Place quinoa in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to make popping sounds.
Carefully pour in water; bring to a boil. Turn heat low, cover and cook 20 minutes.
The quinoa seeds will uncurl when they are fully cooked. Turn off heat. Place clean dishtowel (or a couple of paper towels) under the lid to absorb steam. This makes it more “airy” than soggy.
NOTE: Do not add salt until after it is cooked or it won’t cook properly.