Soaking quinoa is the healthiest way to prepare this fiber-rich grain! It’s easy to do and removes the bitter flavor to transform it into a delicious side dish.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Mild and slightly nutty
- 💧 Soaking Time: 12 hours
- 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6 servings
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan
- 👩🍳 Tip: Apple cider vinegar helps break down more phytic acid than water alone, creating digestible quinoa without any bitterness.
Quinoa that Actually Tastes Really Good
I’ve never been picky about flavors (okay, maybe when I was as a kid, but not anymore). Yet for years I didn’t like quinoa. Its bitterness seemed to overpower everything I paired it with, and rinsing alone never fixed the problem.
When I learned about soaking grains and sprouting beans, I decided to try soaking quinoa. I discovered that it not only makes quinoa healthier, but it completely transforms the flavor.
Without that lingering bitterness, quinoa tastes so much better and even works beautifully in sweeter dishes like quinoa pudding! Now that soaking quinoa is a regular part of my routine, it’s become one of my favorite grains.
What Makes Soaked Quinoa Special?
- Includes enzymes that are not activated in regular quinoa.
- Mild flavor that pairs perfectly with so many dishes.
- Fewer anti-nutrients so your body can take absorb more nutrition.
Ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, place the quinoa in a medium sized bowl, add water and apple cider vinegar, and then stir.
If lots of quinoa ends up on the sides of the bowl, scrape it back down into the water.
Step 2: Cover the bowl with a lid or towel and let it sit at room temperature for at least three hours, but preferably overnight.
Depending on when you plan to cook it, you can let it soak up to 24 hours.
Step 3: When you are ready to cook the quinoa, pour it into a mesh strainer and rinse it until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Put the rinsed quinoa and cooking water in a medium sized saucepan and place on the stove on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Once it has begun to simmer, reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed, continuing to stir every few minutes.
Step 6: Once the water has been completely absorbed by the quinoa, remove it from the heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and add any spices, oils, or toppings of your choice.
If you’re looking for recipes to serve with quinoa, check out my beef and cabbage bowls and egg-free Salisbury steak!
Tips for Success
Plan in advance – To remove as many anti-nutrients as possible (aka what causes the bitterness), soak quinoa for at least 8 hours.
Make sure to fully rinse quinoa after soaking – It can take a while for the water to run clear, but it’s worth taking the extra minute or two.
Add seasonings – Quinoa is delicious with butter, coconut oil, or olive oil and spices or herbs of your choice,
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Since soaked quinoa has a mild flavor, I love using it as a high-protein, high-fiber substitute for rice.
FAQs
To make quinoa taste better, you can add an oil such as butter, coconut oil, or olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices such cumin or garlic powder.
Quinoa is typically cooked in water, however, for added flavor, try cooking it in beef, chicken, or vegetable broth.
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Soaked Quinoa (No Bitter Flavor)
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups water for soaking
- 1 1/2 cups water for cooking
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the quinoa, water for soaking, and apple cider vinegar.1 cup quinoa, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 1/2 cups water for soaking
- Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight or for at least 3 hours.
- When you're ready to cook it, pour the quinoa into a mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Put the rinsed quinoa and cooking water in a medium sized saucepan and place on the stove on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.1 1/2 cups water for cooking
- Once it begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the water has absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper and any other toppings of your choice.salt and pepper to taste
Notes
Substitutions:
- You can substitute lemon juice, whey, or kefir for the apple cider vinegar.
- For added flavor, substitute broth for the cooking water.
Topping ideas:
- Butter
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Spices
- Fresh herbs
Nutrition
If you tried soaking quinoa, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
This is one of those recipes that I make on repeat! Quinoa prepared this way tastes so delicious and it’s healthier too. If you have any questions about soaking quinoa, let me know in the comments!