Perfect Fluffy or Crispy Quinoa From Scratch

Tap a timecode to jump the video there — the current step is highlighted while it plays.

1. 1

   Place quinoa in a pot and cover with plenty of cold water. Agitate with hands and drain through a fine mesh sieve. Repeat rinsing until the water is no longer soapy.

   💡 Washing removes the bitter saponin.

   quinoa 1.5 cupswater 1.75 cups

   ▶ 1:48

2. 2

   Return drained quinoa to the pot. For an instant pot or rice cooker, add 1.75 cups of water and salt. For a regular pot, add 2 cups of water and salt.

   💡 Washed quinoa absorbs some water, so it needs less than dry quinoa.

   quinoa 1.5 cupswater 1.75 cupssalt 2 tsp

   ▶ 2:13

3. 3

   For instant pot or rice cooker: Seal the pot, press the Rice button, and turn off 'Keep Warm'. Let the cycle run and wait for the pressure to drop naturally. Set a timer for 1 hour after pressing the button to ensure a full rest.

   💡 The 1-hour wait covers pressurizing, cooking, and resting.

   ⏱ 1 hour▶ 3:45

4. 4

   For a regular pot: Set over high heat to bring to a boil uncovered. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Once done, turn off heat and let it sit covered for at least 30 minutes.

   💡 The heat should be just enough for continuous tiny wisps of steam.

   🔥 high heat → boil → steam⏱ 20 minutes⏱ 30 minutes▶ 3:56

5. 5

   Gently rake the quinoa with a fork to separate grains. If it is still sticky, cover with a paper towel and let it cool for an extra ran 15-30 minutes before a final gentle fluffing.

   💡 Don't stir aggressively or it will become a sticky mush.

   quinoa 1.5 cups

   ⏱ 15-30 minutes▶ 4:58

6. 6

   To make crispy quinoa: Put 150g of cooked quinoa into a 12-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet. Add 1 tsp of olive oil and rub it into the seeds to help them separate.

   💡 Less oil works better for toasting to prevent stickiness.

   quinoa 1.5 cupsolive oil 1 tspcooked quinoa 150 g

   ▶ 8:20

7. 7

   Set pan over medium-low heat. Once steam begins to rise, stir very often (roughly every minute). For the first 10 minutes, there should be no color change. Continue cooking until the quinoa is a rich, dry brown.

   💡 Do not raise the heat to speed it up; it will cause uneven cooking.

   quinoa 1.5 cups

   🔥 medium-low heat → steam⏱ 10 minutes▶ 8:39

8. 8

   Cool the crispy quinoa completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Serve as a garnish by tossing with salt, acidity (lemon/vinegar), and aromatics.

   💡 The seasoning step is where the flavor is added.

   quinoa 1.5 cupssalt 2 tsp

   ▶ 9:29

This recipe was organized from the source video's transcript. Amounts follow what the video presents. Source: Helen Rennie on YouTube