How to Make Quinoa [Video]

Learn how to make plain quinoa in three simple steps that always result in the perfect fluffy texture. Then use it as a side dish any way you like.

How to Make Plain Quinoa Recipe

This may sound a bit obvious! But, I swear that I had to investigate how to cook it the first time I prepared quinoa since this was totally new to me.

It is also obvious that I’ve become a bit obsessed with quinoa. This is because quinoa has a high content of protein and fiber, which is fantastic since it makes me feel satisfied and full for a longer time. Plus, it is low in calories! Only 222 calories per 1 cup cooked quinoa.

I love that quinoa is so versatile!

You can eat it plain as a side dish to any entree, or it to salads. You can also make croquettes, add it to your baby’s foods or you can even make desserts.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

• Uncooked quinoa – any color you like
• Olive oil
• Water or vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt

HOW TO MAKE PLAIN QUINOA

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

1. RINSE: Rinse quinoa under running water, rubbing them together with your fingers to ensure you wash off all the unpleasant-tasting coating. Drain.
2. TOAST: In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then add the drained quinoa; stir and toast for 2 minutes.
3. COOK: Add water. At the first boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 min or until all the liquid has evaporated. When the quinoa is done cooking, use a fork to fluff it and season with salt, to taste. Serve.

JAZZ UP YOUR PLAIN QUINOA

After the quinoa is cooked, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon, or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco.

STORING INSTRUCTIONS

Store leftover quinoa in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.

MORE QUINOA RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Easy Sausage and Bean Quinoa Bowl
• Pumpkin Quinoa Granola
• Cheesy Quinoa Quesadillas

How to Make Plain Quinoa

Oriana Romero

Learn how to make plain quinoa in three simple steps that always result in the perfect fluffy texture. Then use it as a side dish any way you like.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

 

• ▢ 1 cup quinoa (200 g)
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• ▢ 2 cups water (480 ml) (see notes)
• ▢ Salt to taste

Important

Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!

Instructions

 

• Rinse quinoa under running water, rubbing them together with your fingers to ensure you wash off all the unpleasant-tasting coating. Drain.
• In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then add the drained quinoa; stir and toast for 2 minutes.
• Add water. At the first boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 min or until all the liquid has evaporated.
• When the quinoa is done cooking, use a fork to fluff it and season with salt, to taste. Serve.

Video

Oriana’s Notes

 

STORE: Store leftover quinoa in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.

 

QUINOA: you can use any color quinoa you like. 1 cup of uncooked quinoa will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa. 

 

WATER: You can substitute water for vegetable or chicken stock. In that case, omit the salt called in the recipe. If you want your quinoa al dente, reduce liquid to 1 3/4 cup per cup of uncooked quinoa. 

 

JAZZ UP YOUR PLAIN QUINOA

After the quinoa is cooked, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon, or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco.

 

★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

 

Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate, and it can vary depending on the products used.

I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Click To Rate This Recipe

Share your Creations!Tag @mommyshomecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #mommyshomecooking or Join my Private Facebook Group

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Calories 86

Keyword easy quinoa recipe side dish

Originally posted in October 2013, post content edited to add more helpful information, no change to the recipe in July 2021.