Fluffy Herbed Quinoa

How to cook quinoa

Step one. Rinse the quinoa. Quinoa is coated in saponins, a natural protection against pests. However, saponins can give quinoa an unpleasant bitter taste and make it difficult to digest, so always rinse quinoa and strain before cooking, using a fine mesh strainer.

Step two. Simmer the Quinoa. Add broth or water, salt, rinsed quinoa, and a tiny splash of olive oil to a medium saucepan, stir and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low or medium-low so it’s at a gentle simmer and simmer covered for 15 minutes.

Step three: Rest and fluff. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for 5 minutes. The liquid should be absorbed, the grains tender, and the tiny white germ rings visible. Gently fluff with a fork and serve!

Serve. It is now ready to use in salads, soups, or create our delicious side dish recipe below in the recipe card!

Why Is My Quinoa Mushy or Bitter?

• Mushy quinoa: Too much water or overcooking is usually the culprit. Use 1¾ cups liquid per cup of quinoa, keep the heat low, and avoid stirring while it cooks.
• Bitter quinoa: Quinoa’s natural saponin coating can taste bitter. Rinse thoroughly before cooking, even if the package says pre-rinsed.
• Crunchy quinoa: If the grains are still firm and the pot is dry, add a splash of water, cover, and cook for a few more minutes.
• Bland quinoa: Season the cooking liquid with salt or broth. For even more flavor, toss the cooked quinoa with lemon zest, olive oil, fresh herbs, sautéed shallots, or toasted nuts.
• Clumpy quinoa: Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork rather than stirring vigorously.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is an ancient seed native to the Andes Mountains of South America. Although technically a seed, it’s cooked and enjoyed like a whole grain. Naturally gluten-free, quinoa has a mild, nutty flavor and is a complete plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. One cup of cooked quinoa provides approximately 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

Can you cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker?

Quinoa can be cooked in a rice cooker using the same ratios. One cup rinsed quinoa, 1 ¾ cup liquids and ½ teaspoon salt. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Favorite Ways to Serve Quinoa

Once you’ve mastered perfectly fluffy quinoa, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to turn this versatile grain into a delicious meal.

• Build a nourishing grain bowl. Use quinoa as the base for our Winter Bliss Bowl, or top it with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a flavorful dressing.
• Toss into fresh salads. Add quinoa to our Southwest Quinoa Salad or Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
• Add to soups and stews. Stir cooked quinoa into vegetable soups for extra heartiness, or try our cozy Moroccan Lentil Quinoa Soup.
• Make veggie burgers or quinoa cakes. Quinoa adds wonderful texture to our Chickpea Burgers and Broccoli Quinoa Cakes.
• Serve with curries and stir-fries. Swap quinoa for rice alongside our Indian Vegetable Curry or Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry.
• Make a flavorful side dish. Toss warm quinoa with sautéed shallots, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and toasted almonds using our herby quinoa variation in the recipe card below.