Do I have to rinse quinoa?

It depends on the brand. Many brands now sell pre-rinsed quinoa, which you can cook without an extra rinse step. If your package doesn't specify, a quick rinse is worth the extra minute: it removes saponin, the natural coating that can cause bitterness.

Can I cook quinoa in broth instead of water?

Yes, and it's a great trick! Substitute vegetable or chicken broth for the water to add extra depth of flavor. Just go easy on added salt since broth already contains sodium.

Can I make quinoa in a rice cooker?

Yes. Use the same 1:1¾ ratio and the white rice setting. Results vary slightly by machine, but it generally works well.

Can I make quinoa in an Instant Pot?

Yes try my Instant Pot quinoa recipe!

What's the difference between quinoa types?

White quinoa is fluffiest and most mild. Red and black quinoa are firmer and nuttier, which is nice for salads where you want distinct grains. Tri-color is a good all-purpose option.

Why is my quinoa mushy?

If you used 2 cups of water per 1 cup of quinoa, try scaling back to 1¾ cups. Also make sure you're simmering on low heat, not boiling, after the initial boil.

How to Cook Quinoa

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Here’s exactly how to cook quinoa so it comes out perfectly fluffy every time! Learn the one water ratio mistake most people make, and easy seasoning ideas to make it delicious.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (3 cups) 1x
Category: Whole grain
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Essentials
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dry quinoa
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa in cold water using a fine mesh strainer, then drain it and shake out the remaining water. Place it in a saucepan with the water and the kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low where the water is just bubbling.
Cover the pot and simmer where the water is just bubbling for about 15 to 18 minutes*, until the water has been completely absorbed. Check by pulling back the quinoa with a fork to see if water remains.
Turn off the heat and let sit with the lid on to steam for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Taste and add additional salt or other seasonings (see How to Season Quinoa).

Notes

*If you increase the recipe to 1.5x or 2x the quantities, the cook time will be on the longer side.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/quinoa/