Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms
Photo of Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

These sautéed mushrooms add rich flavor to roasted proteins, grain bowls, baked potatoes and so much more!
Prepare:
7 minutes
Cook:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Oven Baked Salmon
Baked salmon filets on tin foil.

Oven Baked Salmon

Salmon is the star in this simple and tasty recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Skillet-Braised Chicken
Plate with seasoned and browned chicken breasts.

Skillet-Braised Chicken

A simple and delicious chicken recipe to enjoy as is or use in many recipes from salads to pasta.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Sauteed asparagus slices with slivered almonds in a small bowl.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sauteed asparagus with crunchy almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Cherry Salad
Photo of Cherry Salad

Cherry Salad

Fresh fruit combined with orange juice and coconut for the perfect side dish or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick orange smoothie.

Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie

Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups