Easy recipes with quinoa
Got quinoa and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Buttered Quinoa with Mushrooms and Thyme
20 min Serves 4vegetarianweeknightcomfort food
Lime-Cilantro Quinoa with Charred Corn and Black Beans
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianfresh
Charred Lime Quinoa with Crispy Chickpeas and Sriracha Mayo
25 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianspicy
Sheet Pan Quinoa with Roasted Chickpeas and Charred Broccoli
25 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianone-pan
Quinoa & Root Vegetable Pilaf with Crispy Sage
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancozy
Lime-Cilantro Quinoa with Charred Corn and Black Beans
25 min Serves 4vegetarianweeknightmexican-inspired
Quinoa Pilaf with Roasted Mushrooms and Thyme
25 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Quinoa Salad with Lemon, Cherry Tomatoes, and Herbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianlight
More ideas
Common questions
- How do I cook quinoa so it's not mushy?
- Use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes; remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Avoid stirring during cooking, as this releases starch and makes it gummy.
- Can I substitute quinoa for rice in my regular recipes?
- Yes, quinoa works as a 1:1 replacement for rice in most dishes, though it has a nuttier flavor and fluffier texture; you may need slightly less cooking time (around 15 minutes vs. 18-20 for white rice).
- How long does cooked quinoa keep in the fridge?
- Cooked quinoa lasts 5-7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- What are some budget-friendly quinoa meal ideas?
- Pair quinoa with inexpensive pantry staples like canned beans, frozen vegetables, eggs, and simple seasonings, or stretch it further by mixing it half-and-half with rice or pasta. Bulk bin purchases of quinoa are typically cheaper than pre-packaged boxes.
- Can I use quinoa flour instead of all-purpose flour in baking?
- You can substitute up to 25% of all-purpose flour with quinoa flour to add protein and nutrients, but using more will make baked goods dense and grainy since quinoa flour lacks gluten.