• Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • The Edit
  • Beyond the Kale
  • HypePress
  • Contact
Recipes
About
cookbook
the edit
Beyond the Kale
Hype
contact
search

sign up for insights and exclusives

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

Search your way

From “gluten free and cheesy” to “something cozy with cinnamon” this search gets you. It’s smart enough to find exactly what you’re craving.

Non-Negotiables? Dial In
the Vibes even fuRther!

🍂 all the fall
🥑 Paleo Friendly
🐄 beef
🍖 chicken
🥤 smoothies
🍪 cookies
🥗 big ass salads

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

A bowl of the perfect quinoa, sitting on a countertop with a spoon inside of it
  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Nut Free
  • Refined Sugar Free
  • Vegan

4.50 from 2 votes
Home | Recipe | How To

How to Cook Perfect Quinoa

Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
Protein 4g
Carbs 18g
Fats 2g
Quinoa has been a staple in my household for years now. It's a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bowls, and it's also packed with protein and nutrients. However, it wasn't always love at first bite for me. In fact, quinoa can be a difficult grain to get *just* right, which is why I am excited to be sharing a foolproof way to make the PERFECT quinoa. Say goodbye to mushy quinoa forever- with this recipe, your quinoa will be light, fluffy, and delicious every time!

Recipe by:

Nicole Modic

February 11, 2023
Jump to Recipe

Skip to the goods

    Quinoa has been a staple in my household for years now. It’s a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bowls, and it’s also packed with protein and nutrients. However, it wasn’t always love at first bite for me. In fact, quinoa can be a difficult grain to get *just* right, which is why I am excited to be sharing a foolproof way to make the PERFECT quinoa. Say goodbye to mushy forever- with this recipe, your quinoa will be light, fluffy, and delicious every time!

    A bowl of the perfect quinoa, sitting on a countertop with a spoon inside of it

    Blast this to the group chat

    87 shares

    Let’s be honest: quinoa is one of those grains that gets a bad rep. Not only is quinoa often seen as a healthier, yet inferior version of rice, but more often than not quinoa’s rep comes from its preparation. When prepared the wrong way, quinoa can be tough, grainy, gritty, or even worse…MUSHY! And let’s be honest, life is too short to be eating sub par grains!

    And, I’ll admit: the first time I tried quinoa, I totally didn’t like it. I was at a friend’s house for dinner and she served a quinoa salad. I took one bite and was immediately underwhelmed. It was dry, bland, and MUSHY. I wasn’t sold on the grain and decided to steer clear of it for a while.

    Fast forward a few months, and I decided to give quinoa another shot. This time, I decided to cook it myself. I followed the instructions on the package and was once again disappointed with the outcome. The quinoa was SOGGY AND MUSHY!

    Then I discovered Cookie & Kate’s method, and I never looked back. The secret has to do with cooking the quinoa on the stove, UNCOVERED.

    All of the ingredients needed to make this perfect quinoa, laid out on a countertop
    To make this perfect quinoa, you’ll need dried quinoa, water, and sea salt. That’s it!
    A strainer, sitting over a pot, with quinoa inside of it and water actively being poured on top of it
    Don’t forget to wash your quinoa before cooking it!

    3 Ingredients to Making the Perfect Quinoa

    All you need are THREE easy ingredients to make the perfect quinoa. Who knew it could be so easy!

    • Quinoa: Of course, you will need dried quinoa in order to make this recipe! Quinoa is full of fiber that is not only good for your gut, but can also help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
    • Water or Broth: For the liquid element for this quinoa, you can use either water or broth. Water is great if you are in a pinch and are looking for a no-cost way to make your quinoa. But if you want to add some extra flavor to your quinoa, I highly recommend using broth. I especially love using bone broth too, to add some extra protein and gut-healthy benefits!
    • Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt adds just enough flavor to keep this quinoa both neutral and exciting.
    A pot of quinoa, sitting on a countertop, with water being poured over it
    Pour your water over the dried quinoa and cook it, uncovered, low and slow over the stove

    How to Make Fluffy, Foolproof Quinoa

    Your mind will be blown when you find out how easy it is to make the perfect quinoa! Simply start by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly, for about 30-45 seconds. Washing the quinoa helps to get rid of the saponins that can leave your quinoa tasting bitter.

    Next, add your quinoa to a large pot along with the water or broth and a pinch of sea salt.

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, over medium heat, UNCOVERED (this is the key!). Then, once the mixture is boiling, decrease the mixture to a gentle simmer so that you can still see some bubbles, but the mixture is no longer boiling.

    A pot full of quinoa, sitting on the stove, with a spoon pulling some of the quinoa out of it
    Once your quinoa is fully cooked, it should be light, fully, and ready to serve!

    Now, let simmer until the quinoa absorbs all of the broth or water- this should take approximately 10-20 minutes depending on how much quinoa you are making.

    Once the liquid has been absorbed, remove your quinoa from the heat, then COVER IT for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to continue to cook the quinoa in the pot.

    Finally, once done, remove the cover, use a fork to fluff the quinoa! And just like that, you have the perfect, fluffy quinoa for all of your recipes!

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

    ** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
    A bowl of the perfect quinoa, sitting on a countertop with a spoon inside of it

    Home | Recipe | How To

    4.50 from 2 votes

    How to Cook Perfect Quinoa

    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Nut Free
    • Refined Sugar Free
    • Vegan
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 22 minutes mins
    Quinoa has been a staple in my household for years now. It's a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bowls, and it's also packed with protein and nutrients. However, it wasn't always love at first bite for me. In fact, quinoa can be a difficult grain to get *just* right, which is why I am excited to be sharing a foolproof way to make the PERFECT quinoa. Say goodbye to mushy quinoa forever- with this recipe, your quinoa will be light, fluffy, and delicious every time!
    print pin
    Servings: 6 1/2 Cup Servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 Cup Quinoa, dried
    • 2 Cups Water or Broth
    • 1 Pinch Sea Salt

    Instructions 

    1. Start by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly, for about 30-45 seconds. 
    2. Next, add your quinoa to a large pot along with the water or broth and a pinch of sea salt.
    3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, over medium heat, UNCOVERED (this is the key!)
    4. Then, once the mixture is boiling, decrease the mixture to a gentle simmer so that you can still see some bubbles, but the mixture is no longer boiling.
    5. Now, let simmer until the quinoa absorbs all of the broth or water- this should take approximately 10-20 minutes depending on how much quinoa you are making.
    6. Once the liquid has been absorbed, remove your quinoa from the heat and COVER IT for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to continue to cook the quinoa in the pot.
    7. Finally, once done, remove the cover, use a fork to fluff the quinoa, serve, and enjoy!
    Nutrition Hide Nutrition
    Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
    Hey I’m Nicole!

    Founder of Kale junkie

    Your go-to girl for bold, nourishing eats that actually taste good.

    more goss
    follow along
    newest recipes
    • Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats

      Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats

    • Tzatziki Chickpea Chicken Salad

      Tzatziki Chickpea Chicken Salad

    • Honey Harissa Chicken Thighs

      Honey Harissa Chicken Thighs

    • Udon Noodle Bowls with Special Sauce

      Udon Noodle Bowls with Special Sauce

    avoid the fomo

    The unfiltered Kale Junkie experience. Real-life bits you won’t find anywhere else, it’s all happening here.

    subscribe
    trending recipes
    The sliced beef tenderloin, sitting on a plate next to crispy smashed potatoes and grilled broccolini
    The Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin
    A big pot of the one-pan "Marry Me" chicken orzo, sitting on a countertop with a spoon resting inside of it
    One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

    More Recipes Like This

    A golden baking tray filled with cooked quinoa, with a wooden spoon resting on top. Surrounding the tray are various bowls containing raw quinoa, oil, and other ingredients on a light-colored surface.
    Toppings & Add-Ons

    Perfect Crunchy Quinoa

    A close-up image of a bowl of the breakfast quinoa, served with yogurt and berries
    Oats & Granola

    Cinnamon Toasted Pecan Breakfast Quinoa

    A vibrant and fresh salad in a bowl featuring chickpeas, diced cucumbers, red onions, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. A jug and fresh herbs are visible in the background, giving a homely kitchen vibe.
    Salads

    Crispy Quinoa Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Creamy Tahini Balsamic Dressing

    A bowl of the cucumber salad with crunchy quinoa, siting on a countertop with a serving spoon resting in the bowl
    Salads

    Cucumber Salad With Crunchy Quinoa and Lemon Vinaigrette

    Rate & review

    SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!

    What others are saying

    1. CK
      July 26, 2024

      5 stars
      Best recipe for quinoa ever! I added Korean pork broth to cook my quinoa in and it turned out light, flavorful, and firm. It was a delight to eat!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        August 4, 2024

        Yum, that sounds delicious! Thank you for your review!

    2. Mr. E
      August 12, 2024

      4 stars
      If you want tasty (in addition to not mushy), the elevated move is to toast the quinoa in the pan you plan to cook it in after the washing stage. 😀

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        August 15, 2024

        I appreciate your thoughts! If you like a crispier quinoa, you might like my Perfectly Crunchy Quinoa recipe ☻

    3. karen
      February 15, 2025

      game changing cooking method! 👨‍🍳 my quinoa came out perfectly fluffy. thanks for sharing this excellent tip! 🤗

      Reply

    Delicious, nourishing
    and totally doable!

    Get the inside scoop

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    • About
    • Cookbook
    • The Edit
    • Hype
    • Contact
    instagram
    TikTok
    Facebook
    YouTube
    Pinterest
    © 2025 Kalejunkie. All Rights Reserved.

    Website by Saevil Row + Made To Thrive

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required