Learn how to make quinoa on the stovetop, in the rice cooker and in the Instant Pot.
Plus, get expert cooking tips and healthy recipes for quinoa salads, bowls and more.
Ready in just 15 minutes, quinoa is a quick-cooking whole grain with a nutty taste.
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) offers everything a busy cook could possibly need.
Quinoa to Water Ratio
You hardly need a recipe to cook quinoa perfectly.
For the liquid, you could use water or broth.
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
For the dry quinoa, use white, red, black or a blend of all three.
Below, find a breakdown of the process from start to finish.
Note: This recipe yields about 3 cups or 6 (12 cup) servings.
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
Bring to a boil.
This step allows the grains to steam and keeps them moist, light and fluffy.
Finally, lift the lid of the pot and use a fork to fluff and separate the grains.
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
Like the rice cooker method, cooking with an Instant Pot is hands-off and completely foolproof.
However, you’ll actually need to use less water than you would with other methods.
The ratio we use with the Instant Pot is1 part quinoa to 1 1/2 parts liquid.
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
Simply combine grains and liquid in your Instant Pot, then cook on high pressure for one minute.
Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the pressure to release naturally.
Fluff with a fork and enjoy!
Photo: deymos / Getty Images.
Yes, it’s that simple.
Budget about 30 to 55 minutes of cook time, depending on the model.
Get the Recipe:Rice Cooker Quinoa
Cooking Tips
1.
Give it a Quick Rinse
Quinoa grows with a bitter-tasting, protective coating called saponin.
Though what you buy in grocery stores is pre-rinsed quinoa, another run under the faucet doesn’t hurt.
Pour uncooked quinoa into a fine-mesh strainer and run it under cold water for a few seconds.
Shake off any excess water before starting your recipe.
Just keep the ratio 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa.
Watch the Time
Quinoa cooks quicklyin about 20 minutes, start to finish.
This combo is common in meats, but rarely found in plant-based foods.
It also boasts a good dose of fiber and iron.
It’s also available in most natural-foods stores.
It grows in a rainbow of colors, but the most commonly sold arered,blackandwhite.
Find both products in bigger supermarkets and natural-foods stores.
Start your day with a heartybreakfast grain bowlpiled high with fresh fruit.
Or whip up plant-based burgers for a vegetarian dinner and pair with a simple green salad.
This grain can also be incorporated into desserts likewhole-grain blondiesandcreamy pudding.
Check out ourHealthy Quinoa Recipesfor more delicious and easy ways to cook with this versatile whole grain.
