Go Back
+ servings

How to Cook Quinoa

Learn our top 3 favorite ways to make quinoa! We tested so many different types of quinoa recipes with different cooking methods until we found the three that produced the easiest and most delicious quinoa!
Prep Time3 minutes
Total Time3 minutes
Course: How To
Cuisine: Gluten-free
Servings: 3 cups
Author: Lexi

Ingredients

For Quinoa in the Instant Pot:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Quinoa on the Stove:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Quinoa in the Oven:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  •  

Instructions

How to Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot:

  • Rinse quinoa under cold running water really well.
  • In the liner of an Instant Pot place oil, quinoa, water, salt, in that order. Stir to combine.
  • Close the lid and set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 2 minutes with a natural release of 8 minutes. Then release any remaining pressure.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve!

To Cook Quinoa on the Stove:

  • Rinse quinoa under cold running water really well. 
  • In a medium pot add quinoa, pinch of salt and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10 minutes. 
  • Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. 
  • Fluff with a fork and serve!

To Cook Quinoa in the Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF.
  • Rinse quinoa under cold running water really well. 
  • In a 9” square baking dish place quinoa, water and salt and stir to combine. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes, or until the quinoa has completely absorbed the water.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve!

Notes

To freeze leftover or meal prep quinoa:
Place cooked and completely cooled quinoa in a plastic or silicone bag.
Smooth over the quinoa so the bag is flat.
Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or let sit at room temperature until it is defrosted, about 30 minutes.
Reheat and serve!