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    Home » Recipes » Perfectly Popped Quinoa (aka Puffed Quinoa)

    Perfectly Popped Quinoa (aka Puffed Quinoa)

    Mar 9, 2021 by Mackenzie Ryan · This post may contain affiliate links | Disclosure policy in footer.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    A jar of popped quinoa with purple box above it that says "popped quinoa".

    No rinsing or drying required for this high-protein popped quinoa recipe! In just five minutes you have a crunchy puffed rice alternative you can use in breakfast cereals, on yogurt, in granola, or as a high-protein snack.

    A jar of popped tricolor quinoa.

    Why This Recipe Works

    This simple method is almost foolproof and focuses on getting the quinoa perfectly airy with a light nutty flavor.

    Plus, by eliminating the rinsing process that most recipes call for, you get a crunchier and more flavorful popped quinoa.

    What Goes In This Recipe?

    Side by side popped vs. unpopped quinoa showing toasty color.

    One of the great features of popped quinoa is that that is all it is. Simply quinoa.

    The type of quinoa you choose doesn't really matter as it works with white, red, black, or tricolor.

    Quinoa seeds have a very bitter coating called saponins that work as a natural deterrent to birds and other pests. These same saponins can potentially cause intestinal irritation, especially in those who already have digestive issues.

    Commercial production of quinoa usually removes the saponins before packaging. If the saponins still concern you, simply rinse the quinoa under running water then transfer it to a baking sheet to dry.

    If you want to create flavored variations to resemble popcorn, you can add seasonings like chili powder, lime, garlic powder, or even a little salted caramel for a protein-packed caramel corn alternative.

    How To Make It

    Four steps to making popped quinoa.

    golden circle with black number 1 in it.

    Choose a wide sauté pan. If you try to use a pot instead, the quinoa won't have enough room to puff and expand. This makes the texture of the popped grains stunted and not as airy.


    golden circle with black number 2 in it.

    Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it is extremely hot.

    You can test if the pan is ready by sprinkling in a pinch of quinoa seeds. When it is ready, the quinoa puffs up almost immediately and making a popping sound.


    golden circle with black number 3 in it.

    Next, pour in the quinoa being careful to not overfill the pan. Keep it in a single layer. Shaking the pan regularly to keep the seeds from burning, cook for 1-2 minutes, or until puffed up.


    golden circle with black number 4 in it.

    When done, the quinoa should look fluffy and have a slightly nutty flavor.

    Store extra puffed quinoa in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For best results, keep in a cool, dark place.

    Homemade popped quinoa in a wooden bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • Adding oil or butter to the pan makes the popped quinoa stick together instead of getting puffed. If you want to add fat to it, toss the puffed quinoa in melted butter before serving. Just know that the fat can make it soggy.
    • If adding seasoning, add it after cooking, not in the pan. The extremely high heat of the pan will scorch the seasoning and make it unpalatable.
    • If eating as a snack, season with a flavored salt like:
      • Jalapeno Salt
      • Dill Pickle Salt
      • Bacon Salt
    Close up of popped color quinoa in a jar.

    FAQ's

    How do you eat puffed quinoa?

    Any recipe that uses puffed rice can be replaced with this quinoa recipe. It works well as a breakfast cereal, in granola, energy balls, chocolate-covered treats, on salads, or as a snack.

    How do you rinse quinoa?

    Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under running water for 1-2 minutes or until the water runs clear. Most commercially sold quinoa comes pre-rinsed and it isn't really necessary to rinse quinoa at home unless you prefer the grain to have a neutral, less nutty taste.

    Is popped quinoa crunchy?

    Puffed quinoa has a light and airy texture similar to puffed rice. Commercially puffed quinoa may be larger because the same pressure can't be acquired at home, but it should still be similar to eating a Rice Krispie.

    Related Recipes

    For more yummy snack recipes, I recommend:

    • High Protein Quinoa Granola (Without Protein Powder)
    • How To Make Salsa Verde (Tomatillo Salsa)
    • How To Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
    • How To Roast Chestnuts In The Oven
    email icons on a gray background saying "subscribe to learn how to cook like you went to culinary school"
    A jar of popped tricolor quinoa.
    5 from 7 votes

    Easy Popped Quinoa

    This versatile seed is a great way to add extra protein to breakfasts, salads, or desserts.
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Author: Mackenzie Ryan
    4 servings
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
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    Ingredients

    • 1 cup quinoa
    • salt or other seasonings, (optional)

    Instructions

    • Heat a wide sauté pan over medium high heat until extremely hot. Test the temperature by adding a drop of water. It should sizzle immediately.
    • Pour in the quinoa, making sure it stays in a single layer. Shaking the pot regularly, let the quinoa pop for 1-2 minutes. You know it is done when it smells slightly nutty and the popping has slowed down (similar to popcorn).
    • Transfer to a bowl, add seasoning

    Notes

    • Adding oil or butter to the pan makes the popped quinoa stick together instead of getting puffed. If you want to add fat to it, toss the puffed quinoa in melted butter before serving. Just know that the fat can make it soggy.
    • If adding seasoning, add it after cooking, not in the pan. The extremely high heat of the pan will scorch the seasoning and make it unpalatable.
    • If eating as a snack, season with a flavored salt like:
      • Jalapeno Salt
      • Dill Pickle Salt
      • Bacon Salt
    • Store extra puffed quinoa in an airtight container for 2-3 days.  For best results, keep in a cool, dark place.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg
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    High Protein Quinoa Granola (Without Protein Powder) »

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    Hi! I'm Mackenzie! If you're looking for a modern culinary education at home, then you've come to the right place. Let me help you become your own master chef by learning professional cooking techniques without the cost of culinary school! Learn more about me and the blog.

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