Cook: 15 Want perfectly fluffy quinoa to go with your healthy weeknight dinners? Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook quinoa perfectly every time!
Quinoa is one of our favorite gluten-free grains to pair with healthy meals. It’s great as a side dish, easy to throw on salads, and perfect as a substitution for rice or pasta. Not to mention that it’s loaded with nutrition. We love it!
So what’s the secret to cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection? Today, we’re sharing an easy-to-follow guide that will tell you everything you need to know about quinoa, from what it actually is, to how to cook it, to delicious recipes you can pair it with!
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What is quinoa?
Quinoa is a healthy carb option that’s perfect for pairing with your choice of protein and vegetables! It can be used to replace rice in recipes, as it is higher in protein and healthy fiber.
Looking for the best quinoa? Get 40% off of this Organic Sprouted Quinoa HERE! (opens in a new tab)
Is quinoa a grain?
When it comes to healthy recipes, quinoa can be treated as a gluten-free grain. While quinoa is technically a seed, it is most often treated like it is a part of the grain family due to the way that it’s used and prepared!
2 Ingredients You’ll Need For Cooked Quinoa
Quinoa is SUPER easy to make, requiring only 2 ingredients: water, and quinoa. (opens in a new tab) Another option is to add a little bit of salt to the quinoa while it’s cooking for flavor.
How to cook quinoa
To cook quinoa so that it’s perfectly fluffy, use a 1:2 ratio.
For example, 1 cup of quinoa should be cooked with 2 cups of water! Here’s the best method for cooking quinoa:
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add in the quinoa and salt (optional, to taste).
3. Let cook in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Lower the heat, cover, and continue to simmer for another 7-10 minutes.
The trick to perfectly fluffy quinoa is to make sure that it has absorbed all of the water!
One way to do this is to let the quinoa sit, covered, for an extra 3-5 minutes after removing from heat. Check the quinoa and use a fork or spatula to “fluff”. Serve and enjoy or refrigerate for easy meals throughout the week!
Tips For Making Fluffy Quinoa
- Use the right size pot – A small, deep pot like this one (opens in a new tab) is a great option for cooking quinoa!
- You don’t always have to cook quinoa – You can also purchase pre-cooked quinoa that simply needs to be heated up or is ready to go! This is great if you’re on-the-go a lot or just don’t have the time to make homemade quinoa. Our favorite option is this one from Thrive Market! (opens in a new tab)
What to Serve with Cooked Quinoa
Here are some of my favorite ideas for what to serve with cooked quinoa:
- Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon – The bright, zesty flavors of this salmon pair SO well with fluffy quinoa. Add some roasted veggies on the side and you’ve got the easiest weeknight dinner.
- Honey Glazed Carrots or Roasted Veggies – Any roasted veggie combo is a win here, but sweet carrots, crispy Brussels sprouts, or golden butternut squash take it over the top.
- Greek Chicken Bowls – Layer quinoa with grilled chicken, hummus, tzatziki, and cucumbers for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch that’s packed with flavor.
- Easy Chickpea Curry – A cozy, comforting curry ladled over quinoa is chef’s kiss. It soaks up all that creamy sauce perfectly!
- One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies – This easy dinner is a go-to! Quinoa makes a great base to catch all those sweet balsamic juices.
- Easy Southwest Chicken Salad – Add a scoop of quinoa to make it even more filling!
- Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers – Sub the rice with cooked quinoa for a high-protein twist.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls – Use quinoa instead of rice to change things up!
How to Store Cooked Quinoa
Quinoa can be meal prepped and stored in the refrigerator all week long! Feel free to reheat it for warm meals or add it cold to salads.
Our favorite quinoa recipes
- Easy Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese
- Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad
- Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
- Vegan Meal Prep Black Bean Quinoa Bowls
Love this method for cooking quinoa? Be sure to give it a rating in the recipe card below!
Perfect Quinoa Recipe
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add in the quinoa and salt to taste.
- Let boil for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and cover with a lid.
- Continue to let simmer for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let quinoa continue to sit (covered) for another 3-5 minutes, or until the quinoa has completely absorbed the water.
- Use a fork to fluff the quinoa, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To cook quinoa so that it’s perfectly fluffy, use a 1:2 ratio.
- The trick to perfectly fluffy quinoa is to make sure that it has absorbed all of the water after cooking! If it hasn’t, let the quinoa sit, covered, for an extra 3-5 minutes after removing from heat.
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
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These are such helpful tips! I’ve always struggled with making my quinoa] perfect!
This is the perfect guide for cooking quinoa and getting it nice and fluffy. I made it and these tips are perfect.
I appreciate this breakdown because quinoa can be difficult to cook! I burn it more often than not or its super dry.
I am a big quinoa eater over here. I did not know you were supposed to store it in the fridge thanks for the tips!
Now I need to make some quinoa! Thank you for the tips!