How Long to Cook Quinoa

5 from 1 vote

This is how long to cook quinoa on stovetop, in a rice cooker, Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, boiled or in a slow cooker until fluffy.

Prep Time5

Cook Time12

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: boiled, pressure cooker, quinoa, slow cooker, steamed, stovetop

Servings:

Author: Justine

Equipment

1 slow cooker or pot, or pressure cooker, rice cooker

Ingredients

1 c quinoa
2 c water or broth
1/4 tsp salt to taste, if making savory

Instructions

Slow Cooker quinoa - Add the white quinoa to the slow cooker and pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir in the salt, if using. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, or until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Pressure Cooker quinoa - Add the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Stir in the salt, if using. Close lid and steam valve. Set to high pressure for 1 minute with a natural release time of 15 minutes. Then release rest of steam, fluff and serve.
Quinoa in Rice Cooker - Rinse quinoa in fine strainer, add into pot with water, stir and close lid. Press white rice button. Allow to sit in machine with lid on for 5 minutes when done, then fluff and serve.
Quinoa on Stovetop - Rinse in a fine mesh strainer and drain well. Add the quinoa and water/broth to a medium pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Boil quinoa for 12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and it becomes tender. Check occasionally to make sure it's not boiling over or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit with lid on for 15 minutes to allow the grains to steam and become fluffier.
How to Cook Red and Black Quinoa - Use stovetop method with this timing; Simmer for 15 minutes for red - Boil for about 20 minutes for black - until water is absorbed. Leave covered for another 15 minutes once water is absorbed with heat off before fluffing.

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Nutrition