
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!
Perfectly Cooked Quinoa
Description
Step by step instructions for how to make perfectly cooked quinoa every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (white, red or multicolored)
Instructions
- Add the water or stock to a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Pour in the quinoa and give a stir. Let quinoa boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Cover pot and let sit off the heat for 20 minutes. No need to touch or peek! Remove lid and fluff with a fork!
Notes
* Store extra quinoa in the fridge or freezer. Thaw frozen quinoa in the fridge overnight.
* Recipe can easily be doubled!
Adapted from Eating by Elaine
Comments
Cristina
Loved this recipe! So easy and delicious!!! Thank you!
Dani
Oh no!!! This didn’t work for me and I’m making food for a BBQ this afternoon. When you turn off the burner do you leave the pot on THAT burner, or move to one that hasn’t been on at all? I moved off the burner.
Life is but a Dish
Oh no! Really? I’ve done both and I’ve never had it not work!
Krysten@freshfitkitchen
Making this right now so I can have quinoa breakfast bowls all week long! YAY! 😉 Thanks for the tip!
Life is but a Dish
Such a great idea!!
Miranda
This is so good to know! I love making quinoa and definitely have to try this next time!
Baker by Nature
This really does look perfect!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
although I’ve mostly switched to my Instant Pot for making quinoa, I’m super happy to have this back up recipe!
Jackie Garvin
I’ve never cooked quinoa at home. This post will be a great resource for me.
Julie
Hi Laney, do you rinse and drain your quinoa before you cook it?
Life is but a Dish
Hi Julie! I don’t!
Juli Cavanaugh
I made quinoa this way last night. BRILLIANT! So easy. Thanks, Laney!
Life is but a Dish
Yay!! so happy!
Linda
What does quinoa taste like ? Never tried.
Life is but a Dish
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
Alli
This is so great! I haven’t made quinoa in forever now I must!
Elena Reinisch
This is very helpful, thank you!
DessertForTwo
You make quinoa so pretty! Thanks for the tips!
Life is but a Dish
You’re welcome!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
Great tips! Very helpful especially for first-time quinoa eaters.
Amy
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.
fabiola@notjustbaked
Totally perfect and fluffy!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
Such a smart way to do it! And simple!
Kristen Chidsey
I have to try this method! I have never had issues with quinoa, but this method is easier!
Liz
SO easy! This is genius!
Elaine Gordon
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! 🙂