How To Cook Quinoa the Fail-Proof Way

Are you looking for a go-to guide on how to cook quinoa perfectly every time? You’ve found it! Learn how to cook fluffy quinoa through my two fail-proof methods. Plus, learn about the differences between white, red, and black quinoa; plus 6 healthy quinoa recipes!
This is a how-to post for your Cooking Basics collection.

What Is Quinoa?

Let’s start with the basics. What is this food, exactly? Is quinoa a grain?

While it’s often called an “ancient grain,” quinoa is actually an edible seed originating in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes that’s rich in protein and fiber. There is white quinoa (which is the most popular), red, and black (typically the most expensive). Once cooked, it has a nutty taste with the darker quinoa seeds also having an earthy taste to them and a soft rice-like texture.

Is It Gluten-Free?

Since it isn’t a grain but a seed, it is naturally gluten-free. However, it is considered a high-risk food for people with celiac disease. So, while it’s technically gluten-free, quinoa could cause inflammation for people with gluten sensitivities.

Is Quinoa Healthy?

The simple answer is … yes! Quinoa is a nutrition powerhouse. One cup of cooked quinoa has more than 8 grams of protein and is packed with minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. I believe that quinoa, as well as brown rice and wild rice, are one of the best carbohydrates to add to your diet.

The best part about it is that it cooks very fast and holds well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal-prepping!

What Is the Correct Quinoa To Water Ratio?

The quinoa to water ratio is the No. 1 question people ask when they learn how to cook quinoa. And the answer is that … it depends. It’s quite silly that many packages suggest a specific seed-to-water ratio without taking into consideration what tools are used to cook it in.

The smaller the circumference of the pot and the tighter the lid sits on the pot, the less water is needed. Large pots with lids that have a hole in them, for example, might need as much as double the amount of water.

In an environment in which no water evaporates, like a pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot), a 1:1 quinoa to water ratio is perfect. The same ratio is needed with my stove-top cooking method, and I’ve found through much trial and error that this way yields the best results.

The Best Way to Cook It

I’ve found that there are two cooking methods that result in perfectly fluffy, tender quinoa every time.

How To Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot

The absolute fail-proof method of cooking quinoa is in the Instant Pot. It’s perfect every time because it’s a controlled environment.

• Add a 1:1 quinoa to water ratio, a little sea salt if desired, put on the lid, and seal it. White quinoa only has to cook for only 1 minute on high pressure. Red quinoa has to cook for 2 minutes on high pressure. And black quinoa has to cook 3 minutes on high pressure. (Regardless, you’re cooking a full batch in 3 minutes or less! It doesn’t get any simpler than that.)
• After the high-pressure cooking time, allow for natural pressure release. This means, do NOT touch the sealing valve at all. Let the pot depressurize all on its own. This can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on the volume inside. This step is crucial for ensuring the quinoa is fully cooked and has the texture we’re looking for.
• When the safety pin drops, it’s safe to open the pot, fluff it with a fork, and serve!

How To Cook Quinoa on the Stove Top

To get the same results as with the Instant Pot, make sure to use a pot with a small circumference (8 inches in diameter or less) that has a tight-fitting lid without a hole in it. You want as little water as possible to evaporate during the cooking process so you can still use the 1:1 quinoa to water ratio that yields the best results.

• Bring water, quinoa, and a little sea salt to a boil over high heat. Do NOT walk away from the stove and closely watch the water. As soon as the very first bubbles burst in the water it’s time to immediately put on the lid and reduce the heat to low.
• The quinoa has to simmer on the lowest heat for 15-20 minutes (15 for white quinoa, 20 for red and black). Once the time is up, do NOT lift the lid. Leave the lid on and just remove the quinoa from the stove-top and set aside for an extra 10 minutes so it can continue steaming.
• Fluff with a fork, serve, and enjoy!

PRO TIP: Toast your quinoa in a little bit of oil before adding the water and seasonings to bring out its naturally nutty flavor!

The 6 Best Quinoa Recipes

There’s really no wrong way to eat or serve quinoa. It’s a great addition to salads, soups, and most entrees as a side dish. Here are my top 5 favorite ways to eat quinoa!