Browse this extensive list of quinoa recipes to find your next favorite dinner! Learn how to make quinoa with our tried and true method for perfect fluffy quinoa.
How To Cook Quinoa was originally published April 20, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:
- How to cook quinoa
- Benefits of quinoa
- How to store quinoa - dry and cooked
- The best vegan quinoa recipes
How to make best fluffy quinoa
If you're looking for a fool proof way to cook quinoa, we have it!
The stovetop method takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The steps are pretty easy: rinse it, cook it. Voila! Perfectly cooked quinoa, every time.
I cook my quinoa in my favorite glass lidded pot, so I can keep an eye on it. If you follow this stovetop quinoa cooking method, you shouldn't have to watch it closely, but even the slightest difference in temperature might bring a different outcome - quinoa that is not completely cooked through, or quinoa that burns on the bottom.
How to cook quinoa:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups liquid (broth or water)
- pinch salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rinse the quinoa to remove the glycoside residue (quinoa is a seed), reducing the bitter taste. I run the water for a minute or two, flipping the colander to rinse evenly.
- In medium size pot over high heat, bring the rinsed quinoa, liquid and salt to a rolling boil.
- Reduce to a very low simmer, cover with a lid and leave it alone for at least 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, fluff with fork, serve.
Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa, a whole grain food, is a protein powerhouse making it an awesome ingredient for the vegan diet.
Quinoa is classified as a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also a great source of fiber, iron, magnesium and manganese.
With a nutty flavor and fluffy, chewy texture, quinoa a wonderful alternative to rice, couscous or any grain. It's versatile, too; you can serve it warm or cold, combine it with other food to make it a main entrée or keep it simple as a side dish.
How to store quinoa
Dry / uncooked quinoa has about a year shelf life, if kept sealed in an airtight container in a cool place. We keep our quinoa fresh in an Airscape container in our pantry.
Do you need to refrigerate cooked quinoa?
Cooked quinoa will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. We store cooked quinoa in a glass container with a sealing lid. These make great food prep containers as well.
The Best Vegan Quinoa Recipes
From salads to stews and from savory to sweet, browse this collection of awesome vegan quinoa recipes that will inspire you to make delicious creations using this super-grain.
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Quinoa Recipes
Browse this extensive list of quinoa recipes to find your next favorite dinner! Learn how to make quinoa with our tried and true method for perfect fluffy quinoa.
Green Goddess Chopped Salad
Green Goddess Chopped Salad is brimming with freshness and bright, herby flavors. This is a great meal prep salad, it stays crunchy and flavorful for several days in the fridge.
Vegan Buffalo Wing Salad
This entree salad has layers of flavor and texture, and these spicy buffalo wings are for everyone: soy free, gluten free, and oil free!
Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Bowls
All the satisfying flavor, color, and texture in an easier to eat bowl. great for lunch or dinner – or breakfast – these super flavorful bowls are family friendly, easy to make, and antioxidant rich!
Pineapple Jalapeño Poppers
A unique flavor twist on everyone's favorite party bite - sweet pineapple and buttery cracker crumbs add to this spicy bite!
Buffalo Ranch Veggie Bowl
This recipe has layers of flavor and texture - raw, roasted, and pan fried veggies over quinoa and vegan buffalo chicken - savory and satisfying!
Vegan Chicken Burgers
These mozzarella stuffed chicken burgers are incredibly flavorful and allergy friendly - soy AND gluten free!
Mango Edamame Quinoa Salad
A great meal prep recipe and the best potluck recipe, this vegan gluten free salad brings protein and fresh flavor.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ginger carrot quinoa is a fresh and flavorful filling for a stuffed bell pepper! This is a great meal prep recipe for a quick dinner.
Vegan Cranberry Chicken Salad
Bursting with fall flavor, this vegan salad makes a wonderful holiday side dish. Increase portions for an entree salad - perfect for a potluck or holiday party.
Mushroom Stroganoff
This hearty, plant based comfort food is an update on the classic recipe with the flavors that everyone loves.
Seven Layer Dip
A protein packed plant based update on the Mexican dip recipe you love – layers of fresh color, texture and flavor.
Cauliflower Cashew Confetti Salad
Vibrant cauliflower brings great color and texture to this salad. Layers of flavor and crunch with a bright lemony shallot dressing.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Now everyone can enjoy vegan chicken nuggets – these are soy, gluten, and nut free! grab your favorite dipping sauce, stuff in a wrap, or top a salad.
Sweet Potato Enchiladas
With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this comfort food dish brings layers of texture and flavor!
Vegan Mushroom Pie
This hearty vegan mushroom pie satisfies your comfort food cravings with a creamy herb mushroom filling and a light gluten free pastry.
Roasted Veggie Quinoa Casserole
This plant based comfort food dish is fresh and flavorful. A hearty vegan entree that suits just about any diet.
Garlic Kale Stuffed Portobello Burgers
Hearty mushrooms are filled with protein packed quinoa and kale, topped with all of your favorite burger toppings.
Vegan Ramen Burger
Vibrantly flavored with classic sushi flavors, this crispy vegan chicken burger is sandwiched insidethe unique ramen bun.
Quinoa Stuffed Avocados
These brightly flavored, protein powered stuffed avocados make the perfect lunch or dinner - flavors of spring!
Quinoa Black Bean Enchiladas
A whole food comfort food dinner everyone loves. Warm and satisfying, this is a perfect winter meal.
Gluten Free Vegan Kitchari
A warmly spiced and incredibly flavorful bowl of wholesome goodness! Follow this versatile basic recipe and customize the ingredients to your liking.
Whiskey Garlic Tofu
Air fried or oven baked, this is a sticky savory sweet favorite for any meal - with salad, sandwich or wrap.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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