How to Make Quinoa on the Stovetop

WW Recipe of the Day: How to Make Stovetop Quinoa

How do you boil the perfect quinoa? Making quinoa is very similar to cooking rice.

The ratio is 1:2, 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water (or broth) – same as most rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook. Once the water is absorbed, it can be fluffed with a fork.

Cooking quinoa on the stove, does require a little time and attention—but really is quick and easy and nothing to be intimidated by.

How Many Calories and WW Points in this Stovetop Quinoa recipe?

According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving has approximately 222 calories.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

6 SmartPoints (Green plan)
6 SmartPoints (Blue plan)
6 SmartPoints (Purple plan)
6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Perfect Quinoa on the Stovetop Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: In a medium pot, stir together the quinoa and water (or broth).

Step 3: Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated/absorbed (about 15 minutes).

Step 5: Let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 6: Salt, or add your favorite seasonings, to taste.

Cooking Quinoa Notes

Quinoa, a staple in South America for centuries, has been called the “miracle grain” because it is nutritious, satisfying and easy to prepare. You can make a bowl of cooked quinoa and store it in the fridge all week, a boon to weekly meal planning.

This stovetop method of making quinoa is definitely hands-on. If you walk away, or get distracted, while it’s simmering, it can very quickly burn once the water (or broth) has been absorbed.

Most quinoa sold in the United States is pre-washed to remove the saponin, a natural coating that acts as a natural insect repellant, but which has a bitter, soapy taste. 

If your pot of quinoa has a soapy film on top, the grains were not properly pre-washed. Drain several times and wash the quinoa seeds thoroughly before continuing to cook.

That said, all quinoa, even the pre-washed kind, should be rinsed in a fine-mesh colander (affiliate link) before cooking to remove any saponin dust that may still adhere to the seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Quinoa is great when added to soups, stews and chili or salads.

Or, add your favorite protein (leftover lean rotisserie chicken, turkey, pork, beef, tofu, etc.) along with some veggies (steamed broccoli or cauliflower, carrots, sugar snap peas, etc.), top with a little Sriracha or low sodium soy sauce (or Tamari) and you’ve got a simple gluten-free meal in a bowl.

Ways to Use Leftover Quinoa

• Add to scrambled eggs or omelet with some chopped vegetables for a little extra protein boost.
• Mix in a little quinoa with your favorite tuna or chicken salad.
• Toss in a few spoonfuls of leftover quinoa the next time your heating up soup.
• Add to a green salad to make it a little more filling.

If you’ve made this Stovetop Quinoa, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

If you like this easy stovetop quinoa, you may also like

• Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad
• WW Chicken and Quinoa Salad
• Southwest Quinoa and Black Bean Skillet
• Lemony Lentil Quinoa Salad