Basic Quinoa Recipe

Unlock the culinary magic of quinoa with this simple yet perfect recipe! Quinoa, a complete protein and gluten-free grain, cooks up light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile in just 20 minutes. Use it as a healthy rice substitute, the base for vibrant salads, or the star of your next tabouleh. This recipe yields 3 cups of perfectly cooked quinoa, ready to elevate your meals.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 156.4 kcal
Protein 12g
Rating Be the first
Basic Quinoa 274

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Quinoa

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How to Make Basic Quinoa

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes any bitter saponins.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan (approximately 1 1/2 quart).
  3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
  5. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and finish cooking.
  6. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked quinoa!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

1g

Carbs

9g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Basic Quinoa?

Basic Quinoa takes about 25 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Basic Quinoa?

Basic Quinoa has approximately 156.4 calories per serving, with about 12 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 3 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Basic Quinoa?

The key ingredients for Basic Quinoa are Water, Quinoa. See the full list with measurements above.

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