If you are new to eating quinoa, you may have questions about the proper quinoa cooking time. Since there are so many different methods of cooking quinoa, it can be quite easy for people to get confused. To make things even more challenging is the fact that there are many different types of quinoa. Un-rinsed quinoa that is bought from bulk bins is going to perform slightly differently than quinoa that has been pre-rinsed and packaged. Additionally, red quinoa will take slightly longer cooking times and can also require higher heat. One thing you should keep in mind is that just about all quinoa recipes are written with white quinoa in mind. Here are some basic quinoa cooking guidelines.

Red Quinoa – As a general rule, red quinoa will require you to cook it at least 20% longer than white quinoa will. You will also want to use a slightly higher temperature. As an example, on my stove top a simmer is at “2”. I cook red quinoa on “3”.

Stove Top Cooking – 1:2 ratio The most common method of preparing quinoa is to use twice as much cooking liquid as you use quinoa. Bring it to a boil on the stove top, and then reduce the heat to medium low. Allow your quinoa to cook with the lid on for about 18 minutes.

1:1 Stove Top Method– This method is best suite for white quinoa. You will not use as much liquid and you will also use a lower temperature. Bring the the same amount of quinoa as liquid to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cook covered for between 35 and 40 minutes.

Stove Top Steaming – Using this method, you boil the quinoa for ten minutes and remove it from heat. Rinse it in a metal strainer and then place it over a fresh pot of boiling water and steam for 10 minutes.

Regardless of how you decide to cook your quinoa, there are many great ways that you can serve it.  Try making a quinoa salad, or adding in the quinoa to your favorite soup recipe.  Another great way to enjoy quinoa is to mix it into your favorite stir fry recipes.