Have you wondered how you can make a protein-packed meal easily for your family that is flavor packed too? This quinoa is! This ginger garlic quinoa is phenomenal in flavor, and as the name suggests, it is packed with the flavors of ginger and garlic. This vegan, savory, and spicy quinoa can be a meal by itself.
This easy quinoa recipe is made in the same way we make the South Indian version of ginger garlic rice, except that rice is replaced with quinoa. Unlike any other grains, quinoa is a complete protein, which means it has all the essential nine amino acids that our body system can’t synthesize. Though oats and soy also give the nine amino acids they do not have the required amount of lysine. This leaves quinoa as the only plant-based complete protein source. If you are looking for more quinoa recipes, here are a couple of them
What are the ingredients required to make this recipe?
Quinoa - protein-rich quinoa makes the ideal base. Any type of quinoa can be used. This recipe uses tri-colored quinoa.
Garlic - flavor booster with immune-building properties
Ginger - flavor enhancer with anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion
Salt - adds flavor
Oil - sesame oil gives the perfect flavor to this dish. It can be replaced with any oil of your preference
Asafetida - Adds flavor and aids digestion
Thai chili, Red chili, and Chili flakes - These add to the spicy kick. Adjust the quantity as per heat tolerance.
Mustard seeds, Curry leaves - add flavor.
Do you know the best part of the recipe? Leftover quinoa can also be used. If you do not have leftover quinoa, cook quinoa, cool it, and use it in this recipe.
Why this quinoa recipe?
This simple and easy recipe to follow is a great plus and the flavors highlighted to make this nutrition-packed quinoa a great choice to make often for a meal. The ginger, garlic, and Thai chilies give a flavor punch. This could be a meal by itself or can be a side too. The leftovers will be great for the next day's lunch along with a salad. Add this to your taco or burrito for easy meal ideas.
What to serve with this quinoa?
Is this vegan?
This ginger garlic quinoa is a vegan recipe. We traditionally use sesame oil to make a similar version with rice, and so the usage of sesame oil makes this recipe vegan. If a regular version is preferred, try making it with ghee or butter.
Garlic, belonging to the Allium family, is an amazing bulb with loads of benefits while it adds to flavors. The addition of a tiny amount of this bulb gives exponential results in flavor and everything becomes palatable. The pungency and aroma may be a little hard for some, though the majority of the people would love it. And the proportions of garlic can also be adjusted based on tolerance level. With the right proportions, this recipe will always be a hit. If you are a garlic lover, we are too, then this recipe is perfect. Plus there are more amazing recipes by my fellow bloggers at the end of the post. Make sure to click on them for more garlicky recipes. We are sharing garlicky recipes for an event by Christie in #ourfamilytable group.
Garlic is added to many of our curries as well as main dishes, and it gives a unique flavor profile to the food. No one can deny that. We make garlic chutney as well as pickles. Yes, Spicy Garlic Pickle would be a great side to stuffed parathas as well as to rice. This Garlic Butter Paratha is one of our family favorites. Try these simple Hot Garlic Noodles and you’ll make it a regular one in your menu planning, simple yet delicious that you can’t let it surpass.
For Quinoa
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
It's been way too long since I've had quinoa! I'm putting it on the market list...because this sounds AMAZING!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
It's been way too long since I've had quinoa! I'm putting it on the market list...because this sounds AMAZING!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
It's been way too long since I've had quinoa! I'm putting it on the market list...because this sounds AMAZING!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
It's been way too long since I've had quinoa! I'm putting it on the market list...because this sounds AMAZING!
Jolene says
I love garlic and ginger and I'm always looking for new ways to serve up quinoa!
Jolene says
I love garlic and ginger and I'm always looking for new ways to serve up quinoa!
Karen says
This is such a beautiful color!
Karen says
This is such a beautiful color!
Karen says
This is such a beautiful color!
Karen says
This is such a beautiful color!
A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I love changing up my side dishes by using quinoa. Thanks for this recipe.
A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I love changing up my side dishes by using quinoa. Thanks for this recipe.
Inger says
Sides can be so boring but not this one! So many great flavors!
Inger says
Sides can be so boring but not this one! So many great flavors!
Inger says
Sides can be so boring but not this one! So many great flavors!
Inger says
Sides can be so boring but not this one! So many great flavors!
Radha says
Yes, quinoa gives tons of nutrition. Thanks for visiting Wendy.
Radha says
You'd love this recipe. Thanks for visiting Colleen!
Radha says
Thank you Karen!
Radha says
Yes, this is a great side. Thanks Inger!
Radha says
Yes, this is a great side. Thanks Inger!
Radha says
Yes, this is a great side. Thanks Inger!
Radha says
Yes, this is a great side. Thanks Inger!
Radha says
You'll love this. Thanks Jolene!
Radha says
You'll love this. Thanks Jolene!
Radha says
You'll love this. Thanks Jolene!
Radha says
You'll love this. Thanks Jolene!