Cooking quinoa: how to cook it perfectly (simple & delicious)
Master quinoa cooking : precise timing, water, spices & tips, flexible nutrition, variations, batch cooking… The clear guide for consistently tasty quinoa 🥗
By Lou Chardin • Published on August 27, 2025
✅ Cooking quinoa — the essentials
Rinse the quinoa well in cold water, pour into a saucepan with 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa, bring to a boil then let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes over low heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes covered, then fluff with a fork: tender, non-sticky grains, ready to enjoy!
| Method | 100 g | 200 g | 500 g | Trick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic casserole | 12–13 min | 14–15 min | 15–18 min | Do not stir too much, cover at the end of cooking. |
| Steamer/blender | 15–17 min | 17 min | 18–20 min | Ideal for aerated grains. See our blenders |
| Air Fryer (steam mode) | 12–14 min | 15 min | 16–18 min | Use a suitable container. Our air fryer tests |
| Microwave (medium power) | 10–12 min | 13–14 min | 16–17 min | Cover the bowl, watch the water. Let stand for 3 minutes. |
Tip: For quinoa without bitterness , rinse it thoroughly before cooking (the saponin will disappear). Respect the water and only add salt at the end to keep the grains tender.
Why bet on cooking quinoa 🥗
Quinoa is the champion of plant-based protein and balanced meals. When cooked properly, it reveals an airy texture and a delicate flavor, perfect for varying pasta or rice. Properly cooked quinoa = loose, digestible grains, an ideal base for bowls, salads, veggie or meat dishes.
Want to avoid bland, bitter, or sticky quinoa? A few simple steps are all it takes: a thorough rinse , just enough water, gentle cooking, and salt at the end. And there you have it, a superfood ready for any whim!
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and rich in minerals. It adapts to every craving: quick, spicy, in a fresh salad, or homemade risotto... Discover it in all our Neary recipes !
Ingredients & switch portions
Base for 4 people (main course or side dish) — adjust according to your table:
organic quinoa
water
Guérande salt
black pepper
olive oil
lemon juice
flat-leaf parsley
Smart substitutions : red/black quinoa, chia seeds, basil, coriander, spices (turmeric, cumin, curry), sweet chili, roasted vegetables. Express version: pre-cooked quinoa (6 min in the microwave)!
Smart Closet Mode
Take stock of your closet 👀
Calories & Nutrition
Preparation: perfect cooking step by step
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Rinse the quinoa : pour the quinoa into a fine sieve, rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove the bitterness (saponin).
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Prepare the cooking : pour the rinsed quinoa into a saucepan with 2 volumes of cold water .
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Cook over low heat : bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 13 minutes , covered, without stirring. The water should be completely absorbed.
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Rest & seasoning : Turn off the heat, let stand for 5 minutes covered. Add salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon. Fluff with a fork.
- Presentation : sprinkle with fresh parsley or herbs, serve plain or in a mixed salad (vegetables, feta, chickpeas, etc.).
Variations for all tastes 🔥
Express : pre-cooked quinoa ( 6 min in the microwave). Spicy : mild curry, cumin, harissa, coriander. Southern : sun-dried tomatoes, olives, basil. Cold : tabbouleh-style salad, avocado, chickpeas, lemon, mint. Vegetable power : grilled tofu, toasted seeds, roasted vegetables. ➔ All our Neary recipes .
Conservation & batch cooking
4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Batch tip : cook more, use in salads, bowls, vegetable burgers or gratins. Freezing : ok for up to 3 months (in portions). Anti-waste : pancakes, croquettes, stuffing, revisited tabbouleh ( mixer = time saver!).
Service ideas and pairings
- Fresh salad : cucumber, tomatoes, feta, chickpeas, lemon.
- In a veggie bowl with roasted vegetables, avocado, soft-boiled egg.
- As an accompaniment to grilled meats ( barbecue ideas ).
- In soup (quinoa velouté, coconut milk, spices).
- In a vegetable burger, steak style with legumes.
- Blended into patties or croquettes (see blender smoothie ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you soak quinoa before cooking?
No, rinsing is enough to remove the saponin (bitterness).
Why add salt at the end of cooking?
As with lentils, this prevents the grains from hardening and keeps them soft.
Can you cook quinoa in advance?
Yes, perfect for batch cooking and lunchbox!
Can it be cooked in the air fryer?
Yes, with steam mode or a suitable container: very airy result (see our advice ).
Sticky quinoa: why?
Often too much water or not rinsed enough. Respect the quantities and fluff with a fork at the end of cooking.
Foolproof cooking tips
- Always rinse quinoa to avoid bitterness.
- 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa for perfect grains.
- Rest covered for 5 minutes to complete absorption.
- Salt at the end of cooking for softness.
- Add a bay leaf or cumin to the water for a subtle flavor.
- For a risotto texture: mix at the end of cooking with a little vegetable cream.
Smart budget & sources
Organic quinoa : ~4 €/kg loose (or premium bag) ≈ 0.40 €/cooked portion. Origin: Andes (Bolivia, Peru) or France. Information on quinoa . Accessories: blender & air fryer .
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