How to Cook Quinoa (Perfect, Fluffy Quinoa Every Time)

Photo of cooked quinoa in a bowl garnished with parsley.

How to Cook Quinoa (Perfect, Fluffy Quinoa Every Time)

Perfect quinoa comes down to two things. Using the right quinoa to liquid ratio and a little patience. Follow my method for quinoa that comes out fluffy and separate every time. I have cooked quinoa more times than I can count, across two quinoa cookbooks and years of recipe testing. This is the method I always come back to.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword how to cook quinoa

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 38

Total Time 43

Servings

Calories 271kcal

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup quinoa
1 ¼ cups broth use milk or juice for sweet quinoa

Optional

½ cup diced onion
¼ cup diced celery
¼ cup diced carrots

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
If you are using aromatics, add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender.
While the aromatics are cooking, rinse quinoa in a fine metal strainer with running water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
If the saucepan is dry, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add quinoa and toast it for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add broth to the pan.
Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for 30 to 35 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Turn of the heat, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs if desired.
Let sit covered for an additional five minutes. Fluff and add to your favorite dishes.
How to Cool It: If you are going to be sorting in the refrigerator, place on a rimmed baking sheet and allow to cool before transferring to a storage container.

Notes

Storage

Leftover quinoa can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

You can freeze it for up to three months.

Nutrition