Quinoa has become a favorite side dish here, second only to rice. While my family still loves rice, they’ve started devouring quinoa, which makes me happy because it’s more nutrient-dense. A few simple steps make a big difference in flavor and texture. Below is my favorite method for cooking quinoa—easy, reliable, and delicious.
I used multicolored quinoa in the photos, but the flavor is the same with any variety. Use whatever you have on hand. One cup of cooked quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, compared with rice, which has roughly 4 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of fiber. Swapping quinoa for rice is an easy way to boost protein and fiber in meals.
More High-Protein and High-Fiber Meal Ideas
More High-Protein and High-Fiber Meal Ideas- Cowboy Stew
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Sheet Pan Fajitas
- Instant Pot Lentils with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- Zucchini and Beef Taco Skillet
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step-by-step Pictures for how to make the best quinoa
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make the Best Quinoa
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make the Best QuinoaHow do you cook quinoa?
On the stovetop, quinoa cooks with a 2:1 liquid-to-quinoa ratio and requires a pot with a lid to simmer covered.
What ratio of water to quinoa do you need to cook quinoa?
Use two parts liquid to one part quinoa—for example, two cups of water or stock for one cup of quinoa.
Do you boil the water before adding the Quinoa?
Yes. Bring the liquid to a boil, stir in the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Can you cook quinoa in the Instant Pot?
Can you cook quinoa in the Instant Pot?Yes. In an Instant Pot, use a 1:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. For one cup of quinoa, use one cup of liquid. Cook at high pressure for 1 minute, then allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
Is Quinoa a Grain or a Legume?
Quinoa is a grain.
How long can Quinoa be stored in the Refrigerator?
Cooked quinoa will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in an airtight container.
Can you freeze Quinoa?
Yes. Freeze cooked quinoa in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
Chef’s Tools:
Chef’s Tools:- 2-quart pot with lid
- Instant Pot (optional)
- Garlic press (optional)
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Substitute rice for Quinoa in these Recipes
- 1/4–1/2 cup yellow onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 3 cups chicken stock (or 3 cups water plus chicken bouillon)
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- In a 2-quart pot with a lid, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent.
- Add the chicken stock (or water and bouillon) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the lemon juice and quinoa. Stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Serve and enjoy.
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