Step 1

Rinse quinoa: Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water.

Step 2

Place ingredients in a bowl: Place rinsed quinoa and water in a large microwave safe bowl. Add the salt and oil, if using. Stir to make sure that quinoa is fully submerged in water.

Step 3

Cover it with a plate that is large enough to fully cover the bowl. You can also use a microwave cover.

Step 4

Cook for 6 minutes on high in your microwave. Carefully remove the plate using a kitchen towel. Give it a stir. Put the plate back on and cook for another 4 minutes on high. When you take it out of the microwave, carefully remove the plate on top and examine the quinoa. If there are still a lot of seeds that are not opened put it back for one more minute.

Step 5

Remove from the microwave. At this point, you might still have some liquid in the bowl. This is normal.

Step 6

Let it sit covered on the counter for 5 minutes. As it sits, most of the liquid will be absorbed. In the end, if there is still water in the bowl, remove the plate and wait for a few more minutes.

Step 7

Fluff it with a fork and serve.