If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comforting in its simplicity, Garlic Butter Quinoa is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the fluffy, nutty texture of quinoa with the rich creaminess of butter and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. It’s wonderfully versatile, vibrant with parsley, and so easy to whip up that it quickly becomes a staple that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping a crowd-pleasing feast, this Garlic Butter Quinoa brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the heart of this recipe. Each one plays a vital role in building the rich, layered flavors and perfectly balanced texture that make Garlic Butter Quinoa so special.

Quinoa (2 cups): The star grain that provides a fluffy, slightly nutty base full of protein and fiber.

Butter, salted (2 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness and helps mellow the sharpness of garlic perfectly.
Garlic, finely minced (8 cloves): Brings that bold, fragrant kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor within the dish.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle heat that rounds out the flavor without overpowering it.

Vegetable broth (4 cups): The cooking liquid that infuses quinoa with savory depth and moisture.
Parsley, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness and vibrant green color at the end.

How to Make Garlic Butter Quinoa

Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Bring to a Boil

Start by adding the quinoa, salted butter, finely minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth into a saucepan. Stir everything together well to distribute the butter and garlic evenly throughout. Place the pan over medium-high heat and let it come to a full boil, allowing the flavors to mingle and the broth to warm evenly.

Step 2: Simmer the Quinoa

Once the mixture boils, cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low to create a gentle simmer, and let it cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. During this time, the quinoa soaks up the flavorful broth and softens to a tender, fluffy texture that’s just right.

Step 3: Fluff and Finish with Parsley

After switching off the heat, stir in the finely chopped parsley and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. Letting it sit for 5 minutes off the heat allows the flavors to settle and the quinoa to steam lightly, making every grain perfectly separated and ready to serve.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Quinoa

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a dash of paprika for color, or a few toasted pine nuts can elevate Garlic Butter Quinoa instantly. They add bursts of texture and visual appeal that make this humble side feel festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Quinoa pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a juicy steak. It’s also fantastic alongside dishes with bold sauces or as the bed for sautéed shrimp or pan-seared tofu, making it an incredibly flexible side to complete any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Garlic Butter Quinoa stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or halved avocados, or layer it in a vibrant grain bowl with colorful veggies, nuts, and a drizzle of tahini or lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, modern spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, store any leftover Garlic Butter Quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days and retains its delightful flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner add-ons throughout the week.

Freezing

You can also freeze Garlic Butter Quinoa in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just portion it out in meal-sized servings so you can thaw only what you need, keeping your meal prep efficient and hassle-free.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed Garlic Butter Quinoa gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to bring back its fluffy texture, and fluff with a fork after warming to restore that light, airy feel.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute water if you don’t have broth, but using vegetable broth will add a deeper, savory flavor that really enhances the Garlic Butter Quinoa.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine, and the dish remains rich and delicious without any dairy.

How do I prevent quinoa from becoming mushy?

Be sure to measure your broth carefully and avoid stirring the quinoa while it’s simmering. Also, letting it rest off the heat helps the grains firm up and stay fluffy.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or a touch of smoked paprika can add wonderful layers of flavor to the Garlic Butter Quinoa, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

What’s the best type of quinoa to use?

White or golden quinoa works best for this recipe because of its mild flavor and light texture, but red or black quinoa can be used for a nuttier taste and more striking color contrast.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Quinoa is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on your plate—rich, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Once you try it, it easily becomes a go-to favorite for those wanting a quick, nutritious, and flavorful side. So grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this simple yet irresistibly tasty delight!

Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and aromatic Garlic Butter Quinoa recipe combining fluffy quinoa cooked in savory vegetable broth with rich butter and fragrant garlic, finished with fresh parsley for a delightful and nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Quinoa and Broth

2 cups quinoa
4 cups vegetable broth

Flavorings

2 tablespoons salted butter

8 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness and drain thoroughly. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
Combine and Boil: In a saucepan, add the quinoa, vegetable broth, butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and place the pan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Simmer: Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low to allow the quinoa to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
Finish with Parsley: Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently, mixing the parsley evenly throughout. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter.

Use vegetable broth for added flavor, but water can be substituted if needed.
Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling and Simmering
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup cooked quinoa
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: garlic butter quinoa, easy quinoa recipe, garlic quinoa, healthy side dish, vegetarian quinoa