Seems so simple, right? Just add water and quinoa to a pan, bring to a boil, then simmer on low until cooked. Nope. ? It’s not that simple, and I know you know what I’m talking about.
The bottom always ends up burnt, the quinoa is clumpy and sticks together, and sometimes even soggy! ? No thanks!
Well fret no more. This is the 100% foolproof method that I promise will work EVERY TIME. For real. I learned this method from my friend Elaine at Eating by Elaine. Funny enough we actually went to high school together, hadn’t talked in yeeeeears and recently reconnected through the food blogging world! How fun is that?! Elaine’s blog is all healthy, vegan, allergy-friendly & gluten-free recipes and she always has such great tips and tricks for cooking. I’ve learned a lot from her and this quinoa trick is one of my favorites. I just HAD to share it with you! So, thank you Elaine!
Ok, let me show you how simple this is. Start by boiling your water then adding the quinoa. You can use white quinoa, red, or multicolored like I did here. Makes no difference.
Then give it a stir and let the quinoa boil for 5 minutes! Yes, let it boil for 5 minutes! Just do it.
After 5 minutes, cover and turn OFF the heat. Yes, turn it off, and let sit for 20 minutes. No peeking!
After 20 minutes open the lid and fluff with a fork for the most perfect quinoa ever! You gotta try it!
- 2 cups water (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (white, red or multicolored)
- 1) Add the water or stock to a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 2) Pour in the quinoa and give a stir. Let quinoa boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- 3). Cover pot and let sit off the heat for 20 minutes. No need to touch or peek! Remove lid and fluff with a fork!
- * Store extra quinoa in the fridge or freezer. Thaw frozen quinoa in the fridge overnight.
- * Recipe can easily be doubled!
Elaine Gordon says
Well done! I am so happy I stumbled upon this trick and that I can share it with the world! Thanks for helping to spread the news! 🙂
Liz says
SO easy! This is genius!
Kristen Chidsey says
I have to try this method! I have never had issues with quinoa, but this method is easier!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
Such a smart way to do it! And simple!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Totally perfect and fluffy!
Amy says
Wow! Who knew it was actually so simple. Isn’t that the way things usually go, we end up making everything more difficult than it should be? I’m so trying this next time I make quinoa.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Great tips! Very helpful especially for first-time quinoa eaters.
DessertForTwo says
You make quinoa so pretty! Thanks for the tips!
Life is but a Dish says
You’re welcome!
Elena Reinisch says
This is very helpful, thank you!
Alli says
This is so great! I haven’t made quinoa in forever now I must!
Linda says
What does quinoa taste like ? Never tried.
Life is but a Dish says
It actually doesn’t have much flavor at all! It definitely needs to be flavored/dressed with whatever you want! I always like a little lemon juice and/or olive oil and a pinch of salt
Juli Cavanaugh says
I made quinoa this way last night. BRILLIANT! So easy. Thanks, Laney!
Life is but a Dish says
Yay!! so happy!
Julie says
Hi Laney, do you rinse and drain your quinoa before you cook it?
Life is but a Dish says
Hi Julie! I don’t!
Jackie Garvin says
I’ve never cooked quinoa at home. This post will be a great resource for me.
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
although I’ve mostly switched to my Instant Pot for making quinoa, I’m super happy to have this back up recipe!
Baker by Nature says
This really does look perfect!
Miranda says
This is so good to know! I love making quinoa and definitely have to try this next time!