This photo tutorial will show you how to make fluffy quinoa. Making fluffy and delicious quinoa is easier than you think.
Quinoa is one of our all-time favorite grains here at home. We eat quinoa at least two times a week for lunch or dinner and we absolutely love it so much. Why? Because quinoa has a mild and slightly vegetal flavor and it is very versatile. You can make lots of different recipes with quinoa such as tabbouleh, all kinds of salads, patties, casseroles, cookies, and cakes. You can even have quinoa for breakfast since there are lots of quinoa cereals on the market now.
Quinoa is also a complete protein since it provides all 9 essential amino acids. This gluten-free source of protein, iron, and fiber is easy and quick to make. It takes about 20 minutes to be done, but it will only taste good if you know how to cook correctly. Otherwise, it can mushy and soggy. So be patient because the first batch may be bad.
There are many different methods, but this is the one I like best. Achieving fluffy quinoa is easier than you think. You will cook quinoa with the same liquid to grain ratio as rice (1 cup grain, 2 cups water). As for the liquid, you can use broth or water, but for the sake of simplicity, I particularly prefer to cook with water.
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Before cooking it, you have to rinse it very well for about 3 minutes or so under running cold water because quinoa has a bitter-tasting coating, which is called saponin. It is naturally occurring chemical compounds that some people may be very sensitive to. Then, when water is boiling add quinoa, cover the pan up and lower the heat so it can simmer for a full 15 or 20 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and leave the pan covered. Let it just rest for a total of five minutes. And finally, take off the cover and fluff the quinoa with a fork. All done 😉
There are SO many ways to enjoy quinoa. Some of my favourite recipes are my Carrot Quinoa Salad, Sausage Quinoa Pasta, and Spring Quinoa Salad Recipe.
I hope I inspired you to make fluffy quinoa in your own kitchen today.
Want to make fluffy rice instead? Check out this post!
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How to Make Fluffy Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup well-rinsed quinoa
- 2 cup water or broth
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a pan, combine water, salt, pepper, a clove garlic, and bring to a boil.
- Add the quinoa and reduce heat to medium/low. Cover and simmer until tender and all the liquid is absorbed (about 15 or 20 minutes).
- The quinoa will be done when it has popped open.
- After cooking, just let the quinoa rest for a total of five minutes.
- After that time, you can remove the cover. Fluff and separate the grains with a fork.
Tips
- Always rinse the quinoa beforehand as some quinoa can be bitter.
- For more flavourful quinoa, cook the quinoa in broth.
- Allow the quinoa to rest as it helps with making the quinoa fluffy.Â
- To store: Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.Â
- To reheat: You can reheat quinoa in the microwave.
- To freeze: Frozen cooked quinoa will last for up to 6 months in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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Try to make some delicious quinoa salads!
This Easy and Quick Quinoa Salad is extremely good for you so fill up on it guilt-free. It’s highly nutritious and delicious too.
 This delicious and healthy Quinoa Salad with Roasted Asparagus is paired with the bright flavors of asparagus and lemon.
Delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with the flavors.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I tend to reach for the rice because it cost so much less, but I know that quinoa is much healthier. Thanks for the great recipe and the reminder that I need to make the leap!
Olivia says
Tha’s true, Heather. Rice is cheaper than quinoa. Try to eat brown rice cause it has more fiber than the white rice 😉
Kelly says
Love quinoa and only wish my husband felt the same way about it 🙂 Awesome tutorial Olivia, this looks so nice and fluffy!
Olivia says
Your husband is missing something really good in life 😉 Glad you like it. Thanks of stopping by!
Allison says
I think this is great info! I think the steaming part off the heat at the end is key. I use the same method as you, except I never rinse it as I don’t find it bitter. I will have to try that and see if I can taste a difference! Great tips 🙂
Olivia says
If you rinse it and let it rest after cooking I am sure the quinoa will be fluffy. Glad you like it and thanks for stopping by 😉
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Wow, I guess I’m out of excuses for not eating quinoa! It’s time to get on the bandwagon. I hope these tips help me make mine fluffy as my rice (who screws up rice anyhow) always come out crunchy! Love that protein aspect of quinoa. Thanks!!
Olivia says
So glad you like the tutorial. I hope you try to make quinoa. I am sure yours will be fluffy too. Thanks a lot for stopping by 😉
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
I’ve never tried quinoa- so I definitely need to try out your recipe! 🙂
Olivia says
Please, try it. You will love it. Glad you stopped by 😉
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
This is a great how-to post! I love quinoa, too, and it’s so great how it works in both sweet and savory dishes!
Olivia says
Totally agree with you, Kristine 😉
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
Currently cracking up laughing at how we literally posted the SAME thing! Great minds! I love this post because it’s accurate especially the washing the quinoa, and because quinoa is so so delicious. Thanks Olivia!
Olivia says
hahahahah… Great minds think alike 😉
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Quinoa is definitely my favourite grain too – especially when added to a salad.
Olivia says
Love quinoa salad to 😉
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I love quinoa but would like to start branching out and using it in more than just salads. Thanks for the info – I knew that quinoa was healthy but it’s great to see some actual facts and figures. 🙂
Olivia says
I also have to use it in more than salads. There are so many great recipes with quinoa. I will try more on this summer 😉
Rachel Cooks says
Such an informative post! We love quinoa. I always make big batches and keep portioned bags in the freezer.
Olivia says
So glad you like it. Love you stopped by 😉