Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed has an earthy and nutty flavor with a fluffy, slightly chewy texture.
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)

Baked Cauliflower Tots
Baked rounds of chopped cauliflower and cheese are shown on a platter.

Baked Cauliflower Tots

Simple and healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
15 tots
Peach Salsa
Small bowl of a colorful peach and vegetable salsa shown with crackers.

Peach Salsa

A colorful and refreshingly sweet and savory salsa perfect for chips, tacos, or topping fish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Stovetop Millet
Plate of cooked millet.

Stovetop Millet

This ancient whole grain has a mild corn-like flavor and a light fluffy texture when cooked.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Kiwi Pineapple Slaw
Mix of kiwi with vegetables in a large bowl.

Kiwi Pineapple Slaw

A sweet and savory salad that is creamy, crunchy and perfect for a summer picnic.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Blueberry Tofu Smoothie
Tofu blended with a mix of fruits makes a creamy smoothie in a glass.

Blueberry Tofu Smoothie

Kid-approved, this dairy-free smoothie is super quick to make for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Mexican Adobo Sauce
Medium bowl of thick, red adobo sauce served with tacos.

Mexican Adobo Sauce

Mexican adobo sauce is an all-purpose marinade made of dried hot peppers, spices and vinegar. This sauce gives big flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Thanks to the OSU Latin Heritage Work Group for this tasty recipe.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.