Basic Steamed Quinoa Recipe

By
Jen Hoy
Jen Hoy
Jenny Hoy is an author, chef, and holistic nutritionist, with more than two decades of experience in the fields of food and healing.
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Updated on 06/2/22
Cooking Quinoa

The Spruce / Jen Hoy

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Resting Time: 5 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 3 servings

Use either black, red or white quinoa (or a combination of the 3) in this gluten-free recipe for basic steamed quinoa. Quinoa is a cousin to amaranth and is one of the ancient staple foods of the Incas. It is protein and vitamin-rich food, and while strictly speaking it is a seed, quinoa is eaten as a grain and is an excellent option for people who are watching their grain intake. It has an exceptional amino acid profile and along with amaranth possesses the highest protein content of all grains.

Quinoa is strengthening for the whole body, and for the kidneys in particular. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but it is also rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins. It makes great salads and can be tossed with olive oil, chopped herbs, leftover roasted butternut or other winter squash or roasted veggies. You can add more water and turn it into Quinoa Porridge, or stir it into a delicious baked Pumpkin and Quinoa Pudding With Apples and Figs. It can be used in soups, baked goods and a myriad of salads both warm and cold.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 pinch salt (sea)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Rinse the quinoa and drain thoroughly.

  3. Place the water, quinoa and sea salt in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat to low, stir once, and cover the pot. Cook the quinoa for 18 to 20 minutes, until the water has been absorbed.

  5. The quinoa will become slightly translucent and sprout a tiny “tail” as it cooks.

  6. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the flame.

  7. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

  8. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  • Always rinse your quinoa to remove the bitter resinous saponin that is native to the plant. Most commercially sold quinoa has been washed already but I always give mine a rinse.
  • Leftover quinoa will keep, refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
74 Calories
1g Fat
13g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount per serving
Calories 74
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 107mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 3g
Calcium 26mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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