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January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment

How to Make the Best Quinoa

A pot full of multicolored quinoa.Quinoa is quickly becoming a favorite side dish around here–second only to rice. I think rice will always be my family’s favorite, but they gobble up the quinoa these days. It makes me so happy because quinoa is much more nutrient dense than rice. There are a few simple steps when making quinoa that make all the difference as far as the flavor goes. I am excited to teach you my favorite and–dare I say?–the BEST way to make quinoa.   

In the pictures, you can see that I used multi-colored quinoa, but the taste doesn’t change if you use regular quinoa. Whatever you have on hand will work great! One cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, while rice has about 4 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of fiber. Adding quinoa in place of rice is a great way to get more protein and fiber in your diet.

A pot of cooked quinoa with a wooden spoonful of quinoa held above.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
  • Eggroll in a Bowl

Step-by-step Pictures for how to make the best quinoa

7-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make the best quinoa.Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make the Best Quinoa

How do you cook quinoa?

When cooking on the stovetop, quinoa is a 2:1 ratio. You need to have a pot with a lid to cover the quinoa while it’s simmering.

What ratio of water to quinoa do you need to cook quinoa?

The ratio for cooking quinoa is 2:1. For example, two cups of water to one cup of quinoa.

Do you boil the water before adding the Quinoa?

Yes. You need to have the water boiling before adding the quinoa. Then you give it a stir, turn the heat to low, put the lid on, and cook for 15 minutes.

A pot of quinoa with a wooden cooking spoon inserted at an angle on the right.Can you cook quinoa in the INSTANT POT?

Yes. However, cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot is a 1:1 ratio. For this recipe, you reduce the amount of water to 1 cup and then add 1 cup of quinoa. Set the pressure to 1 minute. After it comes to pressure and cooks for 1 minute, allow it to naturally release for 15 minutes.

Is Quinoa a Grain or a Legume?

Quinoa is a grain.

How long can Quinoa be stored in the Refrigerator?

Quinoa can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

Can you freeze Quinoa?

Yes. Cooked quinoa can be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months. 

Two-photo Pinterest picture of How to Make the Best Quinoa with the text of the title in the middle.CHEF’S TOOLS:

  • 2-quart Pot with Lid
  • Instant Pot
  • Garlic Press
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board

Substitute rice for Quinoa in these Recipes

A white bowl of chipotle chicken with lettuce, corn, Pico de Gallo, black beans and shredded cheese. There's a fork getting ready to lift a bite out from the left side of the bowl. At the top of the photo in the background there's a clear cup of dressing and part of a sheet pan with cut up chicken.Copycat Chipotle ChickenA peacock patterned Polish pottery bowl filled with cilantro lime rice, rotisserie chicken, diced cucumbers, avocado, red onion, and tomatoes with a dollop of chipotle sour cream. On the right of the bowl is a spoon.Honey Lime Chicken Bowls with Rotisserie ChickenSweet pork sitting on a blue plate with a flour tortilla and jar of dressing in the background.Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

How to Make the Best Quinoa
 
Print
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
25 mins
 
These few extra steps make all the difference when cooking quinoa to serve as a side or as a base for healthy dinners. You're going to make this again and again!
Author: Maria
Recipe type: Side Dish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • ¼-1/2 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 + 3 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 1½ cups quinoa
Instructions
  1. In a 2-quart pot (that has a lid), saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until the onions become translucent.
  2. Next, add the chicken stock (or water and bullion) and bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling add the lemon juice and quinoa. Stir it, turn the heat down to low, cover with the lid, and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  5. Enjoy!
3.5.3251

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Welcome friends!

Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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Hi, I'm a professional recipe developer, with a degree in teaching and a minor in nutrition. I love helping busy families, like mine, "eat good" despite their crazy schedules...join the fun! Start here

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