Learning how to cook quinoa will set you up for success with one of those superfoods that you can enjoy in several different meals. Quinoa has become popular for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Packed with protein and fiber, quinoa is great in salads and bowls, as a breakfast porridge, and as a side dish. In this article, we'll show you how to make the perfect quinoa.
Quinoa is one of those “grains” I met later in life, I didn’t start using quinoa until I went plant based and I started experimenting with quinoa. What I love about quinoa is that you can enjoy it savory or sweet, and it is an excellent substitute for rice.
Try making our Jamaican rice and peas or our jackfruit jambalaya and substitute the rice with quinoa. Or use it in our vegan quinoa breakfast bowl. Here’s how fast and easy you can make quinoa in the instant pot and on the stovetop.
Ingredients for Perfectly Cooked Quinoa
- Quinoa
- Water
How to Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot
Cooking quinoa in the instant pot is a 1 to 1 ½ ratio of dry quinoa to water.
Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. This helps to remove the bitterness.
Add to the Instant Pot: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in your Instant Pot.
Seal and Set: Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting, and set the timer for 3 minutes.
Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release.
Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the quinoa. Serve it as a base for your favorite dishes, or enjoy it on its own!
How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop
Cooking quinoa on the stovetop uses a 1 to 2 ratio of dry quinoa to water. The reason why it's more water is that more of the water evaporates when cooked on the stovetop than in the Instant Pot.
Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water.
Cook the Quinoa: Add rinsed and drained quinoa to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium to cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, put the lid on and turn off the heat. Let it sit covered for at least 15 minutes to finish absorbing the water. Don't remove the lid until the time is up!
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Fluff and Serve: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth adds extra flavor to your quinoa.
Mushy quinoa usually results from too much water. Be sure to stick to the 1:1.5 quinoa-to-water ratio for the Instant Pot and 1:2 for the stovetop with cooking instructions for best results.
Store leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Yes! You can add diced vegetables, garlic, or spices to both methods. Just ensure they don’t exceed the liquid amount required for cooking.
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is not only versatile, but it also has several nutritional benefits.
Nutrient Dense
Quinoa is a super grain. It’s a great source of protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein (rare in plant-based foods). It’s also high in fiber, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and folate. As a nutritionist and lifestyle medicine professional, quinoa is a staple in my diet!
Gluten-Free
Quinoa is gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or following a gluten-free diet. It’s a versatile ingredient that can replace wheat-based grains like pasta, barley, or farro.
High in Fiber
This whole grain is high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and gut health. The fiber content in quinoa helps with constipation, lowers cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar, making it great for those with diabetes or looking to improve their heart health.
Weight Management
The protein and fiber combo in quinoa makes you feel full and satisfied and controls hunger and calorie intake. Its low GI also supports balanced blood sugar, which helps with weight management.
Antioxidant-Rich
Quinoa has quercetin and kaempferol antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.
We hope this post on how to cook quinoa is helpful. Please share a review and let us know how you used the quinoa you made.
How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 ½ to 2 cups water use 1 ½ cups water for the Instant Pot, and 2 cups water for the stovetop
- Optional: salt and spices
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Cooking quinoa in the instant pot is a 1 to 1 ½ ratio of dry quinoa to water.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. This helps to remove the bitterness.
- Add to the Instant Pot: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in your Instant Pot.
- Seal and Set: Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting, and set the timer for 3 minutes.
- Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the quinoa. Serve it as a base for your favorite dishes, or enjoy it on its own!
Stovetop
- Cooking quinoa on the stovetop uses a 1 to 2 ratio of dry quinoa to water. The reason why it's more water is that more of the water evaporates when cooked on the stovetop than in the Instant Pot.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water.
- Cook the Quinoa: Add rinsed and drained quinoa to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium to cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, put the lid on and turn off the heat. Let it sit covered for at least 15 minutes to finish absorbing the water. Don't remove the lid until the time is up!
- Fluff and Serve: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork and serve.
- Store leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Instant Pot or medium pot with lid
- Measuring cup
- Fine mesh strainer
- Fork to fluff
Kelvin says
So fast and the quinoa comes out flaky.
Gigi & Sersie says
Always comes out perfect.