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5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Quinoa (3 Ways)

Learn how to cook quinoa in the rice cooker, Instant Pot, and on the stovetop so it turns out perfectly fluffy every time!
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to cook quinoa, how to cook quinoa in instant pot, how to cook quinoa in rice cooker, how to cook quinoa on stove, how to cook quinoa on stovetop
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Food Dolls

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • 1 ¾ to 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

Rice Cooker Option:

  • Add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to the rice cooker.
  • Turn on the rice cooker. Most will cook for 30 minutes.
  • Let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork.

Stovetop Option:

  • Add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan over high heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Simmer for 12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork.

Instant Pot Option:

  • Add 1 cup of quinoa and 1 ½ cups of water to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.
  • Natural release for 10 minutes, and release any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove lid once the steam has been fully released.
  • Fluff with a fork.

Notes

Add a pinch of salt to the water for extra flavor. 
Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to two months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg