We love trying and using alternative grains, but we always come back to Quinoa. It is so easy to make, delicious in a variety of recipes, and a great substitution for rice (which we eat a lot of) I change up the method I use to cook quinoa depending on what else I am making and if I am already using the stove, etc. Each method has its advantages, but I think that to make SUPER fluffy quinoa, cooking on the stovetop wins. The fastest method is to cook in a pressure cooker. A rice cooker is extremely simple and a more common appliance. Which ever method you choose to make your quinoa, it will come out fluffy, delicious and ready to use in a variety of recipes!
These are the three most common varieties of quinoa. I read somewhere that there are actually over 1,400 varieties! Aside from color, there are really only a few subtle difference between the three.
Cooking Methods
Tips:
- For all of these methods, a critical step is to rinse your quinoa thoroughly. The outside of quinoa has a bitter taste that is easily removed by rinsing well. You will want to use a fine mesh strainer so that the tiny seeds can’t escape through the holes when you are rinsing.
- You will use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. For every cup of quinoa, you will need 2 cups of liquid. You can use water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth to add a savory flavor. It is also delicious when you use aromatics like garlic, or fresh herbs. You just need a little to go a long way 🙂
Stove Top:
This method has the most steps, but I love the incredibly fluffy quinoa it produces!
Stove Top:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer.
- Add 1 tsp of oil and rinsed quinoa to a pot. Toast for 1-2 minutes until the quinoa is dry again.
- Add your liquid. 2 cups for every 1 cup of quinoa.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Let stand for an additional 5 minutes before lifting the lid.
- Fluff!
Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a common appliance in many kitchens, requires only 3 steps and does the work for you!
Rice Cooker:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer.
- Pour quinoa, and liquid into your rice cooker.
- Follow the directions for your rice cooker, and cook!
- Fluff with a fork when done.
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is a great appliance to have, because it cooks food so much faster. In a rice cooker and stove top, quinoa takes about 20 minutes. In a pressure cooker it takes twelve minutes! It also makes your food incredibly tender. The ratio of quinoa to water is a tiny bit different than other methods.
Pressure Cooker:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer.
- Pour quinoa, and liquid into your pressure cooker. You will need 1 1/2 cups quinoa + 2 1/4 cups liquid
- Follow the directions for your pressure cooker, and cook!
- Fluff with a fork when done.
Recipes
These are some of our favorite Quinoa recipes:
