This simple garlic quinoa is perfect for a quick and easy side dish! It’s simple to make, and this flavorful quinoa is perfect to pair with your favorite protein.

garlic quinoa
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I eat a lot of quinoa. It’s a good source of protein and fiber and I’m always amazed at how versatile it is. From a quinoa salad to crispy quinoa bark, there are so many ways to enjoy it. Lately, I’ve been enjoying this garlicky quinoa as an easy side dish. It’s simple to make but surprisingly flavorful. Quinoa also has lots of health benefits. It is a complete protein meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. This is a great one for vegetarians and vegans! 

garlic quinoa ingredients

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Quinoa– I used white quinoa, but red or tricolor quinoa works great, too. Remember to rinse your quinoa before cooking.
  • Olive oil– A little extra virgin olive oil helps add flavor to this quinoa. You can use butter, if you prefer.
  • Garlic powder– I like the simplicity of garlic powder, but you can use minced garlic or pressed garlic if you prefer.
  • Vegetable broth– I used 2 teaspoons of Better Than Boullion vegetable base mixed with 2 cups of water. I love the flavor this adds! But you can use any kind of vegetable broth you prefer.
  • Salt– Don’t forget to season it with salt to taste.

How to Prepare Quinoa

garlic quinoa
Use a two-to-one ratio of water or broth to quinoa.
garlic quinoa
Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed, then fluff it with a fork.

Most quinoa should be rinsed before cooking. Some bagged varieties will come pre-rinsed but if you’re not sure, give it a rinse just to be safe. I place it in a fine mesh sieve and then run it under cold water. Be sure it’s a very fine mesh strainer so the quinoa doesn’t fall through. This strainer on Amazon is a great one for quinoa!

To prepare quinoa, there are a few different ways you can make it:

  • How to Make Quinoa In a Rice Cooker– I love making this quinoa in the rice cooker because I can set it and forget it! It cooks perfect quinoa every time. Just add all of the ingredients to the rice cooker and press start.
  • How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop– I included the directions below for the stovetop. Use a two-to-one ratio of water to quinoa. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed, then fluff it with a fork.
  • How to Make Quinoa in an Instant Pot– Yep, you can make quinoa in an Instant Pot! This is a quick, fool-proof method for perfect quinoa. Follow the directions in that post using the ingredients listed below. (Just reduce the broth to 1 1/2 cups.)
quinoa

Where to Buy Quinoa

You’ll typically find quinoa in bags in the natural section of most grocery stores. It’s usually near the rice or gluten-free products. You can also find quinoa in the bulk bins, which may be cheaper. You can even order quinoa on Amazon! Although there are different varieties, such as red quinoa or tricolor quinoa, I usually buy whichever one is the cheapest since there isn’t much of a difference other than color.

Variations

  • Add Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory twist. 
  • Add sautéed mushrooms for an umami-packed mushroom garlic quinoa.
  • You can eat it warm, at room temperature, or straight out of the fridge.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional years for a slightly cheesy flavor and lots of B-vitamins!
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and a boost of flavor. 

​Ways to Use Garlic Quinoa

This makes a great side dish to pair with your favorite veggies and protein, but you can also use it as the base for a grain bowl. Try it topped with crispy chickpeas and your favorite roasted veggies. Drizzle on a sauce like my cilantro sauce and you’ve got a tasty main dish! You can also this quinoa on top of salads for an easy way to get a boost of protein and fiber. Try it in my caprese quinoa salad for a flavor-packed meal!

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garlic quinoa

Garlic Quinoa

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 mintues
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This simple garlic quinoa is perfect for a quick and easy side dish! It’s simple to make and this flavorful quinoa is perfect to pair with your favorite protein.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and stir. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the broth has been absorbed.
  3. Remove the lid, take off the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then enjoy.