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Ingredient IQ: How to Cook with Quinoa

Here’s everything you need to know about using the ancient grain quinoa in a modern-day kitchen, from different varieties to best ways to prepare it.

In This Article You'll Find:

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a healthy whole grain that’s quick to prepare, extremely versatile, and incredibly tasty. It’s sometimes referred to as a pseudo-grain because the gluten-free seeds come from a flowering plant that is more closely related to spinach, Swiss chard, and beets than it is to other grains.

Quinoa is also known as one of the ancient grains, thanks to its long history as a staple food in South America. (Fun fact: Quinoa is also native to North America—seeds have been found in archaeological excavations from Mississippi to Ontario—but the North American varieties became extinct thousands of years ago.)

The quinoa we enjoy today remained relatively unknown outside of South America until the 21st century, when the nutritious seeds’ popularity exploded around the globe. Peru, Chile, and Ecuador remain the top quinoa growers in the world, but nowadays, the majority of their production—which has more than doubled in the past 10 years—is exported to the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This worldwide demand for quinoa has radically changed the agricultural landscape of the South American countries that produce it.

Quinoa Taste and Nutrition

One big reason quinoa’s popularity has skyrocketed is its impressive nutritional profile. With 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per cup of cooked grains, quinoa ranks near the top of the whole grain list in terms of nutrients. Quinoa also boasts all nine essential amino acids and high levels of trace nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and folic acid.

But let’s face it: Quinoa wouldn’t be much of a “superfood” (another label it often gets) if it didn’t taste good! Quinoa’s flavor is faintly nutty or grassy, depending on the type you use, and less pronounced than other highly nutritious whole grains like buckwheat, amaranth, and teff.

Black , white and red quinoa in spoon

Types of Quinoa

There are over 120 known varieties of quinoa, but the most readily available to consumers are white, red, and black. Here’s a quick rundown of the four different types you’ll find at the store.

White

White quinoa is the most common and the most versatile. The largest of the quinoa varieties, it has a mild, grassy flavor and a creamy texture.

Red

Red quinoa is chewier and smaller than white, with a nutty flavor.

Black

Black quinoa has the most pronounced flavor and remains firmest when cooked.

Tri-Color

Tri-color quinoa is simply a combination of white, red, and black quinoa types.

How To Cook Perfect Quinoa Every Time

Follow these three steps for foolproof quinoa preparation.

1. Rinse to remove bitterness.

Quinoa seeds produce saponins, bitter compounds that act as a natural defense against predators. A quick rinse removes the saponins, so no trace of bitterness remains. Even quinoa labeled “pre-washed” should be rinsed, just to be sure.

2. Choose the right cooking method.

Fluffy, creamy, or firm? Each of the following techniques yields a different texture.

  • Fluffy: Bring a 2:1 ratio of liquid (broth or water) and quinoa to boiling in a small saucepan. Cover, and cook 12 to 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and all liquid has been absorbed. Let stand in covered pan 5 minutes to allow the seeds to plump, then fluff with a fork.
  • Creamy: Increase the liquid-to-quinoa ratio to 2½:1. Bring mixture to boiling then simmer, covered 20 to 25 minutes, or until quinoa is very soft and all liquid has been absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • Firm: Bring a pot of water to boiling. Add the quinoa, and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain in a fine-meshed strainer. If desired, rinse to cool for salads.

3. Look for the tails.

When quinoa is fully cooked, the seeds’ germs appear like little sprouts or tails. The tails’ appearance is the best way to check for doneness.

Quinoa vs. Brown Rice (and Other Whole Grains)

Quinoa can be a great alternative to brown rice in many recipes because it cooks more quickly and has higher amounts of fiber and other nutrients. In fact, quinoa can stand in for just about any small whole grain, though you may have to adjust cooking times accordingly when it’s added to a soup or stew.

The only downside to using quinoa in a whole grain recipe is that it won’t soak up sauces or thicken stews as well as starchier options like rice or barley. One way to enjoy the best of both worlds is to combine quinoa with other cooked whole grains for a tasty, textured medley.

Quinoa vs. Couscous

Quinoa’s shape, texture, flavor, and nutritional profile make it an excellent substitute in any recipe that calls for couscous.

Things to Try with Quinoa

Quinoa isn’t just for grain bowls and side dishes. Here are a few other ways to enjoy the gluten-free grain.

Flour

Quinoa flour is a nutty, high-protein, gluten-free option for baked goods. You can even grind your own by blitzing rinsed, drained, and dried quinoa seeds in a high-speed blender.

Flakes

Use quinoa flakes (usually found in the hot cereal section alongside oats) the way you’d use rolled oats in breakfast cereal and baked goods.

Baking Ingredient

Add cooked or raw quinoa to bread and cookie dough. Use leftover cooked quinoa to add texture to fritters and pancakes.

Our Favorite Quinoa Recipes

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite quinoa recipes—from baked goods to salads, soups, sushi, and more—that will make you love the grain.

For more guidance in healthy cooking, check out Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s easy weekly meal-planning tool to keep you on a plant-based path. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer.

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About the Author

Headshot of Mary Margaret Chappell

About the Author

Mary Margaret Chappell

When Mary Margaret Chappell first started out in the plant-based food world as a writer, editor, and recipe developer, she was a bacon-loving former pastry chef who didn’t think she could ever cook without butter. Fourteen years, four cookbooks, dozens of cooking classes, and hundreds of recipes later, her favorite thing in the world is sharing the tips, techniques, and recipes that show just how easy and delicious whole-food, plant-based cooking can be. The former food editor of Vegetarian Times magazine has done away with her dependency on butter and is honing her skills at baking with natural sweeteners. Chappell lives in France, where plant-based eating can often be a challenge, but the fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes available are simply amazing. Find her on Instagram and Facebook.
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