Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (2024)

Tiny, bead-shaped, with a slightly bitter flavor and firm texture, quinoa can easily become your favorite ingredient in every recipe. This delicious grain is high in protein and lacks gluten too, so, it is a perfect choice for everybody and it is good for every healthy diet.

Besides these characteristics, you can mix it with a big number of different kinds of foods like chicken, turkey, seafood, mushrooms, vegetables, and many more, there are no limits. Because of that fact we have made a fantastic list of the top 10 best specialties with quinoa for you to try and make some in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Sesame Chicken with Quinoa

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (1)

Recipe viagimmesomeoven.com

Sesame, soya sauce, and ginger are some of the extraordinary ingredients in this recipe. Highly Asian influenced, this makes it a super dish, reasonably low in carb but super high in protein. It is a great thing to know that meal will contain clean carbs without any refined sugar but honey instead. The flavors are going to be spectacular and something rather simple to come up with bagging lots of flavors. Lovely family dinner.

Saucy Sautéed Shrimp Over Lemon Quinoa

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (2)

Recipe viathekitchn.com

This next recipe literally contains almost no fat at all, apart from the three spoons of butter. Perfect dish for those wishing to focus on a potential weight loss regime, without affecting the loss in flavor! The lemon really comes through balancing the natural sweetness of the prawns. This is a perfect dish for lunch alongside a nice glass of white wine with friends. Perfect getting ready for the warmer months.

Quinoa Burgers

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (3)

Recipe via bettycrocker.com

Burgers nowadays have been in an uproar, fighting to tell us that they are not necessarily unhealthy. This is one of the healthiest burgers known, full of flavors. Perfect for those wishing to cut down on meat or simply, vegetarian. Vegans will also love this recipe for its high in natural protein without animal fat associated with it. Any oils can be used depending on your preference that could be more or else even healthier. Make yourself a lovely salad on the side and you’re good to go.

Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (4)

Recipe via plantbasedcooking.com

This mushroom quinoa pilaf recipe is massively packed with protein and flavor and it can be the star of your lunch or dinner meal. And, it is no way your typical pilaf dish. The addition of a vinaigrette dressing makes it more like a salad so if you are looking for a traditional pilaf, leave off the dressing. Quinoa comes from the spinach family, which means it provides all the essential amino acids we need for good health. Chicken pieces can most definitely be added or even a good piece of grilled salmon for those wishing to indulge in a little meat or fish.

Butternut Squash Chili With Quinoa

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (5)

Recipe viapeachesanddonuts.blogspot.com

Something delicious and something bite-size for the entire family to share and adore. We love butternut and especially so within the colder months. This recipe is quick and easy to do. If you’re a little chefy, we would recommend whacking the whole butternut squash in the oven for roughly an hour and a half on a baking tray to get the maximum flavor out of it. One could also drizzle a little honey to caramelize it prior to serving. Finger delicious. The kids would love it, and it’s packed with so much goodness.

Skillet Mexican Quinoa

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Recipe via makingthymeforhealth.com

Black beans are some of the favorites in Mexico and some might say important to their diet. Mixing black beans with quinoa was the next natural step and something becoming rather traditional. The unique nutty flavor of the beans naturally suits the naturally nutty flavors of the quinoa. A perfect vegan alternative as it does not contain any animal fat or traces. Although super mega healthy, it is also very hearty and perfect for lunch.

Quinoa And Turkey Patties In Pita With Tahini Sauce

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (7)

Recipe via marthastewart.com

This recipe is sure to send you to the Middle East in no time! A sort of Kebbeh so to speak in pita bread. Once again, a rather quick and efficient recipe to make at home your friends and family would forever love. Tahini has always been a favorite of hours and not just great in hummus but alongside these delicious little patties. If you fancy yourself a bit of a connoisseur, then by all means try your homemade pita bread. This really would take it to another level.

Moroccan Steamed Salmon With Quinoa And Carrots

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (8)

Recipe via marthastewart.com

How we love Morrocan food and how we love pesto. But here is another version of the green goddess perfect for your pasta, and a healthy one to top it off. A beautiful summer dish bringing even more sunshine into your home. This dish is a great way to slowly introduce everything green to your children and is perfect for their growth. It is super healthy too which everyone will thank you for. It has almost all the nutrients your body requires in one plate.

Fried Quinoa Rice with Vegetables and Chicken

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (9)

Recipe via wellplated.com

Quinoa Fried Rice is essentially the same idea as regular fried rice, just replace the cooked rice with cooked quinoa. This recipe goes excellent with shrimps or as a vegetarian version try with Crispy Tofu. A key element to making this Quinoa Fried Rice tasty and satisfying enough to be a full meal is protein. Perfect if you’re working out and requiring a lot of iron, potassium, and protein. This dish has so much flavor it’ll make you go for seconds.

Roasted Ratatouille and Quinoa

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (10)

Recipe via lastingredient.com

One of the most famous dishes of the Provence area of France but also world known, ratatouille boasts vegetable flavors like no other. Usually served alongside lamb and boiled potatoes, it is very versatile yet can be healthy, but paired with quinoa tops up the healthy scale. Grilled vegetables are a great way to get the most out of their natural sugars, making them naturally sweet with a beautiful nutty aftertaste. This is a dish that will be one of your favorites to make at home for everyone to enjoy.

Top 10 Best Quinoa Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I put on quinoa to make it taste better? ›

Serving suggestions: I love to stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.

What makes quinoa better? ›

Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

What is the best type of quinoa to eat? ›

If you've never eaten quinoa, Foroutan suggests trying white quinoa first because it has the mildest taste. Or you might look for a blend of red, black, and white quinoa to get as many antioxidants as possible; levels of these beneficial ingredients vary according to the color of the seeds (red has the highest levels).

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

What happens if you don't rinse quinoa? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

What liquid to cook quinoa in? ›

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

Do I cook quinoa covered or uncovered? ›

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it's tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

Is there any downside to quinoa? ›

Like anything, you should eat quinoa in moderation. For example, overeating fiber can lead to an upset stomach, gas and bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Is quinoa healthier then rice? ›

Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice. Unlike rice, quinoa fibers help to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Unlike rice, quinoa reduces your blood fat levels after a meal called triglycerides. Quinoa has a higher amount of all essential amino acids.

Is quinoa better for you than Oatmeal? ›

It is high in proteins and fiber and enriched with antioxidants that help in making the immune system stronger. You are advised to consume quinoa more in comparison to oats as quinoa will provide more health benefits in low calories.

Which color quinoa is best? ›

White, red, or black? They're pretty much all the same nutritionally—so go with what tastes best to you, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, owner of Nutrition Starring You, LCC. White quinoa is the least bitter of the three, while red and black have a chewier texture that holds up better in cold dishes like salads.

Which color quinoa is healthiest? ›

* Red quinoa contains more fiber in comparison with the other two varieties. It meets your daily dietary fiber requirements with ease and lowers the risk of several diseases, heart-related issues, and more.

What culture eats a lot of quinoa? ›

Quinoa was the mother grain of the Incas and together with the three sisters: corn, squash and beans and other crops including potatoes, they had a varied diet. Chenopodium quinoa (keen-wa; Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae) is known as the mother grain of the Incas.

How do you fix bland quinoa? ›

20 Ways To Liven Up Bland Quinoa
  1. Toast your quinoa before you cook it. Felix Marx/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Splash in some orange juice. ...
  3. Boil in some beef broth. ...
  4. Mix in some fresh chopped herbs. ...
  5. Add a spoonful of pesto. ...
  6. Stir in crumbled feta or goat cheese. ...
  7. Toss in some chopped nuts. ...
  8. Add in diced, dried fruit like raisins.
Aug 12, 2023

How do you make quinoa not gross? ›

Unless you prefer the more pronounced, earthier taste of the seed, I recommend giving it a quick rinse under cool running water, which gets rid of its natural coating that can cause a bitter taste. Even if the box says it is pre-washed, I find it doesn't hurt to give the quinoa another rinse.

Does quinoa taste good on its own? ›

Meal possibilities are endless as quinoa will also absorb the flavor of any dressing or extra ingredients you toss it with. Plus, it's also great on its own for a filling side dish loaded with amino acids and minerals – simply drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, and enjoy!

How do you get the bitter taste out of cooked quinoa? ›

Saponin is also what tastes bitter: rinse away the saponin means rinsing away the bitterness. Clear-running water is an indication that the saponin coating each grain has been fully rinsed away. You can also taste a raw grain or two to make sure you've reached a zero-level bitterness.

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