If you’re on the lookout for a versatile side dish that’s both a nutritional powerhouse and a delight to the taste buds. Then this quinoa rice recipe is your new favorite thing. This easy quinoa recipe blends the light, aromatic taste of white basmati rice with the hearty, complete protein of quinoa—rich in essential amino acids and extra fiber. Hailing from South America, quinoa isn’t just a trend; it’s a whole food staple that’s making its way into everyday meals across the globe. Whether you’re using your rice cooker, instant pot, or a traditional dutch oven, you’ll love the fluffy texture and delicious nutty flavor of this rice recipe.
This dish isn’t just about simplicity; it’s a game changer when you need a quick, healthy, and versatile side dish. Imagine pairing it with a protein-packed bowl of black beans or serving it alongside fresh fruit for an energizing meal. Plus, the cooking time is impressively short—just a single batch that cooks in about 15 minutes of simmer time, plus a few extra minutes for that perfect fluff. Ready to dive into this delicious blend of different grains? Let’s break down the recipe step by step.
Ingredients & Substitutions
When it comes to this quinoa rice recipe, keeping it simple is the only thing you need. The core ingredients include:
- White Basmati Rice: A light and aromatic white rice that cooks quickly—look for varieties that match the 12-15 minute cook time, like jasmine rice or even sushi rice. (Avoid wild rice as it has a much longer cook time.)
- Quinoa: You can choose white quinoa for a milder taste or red quinoa for a pop of color and a slightly nuttier flavor. A cup of quinoa (or ½ cup quinoa if you’re making a smaller batch) offers a complete protein that complements the rice grains perfectly.
- Water: Plain water works great, but for an extra burst of flavor, consider using vegetable broth or veggie broth. This tweak not only enriches the dish but also adds a delicious depth reminiscent of whole foods.
Feel free to experiment with different grains if you’re looking for endless options. For example, a mix of brown rice or red rice can lend extra fiber and a distinct flavor profile to your quinoa blend. It’s all about creating a versatile side dish that fits your calorie diet or even a medically restrictive diet while offering the health benefits of quinoa.
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools can be a real game changer when cooking quinoa rice. Here are some essentials:
- Fine Mesh Colander: Perfect for rinsing both quinoa and rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities or excess starch. A quick rinse in a dry pan with cold water ensures a fluffy texture.
- Medium Pot: Whether you prefer using medium-high heat on your stovetop or a rice cooker for hands-free convenience, a reliable pot or cooker is essential.
- Rice Cooker/Instant Pot: If you’re in a rush, using a rice cooker or even an instant pot with high pressure can save you time while still giving you that perfect fluffy quinoa texture.
- Rice Paddle or Spoon: A rice paddle is great for gently fluffing your quinoa rice without breaking up the delicate grains.
- Airtight Container: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container to keep your quinoa rice fresh for the next day. It’s an easy quinoa recipe that works well for meal prep and personal consumption.
With these tools, you’re well-equipped to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate whole grains and extra fiber into your everyday meals.
How to Make This Quinoa Rice Recipe
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to whip up your quinoa rice:
- Rinse Thoroughly: Place both the dry quinoa and dry basmati rice into a fine mesh colander. Rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps eliminate any extra starch and ensures that your grains achieve that desirable fluffy texture.
- Combine in Pot: Transfer the rinsed quinoa and rice into a medium pot. Add water (or your choice of vegetable broth for added flavor) and stir to combine. This combination of rice grains creates a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. Make sure you’re using a rice that cooks in around 12-15 minutes; choosing wild rice, for example, would extend the cook time to nearly 45 minutes and throw off your cooking time.
- Fluff and Rest: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the quinoa rice mixture gently with a rice paddle or fork. Allow it to sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps achieve that coveted fluffy quinoa consistency and a delicious nutty flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your quinoa rice at room temperature or warm, garnished with a sprinkle of green onion or a drizzle of olive oil. For an extra burst of flavor, you might add a dash of soy sauce or red pepper flakes. Enjoy it as a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with stir-fried vegetables. Grilled vegan chicken, or even as a base for hearty grain bowls. This rice would go perfect with my Sticky Tamarind Tofu Recipe, or even my Vegan Mongolian Beef recipe found here.
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Boosters: Enhance the dish with a bit of olive oil. A splash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle bit of heat. A dash of chili powder or lemon zest is also a great idea to brighten up the flavors.
- Experiment with Grains: While this recipe calls for white basmati rice and quinoa, don’t hesitate to try different grains. Like jasmine rice, brown rice, or even red rice. Each brings a unique taste and texture, yet they share a similar nutritional profile.
- Garnish Ideas: Top your quinoa rice with green onion or a few drops of vegetable broth for added moisture. For a fresh twist, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad of mixed greens.
- Cooking Tools: If you’re short on time, using a rice cooker or instant pot can streamline your cook time. Both appliances provide a reliable, high pressure or medium-high heat method to ensure your grains turn out perfectly.
- Leftover Love: If you have a leftover batch of quinoa rice, store it in an airtight container and reheat it the next day. It’s a tasty way to incorporate extra fiber into your lunch or dinner without starting from scratch.
FAQs
Absolutely! Vegetable broth or a light veggie broth is a great option if you want to add extra flavor without compromising on the health benefits of quinoa.
Wild rice isn’t recommended for this recipe because it takes much longer to cook. Look for rice varieties like white basmati, jasmine rice, or even sushi rice that have a similar cook time to quinoa.
Yes! Both appliances work wonderfully. Just adjust the cook time accordingly and enjoy the ease of a one-batch meal.
Rinse the rice grains and quinoa thoroughly, stir gently after cooking, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. A rice paddle works perfectly for this step.
Quinoa Rice
Ingredients
- ½ cup white basmati rice *see notes
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 ¾ cups water
Instructions
- Add both the dry quinoa and dry rice into a fine mesh colander and rinse thoroughly.
- Add the quinoa, rice, and water into a medium pot and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, keep it covered, and reduce to a simmer for 15 mins.
- Fluff the rice quinoa mixutre with a fork and allow it to sit or another 5-10 mins. Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Quinoa Rice
This quinoa rice recipe is a great option for anyone seeking a healthy, versatile side dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with the health benefits of whole grains and complete protein. The blend of white quinoa and basmati rice creates a delicious nutty flavor with a fluffy texture that makes it a favorite among quinoa rice enthusiasts and fans of different grains alike.
Whether you’re planning your everyday meals or experimenting with favorite quinoa recipes, this dish offers endless options for flavor enhancements—from a drizzle of olive oil to a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and chili powder. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the variety, and make this recipe a staple in your culinary repertoire. It truly is a game changer!
What an amazing idea!! Never thought to blend quinoa and rice, great flavour and a little more exciting than just rice
Thanks so much Brooke, and yes it’s a great way to change things up a little!