It’s no surprise that quinoa – a seed originating in the Andes – has found its way onto many menus and inside of many home chefs’ pantries. When you want to serve up some spontaneous brilliance, meal possibilities are endless when it comes to quinoa. It is commonly used in place of a grain such as rice or couscous as it has a similar cooking process. With a soft yet slightly chewy texture, quinoa soaks up the flavors of both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for any recipe.
This pseudo grain is quite versatile; in order to really understand how to make each and every quinoa dish outstanding, it’s best to learn the ins and outs of this seed.
What Does Quinoa Taste Like?
Quinoa has a subtle nutty flavor, with an earthy aftertaste similar to brown rice – red being the earthiest of the three varieties. Because of the mild taste, quinoa absorbs tons of flavor from cooking liquids, dressings, and other ingredients it’s tossed with.
What Color is Quinoa?
Many people think of quinoa as strictly a white-ish or beige color, but in reality, it's a diverse ingredient that comes in three bold colors: red, white, and black. Each offers up something special that can make your meal unique. When it comes to cooking and flavor, RiceSelect® White Quinoa is perhaps the most versatile: it brings a neutral yet slightly nutty flavor that works well in nearly everything, especially baked goods and desserts. With seared meat and fish or in cold salads or bowls, the earthy notes in quinoa add a nice touch. For particularly vibrant plates, reach for some Tri-Color Quinoa, as it boasts three types of quinoa: red, white, and black.
Is Quinoa a Good Protein Source?
This wholesome whole grain is actually a seed, containing all nine essential amino acids. Every serving contains 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, 2mg of iron, and – depending on the variety – 300 or more mg of potassium. In other words, this plant-based protein is fiber dense and packed with plenty of nutritional benefits. Plus, RiceSelect® Quinoa is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, Non-GMO Project Verified with no preservatives or additives.
White Rice
Quinoa vs Rice
While quinoa is a seed, rice is a grain. Quinoa shares a similar profile with only brown rice (this is the only grain that still has the bran and germ layer intact), including that both are considered a complete protein. However, brown rice only contains a few – rather than all nine – of the essential amino acids.
Is Quinoa Gluten Free?
This pseudo-grain is not only packed with protein, it’s Gluten Free, making it an ideal option for those with dietary constrictions or for home chefs who are cooking for guests who are gluten free, vegan or vegetarian.
Couscous vs Quinoa
Similarly shaped, couscous and quinoa are both small grain-like foods used in similar recipes and as rice substitutes. However, as couscous is technically a pasta made from semolina wheat, quinoa is the better option when preparing Gluten Free plates. To learn more about Couscous, make sure to read through our couscous guide you check out an Israeli couscous recipe.
How To Cook Quinoa
To cook quinoa, use a simple ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa.
Then, bring the water – or, for added flavor, broth – to a boil. At this point, add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp olive oil, butter or extra flavor. Stir in quinoa, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. After, remove the pan from heat and let it stand (covered) for 5 minutes. Just before serving, fluff with a fork!
What Goes Well With Quinoa?
Now that your quinoa is ready, what’s next? Well, it’s great on its own for a filling side dish – simply drizzle on some olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, and enjoy! For another simple side, mince up some fresh garlic and add a splash of lemon juice. Try out these other tried and true combinations:
- Herbs: parsley, dill, cilantro, mint, rosemary, thyme, or basil. Also, bay leaves will add more complex flavor, but note that they should be removed before serving.
- Spices: turmeric, cumin
- Greens: tender spinach and peppery arugula
- Vegetables: sliced cherry tomatoes, shredded raw carrots, and roasted red peppers
Of course, when it comes to this pseudo grain, there are plenty of possibilities!
How To Use Quinoa in Recipes
There are so many different ways in which you can use quinoa; in fact, let’s take a look at a couple go-to recipes!
Quinoa Burgers
When it comes to burgers, quinoa can be your base or your binder! Because it’s packed with protein, it can serve as a meat substitute. Or, if you want burgers that are brimming with protein, use this grain as a binder. These Quinoa Meatball Sliders are packed with both ground beef and quinoa!
Fried Quinoa
Of course, quinoa doesn’t always have to be hidden! Let it take center stage: mix it with other ingredients of choice for a delicious medley of flavors. Here’s a favorite Indonesian-style chicken fried quinoa that’s loaded with loads of veggies; this Quinoa & Chicken Nasi Goreng offers sweet and spicy flavors in every bite.
Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa is an ideal base for a bowl because it absorbs all the flavors from the recipe! Its neutral yet subtly nutty flavor is easy to pair with whatever is on the menu. From dawn until dusk, quinoa has quickly become a go-to (pseudo)grain for home chefs looking for a filling foundation.
Bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor, this spicy Quinoa and Pulled Jackfruit Burrito Bowl is packed with barbecue sauce and chipotle peppers as well as cotija cheese and creamy black beans.
Why not get creative by swapping quinoa in your favorite rice recipes? This Thai-inspired shrimp and rice recipe tastes great with a boost of nutty notes!
Quinoa Filling
For a satisfying stuffing, opt for quinoa. It’s filling without being too heavy and the texture is somewhat unexpected, so it mixes up traditional recipes like stuffed dishes for a dinner party. For instance, a cross between cabbage rolls and a vegetarian cannelloni, these Quinoa Swiss Chard Rolls are always a hit. They are hearty enough to be served as a main course, but also can be made into bite-sized rolls for a tasty starter.
Quinoa Crust
Remember how quinoa is Gluten Free? This makes quinoa an ideal pizza dough option when it comes to preparing an all-inclusive menu! Everyone around the table will be satisfied with the crispy quinoa crusts in these Mushroom Pancetta Quinoa Pizza Recipe.
Now you’ve got an idea of how versatile this whole grain seed can truly be. Use this quinoa guide to help you serve up spontaneous brilliance when creativity strikes! With a little help from these cooking tips for home chefs and a pantry stocked with RiceSelect®, you are well on your way to culinary excellence!