I like to consider myself a quinoa expert. I have cooked a lot of it for my cookbook. Small amounts, or lots at once, with spices and greens, or without—I’ve done it all. The standard quinoa cooking method started failing me early on. My quinoa was mushy and overdone, every time, and it was driving me nuts.
I tried using slightly less water than usual, which has been recommended elsewhere. It helped a little sometimes, but other times, I had to add more and more water while the quinoa was cooking. Then, the dry quinoa soaked up way too much of the dressing I added later.
At some point, I wondered, why do all the quinoa recipes suggest covering the quinoa while cooking? My quinoa was all overcooked and mushy, so covering it seemed like the last thing I should do.
Bingo! Here’s the trick for perfectly fluffy quinoa: Use twice as much water as quinoa, as usual, then cook uncovered until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. The cooking time will vary based on quantity.
Once the water is all absorbed, remove the pot from heat, cover it and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. That’s when the quinoa pops open into fluffy quinoa perfection, and that is how to cook quinoa properly.
I’ve gotten quite a few questions from you guys about how to avoid mushy quinoa, so I just had to share. I typed up the full recipe and instructions for you below.
Scroll down for the full recipe, plus a short video showing my technique and 10 of my favorite quinoa recipes. For even more quinoa inspiration, you can view all of my quinoa recipes here.
Watch How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
Perfect Quinoa
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Staple
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Learn how to cook perfect quinoa, every time. I’ve tried all the other quinoa cooking methods and this one works best. It’s easy to cook fluffy quinoa when you know the right way to do it!
Ingredients
- 1 part uncooked quinoa (e.g. 1 cup quinoa—any color will do—you will end up with three times as much cooked quinoa)
- 2 parts water (e.g. 2 cups water)
- Salt, to taste (around ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of dry quinoa)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa: Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh colander and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. Drain well. This step removes any bitterness on the outside of the quinoa (caused by naturally occurring saponins).
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat a bit to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 10 to 20 minutes (small amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes; larger amounts between 15 to 20). Reduce heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. This step gives the quinoa time to pop open into little curlicues, so it’s nice and fluffy. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt, to taste, unless you’re proceeding with another recipe as written.
Notes
Serving suggestions: I love to stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.
Storage suggestions: Leftover quinoa keeps well, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.
▸ Nutrition Information
Wait, what is quinoa?
In case you haven’t encountered quinoa yet, it is a pseudocereal that grows near the Andes in South America. By pseudocereal, I mean that it is grain-like, but it’s technically not a grass like wheat. Quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah, although my dad likes to tease me by calling it queh-NO-ah.
Quinoa is very nutritious—it’s full of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, including manganese, magnesium and folate. Quinoa’s health benefits are really too long to list here, but the key point is that quinoa is remarkably dense in nutrients, and worth including in your diet.
You can buy quinoa in most grocery stores these days, usually in the health section or near the rice. You can also buy quinoa online at Amazon (affiliate link).
10 Favorite Quinoa Recipes
1) Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad
“I have made this salad twice in a week it is that good – easy and delicious!” – Terri
2) Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
“This was so good! I’ve been trying to find one dish recipes that can also feed baby and this was perfect! I was almost too lazy to make the breadcrumbs but I’m so glad I did because it was simple and and so worth it! I also used a bit of cauliflower because I had it and it was good in there too. I think I’m going to make this again and bring it to Easter! It’s a perfect healthier version of a classic!” – Stephanie
3) Quinoa Black Bean Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
“This is one of my favorite dishes ever! Followed the instructions (first time ever was not inspired to change anything) and enjoyed a yummy dinner with my partner, twice now. He loved it as well! Thanks for sharing and good luck! :)” – Dessi
4) Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
“THE best salad ever! My husband and I absolutely love it! I’m sharing with my family and friends!” – Jacqueline
5) Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale
“I just found this recipe via pinterest! I made the soup yesterday and I absolutely love it!! Never thought of quinoa in soup but this makes so much sense! I am always looking for ways to add protein without adding meat so this is great and my whole family loves it! (I’m a college student by the way, not a mom, in case you couldn’t tell. lol) This soup is great for all ages!!” – Maya
6) Southwestern Kale Power Salad with Sweet Potato, Quinoa & Avocado Sauce
“We made this for dinner 2 hours ago and can’t stop talking about it! OMG! It was so delicious and full of flavor and it was easy to make. My kids loved it, too. We already can’t wait to make it again :) thank you so much!” – Tiffany
7) Favorite Quinoa Salad
“Delicious recipe, Kate. I’ve been crazing something light and refreshing and this quinoa salad hit the spot. This is definitely one of the best quinoa salads I’ve made. Your recipes never disappoint. Thank you!” – Allison
8) Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
“Made this for dinner tonight when a friend came over. Even my four-year-old loved it! He is not always into raw veggies, but upon the first bite, exclaimed, “I like this! Yeah, I love it!” and had a second helping. We did leave the cilantro on the side for him. Will be making this again very soon.” – Lea
9) Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing
“Three of us polished off this recipe in one sitting. It was wonderful! Tangy, sweet and crunchy, thanks to the almonds. It was also so easy to make. Thank you!” – Leah
10) Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
“Made this for breakfast this morning, and it’s amazing! It’s definitely going to be in my regular rotation.” – Carly
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 16 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I love a simple post full of helpful tips. I cook quinoa all the time and use it in so many ways. It is the perfect blank slate for all types of goodies. I am lazy and make mine in a rice cooker! Loving the spinach and berry quinoa – one of my favorite salads.
Dawn
That’s how I make my quinoa as well. I’ll use homemade veggie broth in place of the water though (when its on hand). Place it in my rice cooker along with veggies to steam in the steamer basket. It has not failed me yet, not even once.
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ll be sure to try this: I have to admit my quinoa game isn’t all that strong yet. Love posts like this, it’s an easy read :)
Kate
Thanks, Vivian! Hope these tips help. :)
Kathryn Mader
Honestly, your recipes are so appealing. I’ve shared your site with my sister and she’s made some of your recipes and loves them, too! You should win Best Blogger! (check out the comment you posted under #5)
Kate
Thank you so much, Kathryn! Really appreciate you sharing my site with your sister. yay!
Nina
I made my first recipe using quinoa last week, and it came out so soggy – nothing like the fluffy photos! Thanks for the perfectly timed blog post, I’ll be trying your tips next time :)
Kate
No more mushy quinoa! Hope these tips help next time, Nina.
Libby
This was timely. I have a big bag of quinoa and only a little bit of money to make groceries stretch for the rest of the week. So I was hoping to happen upon at least one or two quinoa recipes today. BUT LOOK! TEN! I’m going to make that Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa salad for sure.
Kate
It was meant to be! Hope you love the recipes you try.
lisa
That’s a great tip! I make quinoa all the time, and it usually comes out mushy when I make any more than 1 cup at a time. I’m definitely going to try this next time (already have a few cups’ worth in the fridge for lunch this week). Thanks for the suggestion!
Kate
Thanks, Lisa! Hope your next big batch turns out perfectly.
Jerilyn
Thank you for your super helpful post. I have always used the standard method and it usually comes out okay but sometimes not, especially depending on the amount of quinoa I am cooking.
So I look forward to trying out your newer method…and wouldn’t it be nice to be able to count on fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa EVERY time you make it?! There’s enough science experiments coming out of the kitchen at any given day, so fail safe cooked quinoa would be a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
Kate
I hope this method works for you every time! Do let me know. :)
Megan
I have made the Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin probably ten times since you posted the recipe! It’s perfect! So easy and delicious and totally satisfies my need for a heavy or comfort food with a healthier option. I found my way over to your original Brussels Sprout recipe and made that, too. I am constantly making this recipe, often with varying veggies and/or cheese depending on what I have in the house. I’m so glad to have found this recipe!
Kate
Thank you, Megan! So glad you’re enjoying that casserole!!
Lori
Thank you for all these awesome recipes and for sharing your tips on how to cook quinoa correctly. I just recently started eating it so this post is so timely for me. Love following you.
Kate
Thank you for the note, Lori! I appreciate it. :)
Emily
Quinoa is a little finicky guy! I’ll have to try this approach! Thanks for doing all the testing! All these quinoa recipes are making me hungry!
Riley
I’ve ALWAYS had trouble cooking quinoa and I never understood why it was so hard. This blog post came at just the right time! I need qunioa for a recipe I’m cooking tonight. Thanks so much for the helpful tips!
Kate
Seriously, it shouldn’t be so hard. Hope this method worked great for you!
Tori
This is such an informative and helpful post. Thanks for sharing, Kate!
Anna
Thanks for this helpful post, Kate. My quinoa turns out OK but almost always boils over when I turn away to prep something else! One of my favorite pairings is quinoa and tahini. Have you tried it with roasted winter veggies? Heavenly.
Cami
Hi Kate (and Cookie),
I enjoy your recipes very much.
I had a helpful hint recently for fluffy quinoa and that was to toast it in a pan after rinsing and then cook as directed.
It works great!
Cami
siva
Hey, great idea.
Emily
Yes, agree no one likes mushy quinoa! I often cook it the same way I do pasta, with a surplus of water and then drain in a fine mesh strainer when the quinoa is done. I’ll have to give your method a try too!
Carol
The broccoli, cheddar and quinoa gratin is an amazing recipe. I followed instructions to a T, With the exception of a 9×9 baking dish. I used a lovely ceramic oval dish which was the perfect size. Easy and so delicious! This can be served as the main dish (which I did with a beautiful homegrown side salad), or as a side with just about anything. Thank you so much. I’m a happy cook :)
Torie
I have also tried boiling it for ten minutes, then strain and steam for ten minutes ( with a cloth over the strainer and topped with a lid. It’s always fluffy!
By the way, this blog is insane! Everything I’ve made is so yummy!!
Roger
Kate, I live in Kansas City too. Have you considered calling every quinoa company that has cooking instructions on their package, and tell them a better way to cook their product? If they listen and learn, they might change their packaging and help millions who buy their product. Then you will have helped millions of people around the world!
Kate
Hi, KC Robert! That’s a really good idea. I wish I had the time; I can barely keep my blog going while I work on my cookbook! I’m hoping to hear back from more readers to make sure this works just right in their kitchens, too.
Debs @ wilde orchard.co.uk
Kate, thank you so much for this post. I have totally avoided quinoa for that very reason. Never could get it spot on. Gonna try these tips. Thanks.
Nyima
Here is my tip for perfect quinoa, or rice, every time. Cook it in a skillet with a lid, Mexican style. You just toast your 1 cup of quinoa for a few min in the skillet over medium heat, tossing it. When evenly toasted, add 2 c. water, a tbs of olive oil, maybe some vegetable boullion, clove of garlic. Stir, bring to boil and then reduce heat to lowest possible flame and put lid on. 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, quinoa is open and starts to stick. Fluff with fork – works every time. For Mexican rice add a few tbs of tomato paste and some oregano, etc. My mother in law taught me how to make rice this way and ever since then it never made sense to me to cook rice or quinoa in a small deep pan. The thin layer is magic ;)
Gwyneviere
I’ve also used the toasting method and it works well! I will try toasting then Kate’s suggestion of cooking with lid off.
Laura
I have made quinoa several times now using your method and it makes perfectly crunchy quinoa. I love knowing that I won’t end up with mushy quinoa again!
Erica
OMG….life-changer!! I made quinoa per your instructions today, and it was so much better. It wasn’t mushy in the least! I’m glad people like you figure this stuff out for us! THANK YOU
Lisa
This method works perfectly! Wonder why all the cooking directions are so wrong! There was always left over water that was not absorbed and I always follow directions! So glad you discovered this method. It was perfectly. Thanks Kate!
Nathalie
Lovely recipe :)
this is exactly how I cook it as well
and actually I cook my rice like this as well
(thought by my mummy) :)
Marcia
Kate, I just tried your method for cooking quinoa and it worked beautifully! Fluffy and spirally and perfect! Thanks so much for sharing the process as well as all these gorgeous recipes that I’m now inspired to try. Now my quandary is choosing which one to try first… what a horrible problem to have! :-)
Lyn
I’ve been cooking quinoa on and off for many years. I usually drop it into boiling water so that it sprouts immediately. But it has almost always been mushy so I hadn’t made it in awhile. With siblings, children, and grandchildren wanting a healthy alternative to pasta, I looked up recipes to find out quinoa/water ratio and cooking time. Found your site and used your basic recipe. The quinoa turned out delicious and FLUFFY. I added a little EVOO and Parmesan cheese and served it with baked chicken and onions. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe (sent them to your site). Yay. Will make it a lot more often now — and try some of your other recipes with it. Many thanks for all the testing work you put in.
Avani
I’ve been trying to cook the perfect quinoa for years and have failed every time! It’s either been too mushy or too dry and ends up getting stuck to the bottom of the pan. Will try this method and hopefully it will up my quinoa game!
Kate
Hope this does just the trick for you, Avani!
Beverly
The information on how to cook quinoa was most excellent! My first try came out perfect. I served it with steamed broccoli and roasted turkey with gravy. Thanks so very much for simplifying the process.
Kate
Happy to hear that! Thank you, Beverly!
Nancy
Perfect quinoa thank you! Not a soggy mess in sight. Light and slightly poppy grain. Yum!
Kate
Woohoo! Thanks for letting me know, Nancy!
Dolly
We tried the recipe with the broccoli and cheese and my three kids actually loved it. Thank you or the recipes. I have just been diagnosed with heart disease and this site has been helpful to alter our diet.
Constance
Love it. You made it as simple as rice and it mixed so well. Wow! Maybe I can get him to eat this more often. Slowly by slowly does it.
Nancy
So… it’s basically just like rice – one + two = three. But cooking time is far shorter. I have two bags of white quinoa i bought bulk at Jungle Jim’s in Cincinnati, been looking for straight-forward sensible instruction how to cook it! Looks like I found it!
I’m wondering is it just as good with fresh berries as oatmeal is? Also, can you do quinoa like overnight oats in a jar? Is there an adjustment in the amount of water and would you still need to cook it? I’ve taken jars of overnight oatmeal to work and simply heated in the microwave – would quinoa come out ok this way?
Tom
Oh yeah, perfection! Nice to have that little crunch. Thank you!
Kate
So glad you liked it!
Wendy
Hi! I have never cooked quinoa so googled and got to your blog. It is amazing – and has some recipes I’m going to try. Tonight I tried the basic quinoa – twice. First time before reading your instructions and second time after. Your instructions helped. However I feel like it didn’t open up enough. Just wondering what I did wrong or could do better. I used 1/2 cup tricolor quinoa and 1 cup water. Cooked about 8 minutes and then took off heat and covered. After about 7 minutes I fluffed. It was ok – we ate it on the salad. It just didn’t look as good as yours!
Kate
Hi Wendy! I’m glad you found my blog. Did you cook until the quinoa had absorbed all of the water? I’m guessing that there was still some liquid at the bottom of the pan and you took it off the heat a little too early.
Kathleen
Yes! Perfect Quinoa, best I have ever made and I’ve used rice cookers and other things. Thank you! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
Kate
Thanks so much, Kathleen. Let me know how the other recipes go for you, ok? :)
DPNY
Never tried quinoa before but will be trying a couple of your recipes – they look yummy! (Cookie’s a cutie:-)
Kate
I hope you try it! Cookie says hi. :)
Jes
Thank you, mine always turns out mushy, even in a rice cooker. The 5 minute steam after 1:2 absorption cook was perfect. Thanks.
Kate
You’re welcome, Jes!
Jean Chaneides
I just doubled your recipe for perfect quinoa. Boiled it for 23 minutes.
Put cover on for 8 minutes and the water did not absorb!
What now?
Kate
Hi Jean, I’m sorry to hear that. You want to simmer the quinoa until it has absorbed all the water, then remove from heat and cover. Larger quantities require longer on the stove so it sounds like yours needed a few more minutes.
Vincent Mars
Thank you for teaching me how to cook Quinoa. There’s a better way than mush, it seems. Other resources I checked weren’t very helpful – contradictory even.
TErry
I have had a packet of Quinoa in my cupboard for ages, but didn’t know for sure how to cook it. Thank you for your advice. I will be using Quinoa to replace rice in future, as rise is not a favorite in this house. Cooking curry tonight, with, of course, Quinoa. THank you.
Kate
You’re welcome, Terry! I hope you enjoy it.
Trish C G
I first found your blog via the skinny margarita. Thank you for making me feel a bit better about being a bit guilty. I have returned numerous times since (your enchilada sauce recipe is a mainstay in my kitchen). And, now you are the queen of quinoa! Congratulations on your new book and keep up the great work!
Kate
Thank you, Trish! We’re all human, doing our best.
Cindy
It was way too much water. I ended up draining about a 1/4 c towards the end and the quinoa was still mushy in parts. I did not steam – I left it uncovered to cool and to let more moisture out.
Kate
Sorry to hear that, Cindy.
Jeanne
Thank You!!!
I have wanted to cook this nutritious grain for my family but every attempt resulted in a pile of mush. Your technique is perfect!!!
So glad my family can now enjoy its benefits.
Kate
I’m so happy this turned things around for you, Jeanne!
Carol
Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Carol!
John
Finally a Quinoa cooking instruction that works! Thank you so much. I’d given up on it but then decided to try some more online recipes. Yours was the first one I tried and … Woo Hoo!
Thanks!
Kate
Great! I’m so glad you found this one, John.
Brenda
Thank you for this perfect way of cooking quinoa. I’ve always been afraid to making it. I’m no longer afraid.
Kate
Awesome! Thanks, Brenda.
Kathy
Made the quinoa, chicken, avacado salad last night for dinner. Yummy, my husband ate seconds. Just an FYI, I cook quinoa in my rice cooker, perfect every time.
Ms Marcy
This is my all time favorite method or making quinoa and it is all thanks to your hard work and willingness to share!
Kate
Hooray! Thanks, Marcy.
Ehsan
It sound so delicious, I try it, thank you Kate
Kelly
When I make quinoa I make enough to be able to scoop some out thru the week an add cinnamon, honey nectar, raw honey and some milk to warm quinoa to make a rice pudding like recipe. It’s delish
Kelly
Oops I forgot to add…. raisins!
Shawn
how do you know when all the water is gone? Do you stir to see?
Kate
That is a good approach, Shawn! You will be able to see any remaining water, if concerned. Following the directions provided, you should be set and not have to worry!
Gillian White
You are amazing I have been trying to cook this for over year with no luck at all! Tried your recipe and it was perfect thank you so much xx
Kate
You are sweet! I’m happy you had success, Gillian.
Pris
So excited to try this as my quinoa always sucks, haha!
Kate
Let me know what you think, Pris!
Pris
It worked great, thank you!
It turned out fluffy and I like the suggestion of adding garlic and olive oil. Mine is still a tiny bit bitter, even after rinsing for about 1 minute, but I have a feeling that it might be because of the tricolor quinoa blend I’m using…? It’s not a big deal since it gets mixed with other stuff anyway!
Kellie
Hi Kate!
I just followed your recipe and it worked! No more soggy quinoa. I tried with half a cup of quinoa first (in case I stuffed it up) but now I’m cooking another batch.
Thank you!
Kate
Great to hear, Kellie!
Jessica Brodbeck
My church is going on the Daniel Fast which is essentially vegan. Here in New England we have just endured record breaking blizzard so I’m thankful for some hot quinoa recipes. I will try with my ladies home group this weekend- thank you!!!
Kate
Let me know what you think, Jessica!
Karen Lippman
I just made plain quinoa to serve with dinner and tried your recipe. Kate-I can’t believe how amazing the quinoa is when I prepared it your way! Fluffy and flavorful with a nice bite to it! I will only cook it this way. I’ll have to try some of the other recipes with the leftovers. Thanks!
Kate
Wonderful! Thank you, Karen for your comment and review.
DEBRA
Why are all these “healthy” recipes so high in calories?
Kate
Hi Debra – Thank you for the question! The nutrition information is just an estimate, so the calories can vary. You can read more about my nutrition disclaimer here: https://cookieandkate.com/nutrition-disclaimer/. As for the number of calories, I typically look at each dish as a standalone meal as to why the calorie count can be higher. Also, I don’t like to focus on numbers of calories for something to be considered healthy. I like to have the mentality of feeding my body with whole foods and nutrients it needs. I hope this helps!
John
Hi again Kate
In your cooking method you talk about “small amounts of quinoa” with regards to cooking time.
What would you consider a small amount of quinoa to be? I usually prepare 1 cup of quinoa to 2 parts water.
Thanks, John
Kate
Hi John! When I talk about small amounts, just a cooking a little for a specific recipe or larger bulk quantities for some on hand. Small amount can be just what you described. :)
Helen
Thank you for sharing these yummy wonderful recipes with all of us they look sooo good and I love quinoa but never made it myself until today so I will be certainly giving these recipes a good try! :-)
Kate
Thank you! I would love to hear how it went, Helen.
Erin Hughes
.. I just made quinoa for the first time ever.. Followed your recipe and it was perfect!.. Thank you!
Kate
Great, Erin! Thanks for sharing it worked for you.
Buta Nannan
this is my first time to cook quin i
i let you know how it turn out
like the way you explain
thank you very much
i cook today first time follow your recipe
turned out very good
thank you very much love it
Kate
You’re welcome!
poland ipory
Thank you so much Ms. Kate ma’am. Your work is very helpful.
Kate
I’m glad you think so!
Kajal Shinde
Thank you so much xx
Kate
You’re welcome!
Kristen M
These were such great tips! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been making quinoa for quite a while now, and your method created the best results! This will be my go-to from now on!
C
Thanks so much for your recipes. Quick query for quinoa recipe. So no lid for pot needed at all in this recipe?
C
oops sorry just saw that lid comes in at the end. :-)
Kate
No lid! :)
Karen R
Have made Quinoa several times. Thank you for sharing, mine doesn’t always turn out right. Looking forward to trying your recipes.
Kate
You’re welcome!
Griselda Figueroa
Hi Kate thanks for the easy quinoa recipe. It was perfect! I like quinoa for breakfast mainly but I am definitely going to have to try some of your other recipes. Today I made a banana walnut quinoa bowl and yes it was delicious. I definitely want to try your sun dried tomato, spinach, quinoa recipe sounds like one I would like. Thank you for all your recipes.
Kate
Thanks for the comment, Griselda! I really appreciate your star review. And yes, I think it would be a great one to try!
Bel
So quick and easy and perfect every time as promised. I love this so much I bookmarked it so I never lose it and have perfect quinoa on hand at all times.
Kate
I love that! Thank you, Bel for your comment.
Bel
I’ve just moved to Mexico and have already bought and cooked quinoa. The lady of the house I am living in wants to know how to cook it as well so I am sharing your wisdom on Cozumel Island and teaching Mexicans how to make perfect quinoa. They thank you too!
Mpembi Bompela
Thanks a million for your information and different suggestion on quinoa recipes
Kate
You’re very welcome!
Hannah
My quinoa finally worked out right! My husband and I both loved it. Thank you!
Kate
Hooray! Thanks for sharing, Hannah.
Steve
Just tried this after many nights of mushy quinoa, with the simplicity of leaving it uncovered and covering at the end, this tip is life changing. Thanks
Kate
Life changing!? :) I’m glad this changed quinoa for the better for you!
Judy B
I found your website while trying to cook quinoa for the first time. it came out perfect!!! not mushy and perfectly cooked. Thanks a million!
Kate
Welcome! And that’s great! Thanks so much for commenting.
Kim
Thank you for this! I find myself referring to it over and over, and my quinoa has gotten so much better. I appreciate what you do!
Kate
I’m glad its helpful for you, Kim!
mardhiah
hey there! have you ever cooked quinoa in a rice cooker? would love to know if that’s possible!
Kate
I prefer the stovetop option. But you can use a rice cooker, if you would like!
Linda Diggs
I love, “The Grain” its delicious. “Princess”.
Kate
Thank you!
Ellie Jackson
Yay! Finally a cooking method that works!!!
Kate
Thanks, Ellie!
Leonor Broit
Thank you for all the receipe
I’m just discover the quinoa
I like it and I know is very good
I will try some of this great recipe
Thank you very much
Leonor
Kate
You’re very welcome!
Mary
Thank you for a very helpful way to cook quinoa. I thought I didn’t like quinoa because mine always came out gummy and wet. Your method fixes this. Another thing I find helpful with cereals/grains that are washed first – for each cup of dry subtract 1/2 to 1 ounce of water to compensate for the water clinging to the grains.
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m glad you find it helpful. I appreciate the review, Mary.
Edward John
I made the “perfect Quinoa” for dinner today. Your method was a success. Thanks for sharing.
Edward John
It is a five star recipe for “Perfect Quinoa” recipe.
Kate
You’re welcome!
Janis
I recently tried Quinoa and love the nutty taste and chewy texture. I am going to cook some of your recipes this weekend.
I want to know if you can cook quinoa and then freeze it for later use?
Kate
I haven’t tried that! But, it does keep well frozen in most soups so you could try it. Let me know how it goes!
Alisha Walker
I want all the quinoa soup recipes you can put out there! Thank you so much for the information :-) this made it easy to make the quinoa, kind of like making rice.
Kate
You’re welcome, Alisha! I appreciate your star review.
Nicky
Thank you Kate – that was the first time I’ve not ended up with a saucepan of unappealing mush! Nicky
Kate
Great!! Happy this worked so well for you Nicky.
Nicky
Sorry – forgot to rate! Nicky
Kate
Ha, thanks so much!!
Olly
Thank you for the tips. I cooked quinoa for the very first time a few days ago using your method and it turned out perfectly! Thanks
Amy Avital
I just want to add that if, no matter what you do, the Quinoa comes out a tad mushy this is what I do.
I dump the pot out onto a roasting pan or some other large flat surface and folk fluff it for a bit which lets the steam out.
I leave it like that for a bit and it tends to bring itself back to perfect state
Kate
That’s interesting! It shouldn’t be getting mushy. Are you using twice as much water as quinoa, then cook, uncovered, until the quinoa has absorbed all the water? Following by covering to let steam for 5 minutes following? I’m glad though, you have found something that works for you.
Sue
Amazing! It’s a huge hit in my house! Instead of olive oil when frying potatoes I used coconut oil. Thanks for sharing.
Kate
You’re welcome, Sue!
Emma
I’m glad I came across your blog on quinoa, I’ve been looking for different way to cook with it. Thank you
Kate
Welcome, Emma!
Kristen
Your method has redeemed quinoa for me! I made it your way, with sautéed onion and garlic and it was perfectly nutty and fluffy, and not at all mushy.
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Kristen! Thank you for your review.
Alena
Thanks,
I tried it. It is good & tasty. Quinoa seeds are very healthy for a body
It has a rich amount of fiber, antioxidants, and iron
we provide the Organic Quinoa Seeds.so let’s start to buy Quinoa seeds at Nourish you
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Alena!
Loo
Ur recipe is super..thank u loads.
Kate
You’re welcome, Loo!
Philip Maher
Thank you! I am a fairly experienced with grains but could not get a nice fluffy quinoa – until now! I sautéed a bit of onion and garlic before adding the quinoa and water – worked like a charm.
Kate
Win! I’m so happy to hear that, Philip. Thanks so much for your star review.
Brent
Hi Kate …. great recipes :-) thanks. I have a question regarding quinoa flavoring. It’s my wife’s birthdathis Saturday and I was going to cook her a dinner. Now she is currently gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and organic ….. so my idea was a ginger wild-salmon with broccoli over quinoa. However I wanted to flavor the quinoa and cook it in organic vegetable broth and then once ready add chopped green onions, sliced grape tomatoes and chopped sweet onions – then mix in a bit of oregano. Question – will the vegetable broth work to give enough of a unique flavor?
Kate
That’s so sweet! It will for sure give it more flavor than water.
Michelle
PERFECTION. I doubled the recipe and followed it exactly. This is my first time making quinoa so I have no mushy reference, but it was light, airy, fluffy and delicious. I boiled for 18 min and it sat covered off the heat for 10 min. I wish more recipes were like this … give us the simple plain version that’s perfect and from there we can add creativity and imagination. I agree with the other poster, these instructions should be on every box.
Aiyan
Nice recipe ll trying to make today yummy tummy……
Kate
Let me know how it went!
Chris Spinato
I made my quinoa following your directions and for the first time, it tastes like it should! Thank you!
Kate
Wonderful, Chris! Thanks so much for your comment and review.
Danielle
I couldn’t be happier that I found this recipe. Quinoa has always been foreign to me and my little family, but in an effort to add more healthy alternatives I bought some and figured I’d go for it! Mind you, I suck at even cooking rice correctly! But my very first time cooking it, thanks to this recipe… It came out amazing! Super fluffy, not soggy or weird.. Just delicious! Perfect! I served it with zucchini that I sauteed with thyme, onions and a can of diced tomatoes as a side dish to tilapia. Felt so good to feed my family a delicious and healthy meal. Thank you so much for this recipe. If you are looking for your technique to cook quinoa, look no further! This is it! Thank you thank you thank you! :)
Kate
Hooray! I’m glad the method worked so well for you.
Neha Jain
Dear Kate!
I had quinoa with me for the longest time but it turned clumpy everytime!
This time it turned out excellent, fluffy!
This changed my view about quinoa and now I look forward to use it as often as I wanted.
Thanx a ton!
Awesome recipe.
Kate
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for your review, Neha.
Jenny Jacobsen
Thanks for sharing your recipes! Quinoa turned out perfect just like you said it would! We added sweet peppers, a jalapeño, sliced carrots and some seasonings. Beautiful and delicious.
Kate
Thank you, Jenny!
Barb
Excellent results! I’ve had trouble making quinoa before trying this recipe. Thank you!
Kate
Love to hear this method works for you, Barb! Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate your comment and review.