Quinoa recipes: unleashing the nutritional powerhouse in your kitchen

How to Cook the Perfect Quinoa Recipes (Plus 5 Tasty Ideas)

Quinoa is far more than a trend—it’s a nutrient-packed grain that can transform everyday meals. Use this guide to cook fluffy quinoa every time and discover five delicious ways to work it into your menu.

Choosing the right quinoa

White, red and black quinoa all boast impressive nutrition, but white quinoa has the mildest flavour and cooks up light and fluffy. Mix colours for visual appeal.

Quinoa cooking guide

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
Pinch of salt (optional)

Preparation
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its bitter saponin coating.

1. Combine rinsed quinoa and liquid in a saucepan; add salt if using.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork—your quinoa is ready.

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, fluffy grains bursting with nutrition.

5 creative ways to use quinoa

1. Quinoa salad bowl: Toss cooled quinoa with colourful veg, herbs and a light dressing. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
2. Chocolate quinoa porridge: Simmer quinoa with milk, cacao powder and a pinch of salt; finish with nut butter and fresh berries. Get the recipe.
3. Quinoa stir-fry: Stir-fry cooked quinoa with mixed veg, tofu or shrimp. Season with soy sauce, ginger and garlic for an easy Asian-inspired dish.
4. Breakfast quinoa bowl: Combine quinoa with Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey and nuts or seeds for a protein-rich start.
5. Quinoa-stuffed sweet potatoes: Fill roasted sweet-potato halves with a spiced quinoa, veggie and bean mix, then top with avocado and chipotle mayo. Get the recipe.

Storing leftovers

Cooked quinoa keeps up to a week in the fridge. Use it cold in salads or reheat with a splash of broth.

Explore quinoa’s versatility, experiment with flavours and enjoy the nutrition this tiny grain brings to your table—whether as a savoury side, hearty salad or wholesome breakfast.