How to Cook Quinoa So It's Actually Good (2024)

Easy and Healthy
Gluten-Free and Vegan
Quick and Healthy
Vegetarian
Quinoa

When you make it this way it's a game-changer.

Sally Vargas

Sally is the author of four cookbooks and is a regular correspondent for the Boston Globe Wednesday Food Section. She also is a food photographer.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated November 29, 2023

In This Recipe

What Is Quinoa?
What Makes It Bitter
Getting It Fluffy
Ideas for Leftovers
Storing

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa “grains” are actually the seeds from an annual flowering plant in the amaranth family, most closely related to spinach.

Familiar grains like rice and wheat are seeds from grasses, and they have a different structure (bran, germ, and endosperm), so technically quinoa is classified as a pseudo-cereal, since it is neither a grain nor a cereal.

The cultivation of quinoa originated in the Andes region of South America, but it is now grown throughout the world. Its short cooking time, mineral-rich content, and protein value (8 grams per cooked cup) has made it a sought-after alternative to other grains. Quinoa is also gluten-free, which is one more reason for its popularity.

You’ll find quinoa in many colors, from white, to brown, to red, and purple. They are interchangeable in cooking, and it would be hard to distinguish the taste difference among the many colors.

How to Cook Quinoa So It's Actually Good (3)

What Makes Quinoa Bitter?

Quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, makes the grain taste soapy or bitter. A quick, vigorous rinse under cold running water removes the bitterness.

Even if a package says the quinoa has been rinsed, it’s always a good idea to rinse it anyway. A fine mesh strainer and the spray nozzle on your sink should do the trick.

How to Make Fluffy Quinoa

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it’s tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

Let it steam with the lid on to finish absorbing any excess the water. Some water evaporates while cooking with the pot uncovered, so the cooked quinoa does not get soggy or clumpy.

How to Cook Quinoa So It's Actually Good (4)

How to Use Up Quinoa

I like to make quinoa early in the week and use it in a salad with whatever vegetables or leftovers I have in the fridge.

I love cooked quinoa for a healthy hot or cold breakfast, mixed with almond milk and a little maple syrup and topped with berries. I’ve also used cooked quinoa in turkey meatballs in place of breadcrumbs. Or just serve it alongside your favorite chicken, fish, or steak recipe.

How to Store Cooked Quinoa

Leftover cooked quinoa stored in an airtight container will last up to five days in the refrigerator and two months in the freezer.

Try These Delicious Quinoa Recipes

Quinoa Bowls with Sweet Potatoes
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, Arugula and Feta Salad
Turkey Quinoa Black Bean Bake
Cheesy Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

How to Cook Quinoa

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time25 mins

Servings4

Yield3 cups

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, any variety
Pinch salt, optional

Method

Rinse the quinoa:
In a fine-meshed strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water for 30 seconds. Drain well.
Cook the quinoa:
In a small saucepan, combine the drained quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a steady, gentle simmer.
Simmer, uncovered, for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the germs (tiny spirals) separate and curl around the seeds, and the water is absorbed. With a spoon, dig down to the bottom of the pot and check to see if the water has evaporated. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
Steam the cooked quinoa:
Remove the pan from the heat, cover with a lid, and let steam for 5 minutes.
Serve:
Remove the lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer to a serving bowl.
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
56	Calories
1g	Fat
10g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	56
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g	1%
Saturated Fat 0g	1%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 36mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 1g	5%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 8mg	1%
Iron 1mg	4%
Potassium 80mg	2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

How to Cook Quinoa So It's Actually Good (2024)

FAQs

How do you make quinoa not taste bad? ›

Happily, the solution to preventing bitter quinoa is very simple. All you need to do is rinse your uncooked quinoa in cold running water for a minute or so until the water runs clear.

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Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Is it better to soak quinoa before cooking? ›

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

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What happens if you don't soak quinoa? ›

Soaking the quinoa is unnecessary and can 'sog down' your end product. Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes the bitterness but does not affect the quinoa's consistency and ability to hold its fluffy texture."

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What does quinoa do to your body? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

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Why is my quinoa always mushy? ›

One Part Quinoa to Two Parts Water

It all comes down to texture. Add too little water and your grains may burn on the bottom of the pot before they cook through. Add too much water and you'll end up with soggy, overcooked, and mushy grains.

Find Out More ›

Should quinoa be crunchy or soft? ›

When quinoa is cooked correctly it feels light, airy, and fluffy and the texture is heavenly. But when cooked wrong, it is a horror show. Undesirable results span the extremes between crunchy when undercooked, to a sticky, starchy, mush when overcooked. Both results are equally unpalatable.

Learn More Now ›

Which quinoa is least bitter? ›

White, red, or black? They're pretty much all the same nutritionally—so go with what tastes best to you, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, owner of Nutrition Starring You, LCC. White quinoa is the least bitter of the three, while red and black have a chewier texture that holds up better in cold dishes like salads.

Why fry quinoa before cooking? ›

If you've never toasted quinoa, you may be surprised by the depth of flavor and delightful texture this simple step can add to your favorite gluten-free ancient grain. Whether it's part of the process or the entire cooking method, toasting can turn your quinoa into a brand-new culinary sensation.

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Is quinoa the healthiest food in the world? ›

Often considered one of the world's healthiest foods, quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition that offers an array of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in every serving. Interestingly enough, the quinoa pronunciation (keen-wah) isn't the only source of confusion when it comes to this incredible ingredient.

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How long does quinoa take to cook? ›

Transfer quinoa to a medium pot with water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until quinoa is tender and a white "tail" appears around each grain, about 15 minutes.

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Why does my quinoa turn out mushy? ›

One Part Quinoa to Two Parts Water

It all comes down to texture. Add too little water and your grains may burn on the bottom of the pot before they cook through. Add too much water and you'll end up with soggy, overcooked, and mushy grains.

Discover More Details ›

Should you stir quinoa while cooking? ›

Stay vigilant: Stir the grains constantly to avoid burning, watching for that perfect golden moment, around 6 to 8 minutes. Water is this grain's go-to companion, but other liquids–think low-sodium chicken, mushroom or vegetable broth–add flavor. Just keep the ratio 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa.

Do I cook quinoa covered or uncovered? ›

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it's tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

Find Out More ›

What liquid to cook quinoa in? ›

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.