinoa spilling out onto wood board.

     

    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 entrΓ©e 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.

     

    cooked quinoa piled into a white rustic bowl.

     

    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? 

    Follow spabettie on Instagram and tag us with #spabettie
    We love seeing your recipe photos and remakes - thank you!

    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

    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.

    Vegan Buffalo Wing Salad

    This entree salad has layers of flavor and texture, and these spicy buffalo wings are for everyone: soy free, gluten free, and oil free!

    Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Bowls

    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!

    Pineapple JalapeΓ±o Poppers

    A unique flavor twist on everyone's favorite party bite - sweet pineapple and buttery cracker crumbs add to this spicy bite!

    Buffalo Ranch Veggie Bowl

    This recipe has layers of flavor and texture - raw, roasted, and pan fried veggies over quinoa and vegan buffalo chicken - savory and satisfying!

    Vegan Chicken Burgers

    These mozzarella stuffed chicken burgers are incredibly flavorful and allergy friendly - soy AND gluten free!

    Mango Edamame Quinoa Salad

    A great meal prep recipe and the best potluck recipe, this vegan gluten free salad brings protein and fresh flavor.

    Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

    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.

    Vegan Cranberry Chicken Salad

    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.

    Mushroom Stroganoff

    This hearty, plant based comfort food is an update on the classic recipe with the flavors that everyone loves.

    Seven Layer Dip

    A protein packed plant based update on the Mexican dip recipe you love – layers of fresh color, texture and flavor.

    Cauliflower Cashew Confetti Salad

    Vibrant cauliflower brings great color and texture to this salad. Layers of flavor and crunch with a bright lemony shallot dressing.

    Vegan Chicken Nuggets

    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.

    Sweet Potato Enchiladas

    With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this comfort food dish brings layers of texture and flavor!

    Vegan Mushroom Pie

    This hearty vegan mushroom pie satisfies your comfort food cravings with a creamy herb mushroom filling and a light gluten free pastry.

    Roasted Veggie Quinoa Casserole

    This plant based comfort food dish is fresh and flavorful. A hearty vegan entree that suits just about any diet.

    Garlic Kale Stuffed Portobello Burgers

    Hearty mushrooms are filled with protein packed quinoa and kale, topped with all of your favorite burger toppings.

    Vegan Ramen Burger

    Vibrantly flavored with classic sushi flavors, this crispy vegan chicken burger is sandwiched insideΒ the unique ramen bun.

    Quinoa Stuffed Avocados

    These brightly flavored, protein powered stuffed avocados make the perfect lunch or dinner - flavors of spring!

    Quinoa Black Bean Enchiladas

    A whole food comfort food dinner everyone loves. Warm and satisfying, this is a perfect winter meal.

    Gluten Free Vegan Kitchari

    A warmly spiced and incredibly flavorful bowl of wholesome goodness! Follow this versatile basic recipe and customize the ingredients to your liking.

    Whiskey Garlic Tofu

    Air fried or oven baked, this is a sticky savory sweet favorite for any meal - with salad, sandwich or wrap.

     

    about Kristina:

    spabettieKristina 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...

     

     

     

     

     

    spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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    Comments

    1. Lynn says

      April 20, 2011 at 8:14 pm

      Yes quinoa!! This may sound super weird, but I like cooked quinoa with a fried eggs (runny yolk) and wilted spinach all cut up together and then I add a tiny bit of Braggs and some nutritional yeast....it's my hippy breakfast! It reminds me of grits and eggs but way more nutritious!

      Reply
      • Lynn says

        April 20, 2011 at 8:31 pm

        Oh I have to dig up the quinoa granola I made before!

        Reply
        • spabettie says

          April 21, 2011 at 12:15 am

          YEEESSS... find that, and then you can write a guest post for me! πŸ˜‰ (or I can make a post about it, crediting you!) πŸ˜€

      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:16 am

        Lynn, that does not sound weird at all... you are doing to laugh, and I am NOT joking - - that is what I had for breakfast today!! πŸ˜€ I have been topping spinach with runny yolked eggs lately, the yolk makes EXCELLENT salad "dressing". today I added quinoa to the mix... it was SO good!

        Reply
    2. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says

      April 20, 2011 at 8:11 pm

      I love quinoa- I keep mine in a tupper and like you, I always have to look up how to cook it. πŸ™‚ I like it in stir fries and it's really good with grilled veggies (or chicken) over it. I also like to put the leftovers in salads- yum!

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:19 am

        hi Betty! I recently made a (sort of) breakfast stir fry, with quinoa, scrambled egg, broccoli... oh it was SO good! I love quinoa in salads and bowls with beans and or veggies... I am HAPPY to see so many commenters who also cannot recall how to make it πŸ˜€

        Reply
    3. Shirley @ gfe says

      April 20, 2011 at 8:10 pm

      I always have to look up proportions for quinoa, rice, etc. before cooking. But I do have my flourless PB cookie recipe memorized. πŸ˜‰ I like quinoa best made with cilantro (vs minti) in a tabouli type dish. πŸ™‚

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:20 am

        oh, Shirley, I LOVE this answer! πŸ˜€ I too have a recipe in my head for gf nut butter cookies... there are only 3 ingredients!! 4 if I add chocolate...

        Reply
    4. Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says

      April 20, 2011 at 7:14 pm

      I love quinoa but I like it mushy or added to another grain, like millet, buckwheat, rice... anything will do the trick. I never ever use the same ratios twice. I always just eyeball it and hope for the best.

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:21 am

        yeah, I have done that too... if there is too much liquid after it is sufficiently cooked you CAN drain it like a pasta... πŸ˜€

        Reply
    5. [email protected] says

      April 20, 2011 at 7:09 pm

      i love quinoa! i often have to google how to cook grains, too - unless it's one i use often. (like quinoa!) usually, though, i'll just assume it's a 1:2 ratio of grain to water and add more water if i need to πŸ˜› maybe i should add that i'm also veeery impatient and almost always cook my grains at super high heat? lol.

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:22 am

        I'm with ya on the impatience thang... πŸ˜‰ and yeah, it does usually turn out, right? πŸ˜€

        Reply
    6. Lisa says

      April 20, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      Quinoa and buckwheat tie for my grains (pseudograins!) of choice. I am from the town where one of the two largest buckwheat producers resides, so it's plentiful around there (free when I have a friend working at the mill!)...so I have to say buckwheat wins in my book, even though I love quinoa dearly.

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:23 am

        oooh, how I would LOVE that kind of hookup! Bob's Red Mill is here locally, and I sometimes think I should apply for a job there... πŸ˜€

        Reply
    7. Zoe says

      April 20, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      So THAT'S the secret to making great quinoa! I didn't know to rinse it before cooking, but I will be sure to try it next time πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 21, 2011 at 12:29 am

        YES! πŸ™‚ many people actually SOAK the quinoa, but I have had success with rinsing for a couple / few minutes. πŸ˜€

        Reply
    8. [email protected] says

      April 20, 2011 at 4:26 pm

      LOVE quinoa!

      And I've found my favorite way to cook it - the microwave!

      I put 1 cup quinoa, 1.5 cups water/broth, and a pinch of salt in a VERY LARGE bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, and microwave for 6-7 minutes. Let it sit in there for 1-2 minutes. Then turn the microwave back on for 1-2 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

      Fluff. Eat!

      It takes almost no time, and it's one less thing I really have to watch on the stovetop πŸ™‚

      Reply
    9. Kath (My Funny Little Life) says

      April 20, 2011 at 4:15 pm

      Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh, and I don't appreciate only because I do the same! It's just a coincidence I do! (gah gah)

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 20, 2011 at 4:31 pm

        nice! πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    10. Kath (My Funny Little Life) says

      April 20, 2011 at 4:14 pm

      I really appreciate your careful rinsing, glass container storing, and plastic boxing, though. It's so kind! I do the same. πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • spabettie says

        April 20, 2011 at 4:31 pm

        yes! one of the reasons I love to buy bulk - less waste! (I had typed So Much Less Waste... then my brain almost exploded from the contradiction...)

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Kristina!

    I am a voracious reader and chickpea eater. also known as spabettie.

    Using my extensive culinary training and work in the industry, I have been creating vegan recipes for more than a decade.

    At spabettie, you will find easy and appealing plant based recipes - vegan, gluten free, and full of vibrant flavor

    More about me β†’

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