How to Cook Quinoa Grain

If you have never cooked quinoa before but would like to try it, you may not know how to get started. Here are some basic guidelines on how to cook quinoa.

Rinse it First!

Before you can cook quinoa, it must be thoroughly rinsed. The exception to this is if you buy quinoa in a box and it specifically states that it has been pre-rinsed. If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed you will want to get the bitter saponin that is on the outside off of it before you cook it. Not only does saponin taste terrible, it can also cause digestive upset. Rinsing is very easy! Simply place it in a fine metal strainer or a colander lined with cheese cloth and rinse it under lukewarm water for four or five minutes. You know it is ready when the water runs clear.

Stove Top Cooking

Cooking quinoa on the stove top is by far the most common method that you will see used in a quinoa recipe. There are several different methods to cook on the stove top, but the most common uses one part quinoa to two parts liquid.  Add a little salt if desired and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and cook the quinoa for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit covered for another five minutes before fluffing and serving.

Rice Cooker Cooking

Quinoa is very easy to cook in your rice cooker. You will use the same two parts liquid to one part quinoa that you used when cooking on the stove top. It will take between 15 and 20 minutes for it to cook, depending on your rice cooker. Like when you cook on the stove, you can experiment with cooking in different liquids. Chicken broth, vegetable broth, juice and milk are all good options depending on the dish that you are making.