Learn how to cook quinoa with this easy-to-follow guide to cooking tender, fluffy quinoa with a bite. It's the perfect jumping-off point for additional flavors or add-ins and it's meal prep and freezer friendly too!
Prep Time: 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 20 minutesminutes
Total Time: 25 minutesminutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2cupswater, or broth
½teaspoonKosher salt
1cupquinoa, rinsed
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place the water, quinoa and salt in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Don't over stir. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let simmer for 15-17 minutes, or until all the water has absorbed. Try not remove the lid while it's cooking.
Remove the lid and allow the water to evaporate. If the quinoa is not tender, place the lid back on top for 10 minutes. The grain should appear soft and you'll be able to see the germ ring along the outside edge. Just before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm or cold. Store in a covered container.
Notes
Variations: You can add 1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter to the quinoa while cooking to add a little bit extra flavor. Cooking in chicken or vegetable broth also adds a great flavor. You can also add diced vegetables to amp up this side dish.How to cook in the microwave: Place water and quinoa in a microwave safe bowl. Cover and cook on high for 4 minutes. Remove and stir. Then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let stand a couple minutes when removed from the microwave. How to cook in a rice cooker: Cook the quinoa how you would cook rice. Stir, cover and cook as directed. Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.