How to Cook Fluffy Quinoa (Plus My Favorite Lemon-Herb Version)

Learn how to make light and fluffy quinoa using this tried and true method. Use it in salads, grain bowls or make this herby lemony quinoa side dish (see recipe notes)

Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home on May 19, 2018

Prep time: PT10M

Cook time: PT20M

Total time: PT30M

Rating

5 stars ( reviews)

Keywords

quinoa, quinoa recipe, how to cook fluffy quinoa, what is quinoa, quinoa basics, how to cook quinoa, perfect quinoa, best quinoa, healthy quinoa recipe, vegan quinoa recipe, quinoa recipe, quinoa recipes, simple quinoa recipe, healthy side dish, vegan side dish

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed until water runs clear, drained with a fine mesh strainer
1 3/4 cups water (or broth)
½  teaspoon salt, more to taste
½ teaspoon olive oil
* see notes for Lemon Herb Quinoa

Cuisine

American

Steps

Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
Add the rinsed quinoa, water or broth, salt, and a splash of olive oil to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and gently simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and gently fluff with a fork. The grains should be tender, light, and fluffy, with their tiny white germ rings visible. Serve as is, or make the lemon-herb variation below.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: Basic Quinoa Recipe - ¾ cup
Calories: 161 calories
Carbohydrates: 27.3 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 3.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 292.8 mg
Sugar: 0 g

Reviews

Helen Hilton on 2022-03-11 (5 stars):
I have shared this recipe with a friend who didn't like quinoa because, in her words, "It's tasteless". This is a great recipe, and turns quinoa into a tasty base for other ingredients.
Irene on 2022-06-11 (5 stars):
Wow! This has to be the best quinoa that I have ever made. Thank you for another fabulous and easy to follow recipe. I had been sautéing some Shitake and oyster mushrooms with olive oil, fresh thyme and lemon so I put it on top of the quinoa. It was a perfect combination.
Ann on 2023-01-24 (5 stars):
Simple. Good cold or hot
Cam on 2023-03-21 (5 stars):
So good! I combine this with your recipe for kale salad so I get some extra green in there. And then sometimes add in some green French lentils for extra protein! Your seasoning is so perfect.
Ruth on 2023-05-08 (5 stars):
I made this tonight and used vegetable broth with Italian herbs, garlic and salt. Excellent!
Kameela Hays on 2023-05-20 (5 stars):
Thank you Sylvie. Love your attitude recipes Great tip. I always have a batch of tgese cooked quinoa and pulses. In addition, I do rice and roast a huge tray of seasonal and vegetabless huge tray. Makes for effortless meals and saves on fuel. Best Wishes Kameela
Ellen on 2023-06-01 (5 stars):
This was excellent!
Adrianne on 2023-10-25 (5 stars):
Fantastic! In the rush if dinner prep (ie, a grill that wasn’t getting as hit as I needed for our Branzino recipe you also gifted us with), I forgot all about the herbs or nuts for garnish. It was good without, but then I added some of the preserved lemon gremolita (from the branzino recipe) and wow - knock your socks off! My only regret is offering all the rest of our leftovers to my husband for his work lunch tomorrow!
Barbara on 2024-09-29 (5 stars):
I love this so much. This summer I have been making it w cumino to have w summery bean salads and today I made it using using herbs de provence and it's so delicious, so easy. Thank you! Fwiw, I have been having success making this w my instant pot, using 1.25 c water to each cup well rinsed and drained quinoa. Saute per the recipe then 5 min cook time, then release pressure after 5 min.
Michelle on 2025-10-09 (5 stars):
I made this recipe embarrassingly wrong, yet it still came out delicious! I can't wait to try it right next time lol.
Quinn Hoyer on 2026-05-19 (5 stars):
Excellent recipe. I find myself having to go even further by soaking my quinoa in fresh water for about 10 minutes before rinsing.