How to Cook Perfect Quinoa

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!

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.

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.

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.

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