I have had a couple of questions lately about the proper quinoa cooking time. I think sometimes people read about all the different methods of cooking quinoa and sometimes they get confused. One challenge that people have is that there are so many different types of quinoa. Packaged quinoa that has been pre-rinsed will perform slightly different that quinoa that is un-rinsed that you buy in bulk bins. Likewise, it is my experience that if you want to learn how to cook red quinoa perfectly, you need to experiment with slightly higher temperatures for a little bit longer time frame. Remember, almost all quinoa recipes are written for white quinoa. Cooking with quinoa doesn’t have to be difficult, but you do need to do some experimentation! Here are some basic guidelines.
Red Quinoa:
My general rule of thumb is that I cook red quinoa about 20% longer than white. I also will use a slightly higher temperature. For example, if it would take a “2” on my stove top to simmer, I would cook red quinoa at a “3”.
Stove Top Cooking Method – 1:2 Ratio
If you are using the stove top method where you boil and then simmer your quinoa, you will want to cook it for between 15 and 18 minutes.
Stove Top Cooking Method – 1:1.25 Ratio
I like this method much more for white quinoa than I do red. With this method, you use less liquid and lower temperature. You will bring the quinoa and liquid to a simmer and then reduce to low. It will take between 35 and 40 minutes.
Stove Top Steaming – Great for Quinoa Salad
In this method you boil the quinoa for 10 minutes and then put it in a fine metal strainer and steam it for another 10 minutes. (This is my preferred method when making black bean recipes too. The texture is just perfect!)
Cooking Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
This method can vary with your specific rice cooker, but like the 1:2 stove top method it will generally take between 15 and 18 minutes. Allow 20 minutes for red quinoa. A steam cooker is a great way to cook quinoa!
Baking Quinoa
If you are baking quinoa for a crunchy toping for fruit or yogurt, you will want to first toss it with olive oil and either honey or agave nectar. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Make sure that you stir every five minutes or so to prevent sticking and burning. I like to use parchment paper when using this method to make for easy clean up.
Hopefully this clears things up. As always, if you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you – Especially if you have a quinoa recipe that you would like to share!
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I just came across this site and am loving all the recipes and great ideas! I am a vegetarian so quinoa is a great way for me to get my protein. My favorite way to cook quinoa is over the stove. I then add stir fried or steamed veggies and tofu or even a cut up veggie burger. I add some Bragg's Amino Acids for a delicious soy-like flavor and I have a great lunch or dinner!
Hi Leah! Quinoa is indeed a great way to get vegetarian protein! I don't eat much meat myself, and because so many of my readers are vegetarian my plans for the future are to focus on developing more vegetarian recipes so be sure to check back. I love Bragg's too! I use it when I am really trying to watch my weight to make salad dressing. Yum!