How to Cook Perfect Quinoa & 10 Quinoa Recipes
Learn all about quinoa—my secrets to cooking perfectly fluffy quinoa (no more mush!), 10 fantastic quinoa recipes, quinoa nutrition facts, and where to buy.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on September 5, 2024
I like to consider myself a quinoa expert. I have cooked a lot of it for my cookbook. Small amounts, or lots at once, with spices and greens, or without—I’ve done it all. The standard quinoa cooking method started failing me early on. My quinoa was mushy and overdone, every time, and it was driving me nuts.
I tried using slightly less water than usual, which has been recommended elsewhere. It helped a little sometimes, but other times, I had to add more and more water while the quinoa was cooking. Then, the dry quinoa soaked up way too much of the dressing I added later.
At some point, I wondered, why do all the quinoa recipes suggest covering the quinoa while cooking? My quinoa was all overcooked and mushy, so covering it seemed like the last thing I should do.
Bingo! Here’s the trick for perfectly fluffy quinoa: Use twice as much water as quinoa, as usual, then cook uncovered until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. The cooking time will vary based on quantity.
Once the water is all absorbed, remove the pot from heat, cover it and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. That’s when the quinoa pops open into fluffy quinoa perfection, and that is how to cook quinoa properly.
I’ve gotten quite a few questions from you guys about how to avoid mushy quinoa, so I just had to share. I typed up the full recipe and instructions for you below.
Scroll down for the full recipe, plus a short video showing my technique and 10 of my favorite quinoa recipes. For even more quinoa inspiration, you can view all of my quinoa recipes here.
Watch How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
Perfect Quinoa
Learn how to cook perfect quinoa, every time. I’ve tried all the other quinoa cooking methods and this one works best. It’s easy to cook fluffy quinoa when you know the right way to do it!
Ingredients
- 1 part uncooked quinoa (e.g. 1 cup quinoa—any color will do—you will end up with three times as much cooked quinoa)
- 2 parts water (e.g. 2 cups water)
- Salt, to taste (around ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of dry quinoa)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa: Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh colander and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. Drain well. This step removes any bitterness on the outside of the quinoa (caused by naturally occurring saponins).
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat a bit to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 10 to 20 minutes (small amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes; larger amounts between 15 to 20). Reduce heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. This step gives the quinoa time to pop open into little curlicues, so it’s nice and fluffy. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt, to taste, unless you’re proceeding with another recipe as written.
Notes
Serving suggestions: I love to stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.
Storage suggestions: Leftover quinoa keeps well, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Wait, what is quinoa?
In case you haven’t encountered quinoa yet, it is a pseudocereal that grows near the Andes in South America. By pseudocereal, I mean that it is grain-like, but it’s technically not a grass like wheat. Quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah, although my dad likes to tease me by calling it queh-NO-ah.
Quinoa is very nutritious—it’s full of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, including manganese, magnesium and folate. Quinoa’s health benefits are really too long to list here, but the key point is that quinoa is remarkably dense in nutrients, and worth including in your diet.
You can buy quinoa in most grocery stores these days, usually in the health section or near the rice. You can also buy quinoa online at Amazon (affiliate link).
10 Favorite Quinoa Recipes
1) Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad
“I have made this salad twice in a week it is that good – easy and delicious!” – Terri
2) Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
“This was so good! I’ve been trying to find one dish recipes that can also feed baby and this was perfect! I was almost too lazy to make the breadcrumbs but I’m so glad I did because it was simple and and so worth it! I also used a bit of cauliflower because I had it and it was good in there too. I think I’m going to make this again and bring it to Easter! It’s a perfect healthier version of a classic!” – Stephanie
3) Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
“This is one of my favorite dishes ever! Followed the instructions (first time ever was not inspired to change anything) and enjoyed a yummy dinner with my partner, twice now. He loved it as well! Thanks for sharing and good luck! :)” – Dessi
4) Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
“THE best salad ever! My husband and I absolutely love it! I’m sharing with my family and friends!” – Jacqueline
5) Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale
“I just found this recipe via pinterest! I made the soup yesterday and I absolutely love it!! Never thought of quinoa in soup but this makes so much sense! I am always looking for ways to add protein without adding meat so this is great and my whole family loves it! (I’m a college student by the way, not a mom, in case you couldn’t tell. lol) This soup is great for all ages!!” – Maya
6) Southwestern Kale Power Salad with Sweet Potato, Quinoa & Avocado Sauce
“We made this for dinner 2 hours ago and can’t stop talking about it! OMG! It was so delicious and full of flavor and it was easy to make. My kids loved it, too. We already can’t wait to make it again :) thank you so much!” – Tiffany
7) Favorite Quinoa Salad
“Delicious recipe, Kate. I’ve been crazing something light and refreshing and this quinoa salad hit the spot. This is definitely one of the best quinoa salads I’ve made. Your recipes never disappoint. Thank you!” – Allison
8) Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
“Made this for dinner tonight when a friend came over. Even my four-year-old loved it! He is not always into raw veggies, but upon the first bite, exclaimed, “I like this! Yeah, I love it!” and had a second helping. We did leave the cilantro on the side for him. Will be making this again very soon.” – Lea
9) Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing
“Three of us polished off this recipe in one sitting. It was wonderful! Tangy, sweet and crunchy, thanks to the almonds. It was also so easy to make. Thank you!” – Leah
10) Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
“Made this for breakfast this morning, and it’s amazing! It’s definitely going to be in my regular rotation.” – Carly
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 16 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Another trick that works I have found out besides the last steaming with the lid on, is to fry the quinoa. So if you are still having problems try it. No idea why it works but it does. After you’ve washed and rinsed the quinoa a few times, I like to rub it as well in water a few times and rinse it a few times, well then you drain and fry it (high heat) in your saucepan in a little oil, stirring to coat. It will take a little time to dry as the quinoa is still damp from washing, but once it’s dried in the frying you will start hearing little popping sounds like mini mini popcorn. This is the seed shell cracking, keep turning it over and over until it’s all done cracking. About five to ten minutes depends on your pot size and the amount of quinoa. Then add your cold water. It will whoosh as the pan is hot. Leave it cook until all the water is gone but the quinoa is still wet. Lid on and let it steam the rest of the way. This is guaranteed to work with most quinoa even the lazy kind. So a bit like what you do with rice at the start of making a risotto but fry a bit longer. I enjoy, reading these responses, it’s making me hungry. I just love dressed quinoa. Little lemon juice , seasoning, parsley, fried garlic and its oil……heaven. Even better spiced up with something like Kashmiri chilly powder. But it’s a base for almost anything dressed. Poured over cooked prawns if you eat them, or halloumi cheese, aubergine….sky’s the limit. When I just cant think what to make for dinner I whip up some quinoa and dress it and fill it with whatever I’ve got in the kitchen. Always delicious. It’s also very useful if some of your family or guests are vegan or vegetarian, you can do two bowls in a flash.
Thanks for sharing, Anton!
No problems.
We’re having quinoa for dinner tonight. It makes a fantasticaly easy bed for anything too. We’re having vegetarian burgers on a bed of quinoa with an avocdo salade. What could be easier! LOL. Of course I will be reaching for the spices, Mexican this time to cook the burgers, these will be cooked gently in olive oil so there is enough to flavour the quinoa bed beneath in delicious spicy warm oil sprinkled with cheese………absolutely fantastically easy. I love your sundried tomato idea because those are just my kind of flavours too. Also anything Middle Eastern, Indian all the flavours are so easy to lift your quinoa to another level entirely. Pinch of this dash of that, herbs. Lemon and or it’s zest LOL. Think I can base an entire weeks cooking on just one lemon.
Thanks for the great ideas Kate.
Thank you! My quinoa always turns out mushy. Just made a batch following your recipe and it’s great. Had to leave a quick message to say thanks!
You’re welcome, Chris!
Super cool recipe!!! Thanks for being so thoughtful and to the point. Lots of love❤️
Simplest, most basic explanation I’ve heard. Can’t wait to used a couple of the recipes! Thank you!
Made the quinoa as you have instructed. Perfect!! I used to make it years ago by the old “mushy” technique but have now found a reason to introduce it into my diet, again, the right way. Thank you!
Hi,name’s Jason. I just bought some quinoa, white and red. I’m not a cook, am vegetarian. I googled some recipes and came across your website.I liked what I saw and is going to chance my hand at some of your recipes. Hope I don’t stuff things up. By the way I’m from Cape Town South Africa. Thanx in advance. Jason
Loved it! Tweaked it to fit my taste, red onion instead of green. Quinoa was perfect, your recipe. I added atleast a half cup to my serving. Perfect with crunch of cabbage!! New favorite of mine. Thank you!!!!
You’re welcome, Paula!
Thank you Cookie and Kate! (College student cooking vegan at home, for my last year)
This is AWESOME! Thank you so much. This method worked perfectly. I did a half cup of quinoa and it took 10 minutes. I will be using this method going forward. :)
You’re welcome, Aimee!
Thank you SO much!! I followed your method for cooking quinoa yesterday and it really was the perfect quinoa…. beautiful and fluffy and delicious…I have never been able to make it right until now as it’s always been way too mushy so I stopped cooking it…. I will definitely be making it more often now, thanks to you! :) Best wishes
Hai, do you use dry measuring cups also for the water or is it 1 cup dry measuring cup of uncooked quinou and 2 liquid cups of water?
Hi! Dry for measuring the quinoa and liquid for the water :)
Can this be adapted to. Pressure cooker???
I know lots of people love using their pressure cooker for quinoa, I just usually stick to my stovetop.
I think I’m with you on that one…Why mess with perfection
I’m no chef but while I was strictly vegan I made quinoa quite a bit! If you make quinoa you know how cool this recipe is! I stopped being vegan and I hadn’t made quinoa for a while, and the last time I used a different sourced quinoa and tried the method on the package and it just wasn’t right… but Kate has the method down with her recipe – the quinoa came out just right! Thanks Kate
Thank you. I have never cooked quinoa so I started with your simple recipe and added fresh chives. Wasn’t sure what to expect because I haven’t eaten much of it before. Family liked it. Now I will venture out and try other recipes.
Wonderful, Enid!
I don’t know what kind of quinoa you’re cooking. This turned into watery mush.
Hi Jon, I’m sorry to hear this one didn’t work for you. What type of quinoa did you use? Did you by chance let it boil vs simmer for the recommended time?
Absolutely perfect! The first time I have been happy with the result.
Your instructions are spot on – many thanks! Love the idea of this for breakfast with apple and seeds!
I’ve tried cooking quinoa for many years but they all end up mushy BUT your recipe is the only one that made my quinoa fluffy – thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
would be very interested on your views concerning the Keto lifeI have been on it for a year or so and have lost 54 pounds..however, am stalled for about 2 months and was thinking of going meatless for awhile to reduce my fat intake… just curious as Q has alot of carbs in it…
i can’t find the recipe only the video. Where are the words, I’m old fashioned.
Thanks for this, easy to follow.
You’re welcome, Julio!
Thank you so much for these instructions – so easy – the written explanation and the very clear video. It was the first time I’d cooked quinoa and was using it in a recipe for a Christmas Saladin Gourmet Traveller, but after seeing your recipes and your instructions on how to cook quinoa I’m looking forward to trying some of the recipes on this page – thank you again
I’m happy you thought so, Meredith!
Your site is wonderful great clear directions nice photos but the ads are horrible. The videos are causing a lot of issues for me. I can not close them and they are covering up your great work.
Hi Sadie! I’m sorry to hear that you are frustrated. What browser are you using? To be transparent, I have ads to make a living to continue to provide great recipes and content.
My 5 year-old twins never want to eat quinoa. I tried your basic quinoa recipe tonight as a starch and they ate it. Just as you said, light and fluffy. Thank you! Beatrice
You’re welcome, Beatrice! Thank you for your comment and review.
I love your method. I make two changes which are really minor. I toast the quinoa dry before adding liquid and instead of water, I do vegetable broth. It’s not a big difference but I feel like it gives me a jump on flavor before any additions.
Great instructions on how to make perfect quinoa. Turned out fluffy and not at all soggy. Thanks Kate!
You’re welcome, Juliana! I’m happy you found it helpful.
Wow, first time ever that I cooked quinoa perfectly (and I have been attempting it for YEARS and NOT enjoying it!!) Thank you!!!!! This was quick and delish, I threw some chopped dates in it just now as a little snack and I’m now officially a quinoa fan. So good! Can wait to try that vegetable bean quinoa soup you have linked as well!
Hooray! I’m glad you enjoyed this version Martina.
What did I do wrong. I followed the instructions very carefully using vegetable broth. It cooked for 45 minutes and did not fully absorb the liquid. It is very wet I want to keep trying though.
Hi Carl! Did you allow it to come to a boil and then simmer?
Love your recipes
Thank you, Jenny!
THANX
Made it, total success! Thanks for the perfect method.
Thank you! Most of my attempts at quinoa have turned out mushy – even following the package directions. I followed your directions and I finally made fluffy quinoa! Yay! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Alice! Thank you for your review.
Thank you for the quinoa cooking tip. Perfect quinoa. I had a bunch of cilantro I wanted to do something with so decided to cook some quinoa. I didn’t want to run out for any other ingredients so improvised with what I had…cilantro, sweet onion, scallions, cumin, lemon juice, red chile pepper, and grated ginger. My husband loved the ginger. I never put ginger in quinoa before.
I like the creativity! Thank you for sharing, Madeleline!
Tried it. Gummy as hell.
First time making quinoa. Followed all the instructions and it worked PERFECTLY! Thank you so much! :)
Aaaand…it worked perfectly! Thank you for the tip. Now I won’t be afraid to use quinoa any more!
Thanks so much for this – I’ve been cooking quinoa badly since my 11 year old was a baby. Last night, following your instructions, I nailed it! Much appreciated. Your recipes often come up in my google searches and they’ve all been great, so thanks again! Cx
I did not prepare any of the recipes I read but could make make out the fabulous taste from the ingredients used. Shall definitely try
too much water. stays mushy and also have to keep an eye on things more. rather just cook it like rice. disappointed twice trying this. have to take the lid off and get more water out every time.
I’m sorry you didn’t love this. Did you let it simmer with the lid off?
Used this recipe tonight on my first time cooking quinoa. Won’t look any further. Thank you very much!
The Perfect Quinoa recipe produced the tastiest pot of quinoa I’ve ever made! I added craisins and cinnamon, and my 7-year-old loved it. I think adding the cinnamon alone would have won him over.
This is my go to quinoa cooking recipe now. It works. I actually like the grain now. Ha! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Elizabeth!
I’ve made this quinoa many times and it always comes out perfect!
I cook mine the same way, but I also soak mine for a day in advance and it still maintains the texture and rinses out all the bitterness and saponins and supposedly also eases digestion. And it doesn’t take as long to cook either! I just found your site and your recipes look beautiful! Can’t wait to try some!
I bookmarked this recipe and have used it many times now and it really does cook perfectly every time! I love quinoa and like to use it in place of couscous but it was often mushy no matter what I did. Thanks so much for taking the time to figure it out and posting the recipe!!
I had the same issues as you when cooking quinoa…Tried your way twice now and it’s come out perfectly each time. Thanks!
Hi! What brand did you use for this video specifically? Looks so beautiful.
Hi Maria! I don’t remember the brand, but it’s multicolored. :)
Can never remember the proportions and timings and I always refer back to this. Comes out perfectly every time!
Just what I was looking for! Super helpful, thank you so much for the simple explanation. This method, combined with the quinoa to water ratio, is ideal. Works as a base for practically every meal one would like to include quinoa in.
Wow! Now I can eat all the quinoa I want! Having some as I type this!! Followed your suggestion and added sautéed spinach, olives and sun-dried tomatoes! SO. GOOD.
THE best quinoa I have cooked!
You save my future with the quinoa that was always bitter and mushy (!)
Thank you Kate (and cookie!) ❤️