If you’re looking for a dish that combines wholesome nutrition with rich, comforting flavor, you’ll fall in love with this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying side that elevates everyday quinoa into something truly special using just a handful of kitchen staples. Whether you’re new to cooking quinoa or looking for a quick go-to, this recipe delivers buttery, garlicky goodness with a fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with so many mains. Trust me, once you try this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how just a few well-chosen ingredients can transform a simple grain like quinoa into a flavorful, hearty dish. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role—from giving depth and creaminess to adding brightness and savory notes.
- 1 cup quinoa: The nutty base that soaks up all the buttery garlic flavor while providing protein and fiber.
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or butter/ghee): Adds a luscious richness and silky texture that makes each bite indulgent.
- 2 – 3 teaspoons Simply Organic Garlic Powder:* A convenient way to infuse bold, savory garlic flavor without chopping fresh cloves.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances the flavors, making the quinoa taste vibrant and well-rounded.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Infuses the quinoa with an herby depth, keeping it moist and flavorful as it cooks.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Start by placing the quinoa, vegan butter, garlic powder, sea salt, and vegetable broth right into a small saucepan. The beauty of this step is the simplicity—everything goes in together, making prep a breeze.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Stir
Turn your heat to medium-high and watch as the mixture begins to bubble. Stir gently until the butter has fully melted, which helps distribute that amazing flavor evenly throughout.
Step 3: Simmer Covered on Low Heat
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the quinoa simmer away gently for about 15 minutes so it can absorb all the broth’s savory goodness and soften up perfectly.
Step 4: Fluff and Rest
After simmering, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and give it a light, airy texture. Let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and settle. This little rest makes all the difference in texture.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe
Garnishes
To take this garlic butter quinoa from simple to stunning, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of grated Parmesan can add bright, subtle pops of flavor that complement the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe pairs wonderfully with just about anything. Think roasted veggies for a light, wholesome meal or chicken breasts and grilled shrimp if you want a protein-packed dinner. It also fits perfectly alongside a rich stew or hearty chili to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the quinoa in colorful bowls and add texture with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. For a warm, inviting family-style meal, mound the quinoa on a large platter and garnish with a scattering of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It’s both pretty and practical for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter quinoa keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life, this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will stay good for up to 2 months. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water or broth over the quinoa to revive moisture, then warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps restore the fluffy texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
You absolutely can, but using vegetable broth adds extra flavor and depth that plain water won’t provide. If you prefer a less savory taste or need to keep it very simple, water will work fine though.
Is garlic powder better than fresh garlic for this recipe?
Garlic powder distributes flavor evenly and requires no prep, which keeps things quick and easy. Fresh garlic adds a sharper, more pungent flavor, so you can use it if you prefer, just sauté it in butter briefly before adding the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just use vegan butter instead of regular butter or ghee. The flavor and texture remain creamy and rich, making it a perfect plant-based side dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the garlic powder. It adds a subtle kick without overpowering the buttery garlic flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger pot and keep the same ratios. You might need to increase the simmering time by a couple of minutes to make sure the quinoa cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe is a shining example of how simplicity can lead to incredible flavor. It’s quick, comforting, and versatile enough to become your new favorite side for weeknight dinners or even meal prep. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these five simple ingredients again and again!
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5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and flavorful 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa is a quick and easy side dish that combines fluffy quinoa with aromatic garlic butter, enhanced by vegetable broth and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal or a healthy accompaniment to your favorite main dishes.
Ingredients
Quinoa and Seasoning
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 – 3 teaspoons Simply Organic Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Liquids and Fat
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or butter/ghee)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quinoa, vegan butter, garlic powder, sea salt, and vegetable broth to a small saucepan. Stir gently to mix everything together before heating.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the butter has completely melted. Once boiling, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low to let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff and Rest: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and take the saucepan off the heat. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently, separating the grains for a light texture.
- Final Resting: Let the quinoa stand covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows any remaining moisture to absorb, resulting in perfectly cooked quinoa ready to serve.
Notes
- You can use butter or ghee instead of vegan butter if you prefer.
- Adjust the garlic powder amount to match your taste preference.
- Vegetable broth enhances the flavor, but water can be used in a pinch for a milder taste.
- This quinoa works well as a base for bowls or as a side for grilled vegetables and proteins.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
