Hey you out there. Yep, YOU. I want you to know that you can make perfectly fluffy quinoa – every single time. It’s easy and you can go from rinsing quinoa to eating it in about 20 minutes flat!
Fluffy quinoa – every single time!
Let’s take a step back – what exactly is quinoa and why do I like it? It’s a high-protein, gluten-free grain that packs a nutty punch and can be used in soups, as a side dish or pretty much whenever you might otherwise use rice. I personally love it because it tastes great, pairs beautifully with most vegetables or proteins and once you learn this technique, it can be ready in about 20 minutes!
Like rice or other grains, it can sometimes be tricky to prepare and nobody likes mushy or crunchy quinoa! After making quinoa about 100 times in the last few years, I’ve mastered the way to prepare this super grain and I want to share it with you! So follow this foolproof recipe for perfect, fluffy quinoa every single time! The fun really starts when you add in lots of delicious things to your quinoa – my favorite is whatever vegetables are in season and a generous squeeze of lemon or lime on top. It’s the perfect light meal!
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1⅓ cup water or broth for more flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Season with: a teaspoon of your favorite spice (I like turmeric or cumin) or some minced garlic
- Rinse your quinoa very well 4-5 times making sure to strain out any particles. Let it sit in water for a few minutes before draining completely.
- Add the quinoa and the 1⅓ cup of water to a pot.
- Add in the salt, pepper and turmeric (you can really add any spice here... pick one!).
- Bring the quinoa to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiled, reduce to a low simmer and cover.
- Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes - do not remove the lid!
- Keeping the lid on, remove the pot from the heat and let sit for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff with a fork - serve and enjoy!
I just cooked some black quinoa too 🙂 Yours looks very fluffy and great! Thanks for the tips, Ahu.
Thank you for sharing your secrets, Ahu! Your golden quinoa does look PERFECT 🙂
J+C
Thanks for these tips, Ahu! We both love quinoa and need to be eating it more!
This looks so good and easy to do!
I prepare my quinoa the same way and you’re right–it’s foolproof! Next time I’ll do what you do and add spices, too. I usually just flavor with no-salt seasoning. Great tips! I love quinoa!
It really takes on the flavor of any spice you add nicely – have fun with it 🙂
Ahu, thanks for the tips. Our household loves quinoa.
Quinoa has become my favorite grain (and that’s saying something). I’m going to memorize this. GREG
The list of ingredients says 1.5 cups of water, but the instructions refer to 1 and 1/3 cups of water, which amount is correct?
Good catch Scott! I updated the recipe – most call for 1.5 x the water as quinoa, but I like a bit less.