Irresistibly Delicious Quinoa Patties: The Ultimate Healthy & Kid-Friendly Meal

These adorable little quinoa patties are so remarkably delicious, even the worst skeptic can be convinced to try them (and most likely love them). Promise.

If the mere mention of “quinoa” makes you hesitate, I urge you to reconsider. For all that is good and righteous about wholesome, delicious food, I promise you that this recipe will not lead you astray into what you might consider “crazy-people food.” Quinoa, often misunderstood and given a bad rap in many traditional kitchens, is about to become your new favorite ingredient, especially when transformed into these golden, savory patties!

I assure you, I’m not crazy (well, that’s probably debatable overall, but when it comes to food, I’m not crazy, pinkie swear!). These delightful quinoa patties are a true revelation, captivating even the most discerning palates. They are so remarkably delicious that even the most adamant quinoa skeptic will be convinced to give them a try, and most likely, fall in love. It’s a promise I’m confident in keeping.

The inspiration for these magnificent morsels came from a beautiful, smart, and witty reader named Melanie D. Her forwarded recipe intrigued me enough to try them almost immediately. (Okay, so I’ve never actually met Melanie in person, but with a name like that, she’s gotta be pretty cool!). I decided to make them for a demanding crowd: my four energetic boys, my sister and her two little boys, and my mom. With that many kids to please, I braced myself for major groans, eye rolls, and quite possibly, gagging noises.

To my absolute astonishment, these little patties were devoured! Granted, they were smothered in ketchup, but gobbled up nonetheless, without a single shout of complaint. In between frantically shoving bites into my own mouth just to get a taste before they were all snatched away, I managed to be completely amazed. The pinnacle of this surprise came when my 8-year-old loudly exclaimed, “I definitely want these for my birthday dinner!” Huh, what? Who is this kid and how did he get here?

Why Quinoa Patties Are a Must-Try for Every Home Cook

In the interest of full disclosure, I initially set out to try these simply in an effort to incorporate more quinoa into our diet. Quinoa is a super healthy food that we already enjoy in delicious recipes like black bean and sweet corn quinoa salad and mango and black bean quinoa salad. While those salads are fantastic, I was yearning for something a bit heartier, more savory, and suitable for a main course or a substantial side.

I honestly didn’t even know if these “babies” would be post-worthy on my blog. But let me tell you, not only are these perfectly blog-worthy, but they have soared straight into my “favorite file” of go-to recipes. Their versatility and flavor profile make them an absolute winner.

I’m never going to go exclusively meatless, but I could absolutely see myself confidently placing one of these substantial quinoa patties on a bun in place of a traditional burger and being completely satisfied. (Dude, who am I and how did I get here? This is a revelation!). They offer a satisfying texture and rich flavor that genuinely holds its own, proving that plant-based meals can be incredibly fulfilling.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to enjoy them dipped generously in ketchup, alongside an abundance of fresh fruits and vibrant veggies. They are also fantastic with other dips or sauces, making them an adaptable addition to any meal.

Mastering Your Quinoa Patties: Tips for Success

Creating perfect quinoa patties is simpler than you might imagine, and a few key tips can elevate your cooking experience. Firstly, proper quinoa preparation is crucial. Always remember to rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This simple step removes saponins, a natural coating that can give quinoa a slightly bitter taste, ensuring a clean and pleasant flavor in your patties. For an extra layer of flavor, consider cooking your quinoa in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of just water. This infuses the quinoa with a savory depth that truly makes a difference in the final product. Once cooked, allow the quinoa to cool completely to room temperature. This helps in achieving the right consistency for forming the patties.

Secondly, the binder is your best friend when it comes to forming well-structured patties. The combination of lightly beaten eggs and finely crushed crackers or bread crumbs creates a cohesive mixture that holds its shape beautifully during cooking. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of cracker crumbs; if your mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon or two until it’s firm enough to form into patties without crumbling. Conversely, if it seems too dry, a splash of water or broth can help achieve the ideal consistency. Let the mixture rest for about five minutes after mixing; this allows the liquids to absorb, further firming up the mixture.

Finally, cooking these patties to a golden-brown crisp is key. Use a large nonstick skillet and sufficient extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. This ensures a beautiful crust and prevents sticking. Cook the patties in a single layer, giving them enough space to brown properly without steaming. Adjust the heat as needed; you want a steady sizzle that encourages browning without burning. The result should be patties that are wonderfully crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, a perfect texture contrast that makes them incredibly satisfying.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

These quinoa patties are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. While dipping them in ketchup is a family favorite, especially for the younger crowd, don’t limit yourself! They make an excellent vegetarian main course. Serve them on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a tangy sauce for a delightful quinoa burger experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh garden salads for a lighter, yet fulfilling, lunch or dinner.

As a side dish, these patties can complement a wide array of proteins. Imagine them alongside Tender Grilled Salmon or Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. They also shine when served with a vibrant Vegetable Saute with Simple Cream Sauce, or simply with a generous platter of fresh, cut-up veggies. For an appetizer or snack, you can serve smaller versions with various dips like a refreshing Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip or a hearty Hot Chorizo and Cheese Dip, alongside crackers or chips. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to get creative with your meal pairings.

The Delicious Quinoa Patties Recipe

Little Quinoa Patties

Yield:

12
patties

Prep Time:

15
mins

Cook Time:

12
mins

Total Time:

27
mins

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Ingredients

• 
  2 ½
  cups
  
  cooked quinoa,
  room temperature
• 
  4
  large
  
  eggs,
  lightly beaten
• 
  ¾
  teaspoon
  
  salt
• 
  ¼
  teaspoon
  
  black pepper
• 
  ¼
  cup
  
  chopped flat leaf parsley
• 
  ½
  cup
  
  freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 
  2
  cloves
  
  garlic,
  finely minced
• 
  1
  cup
  
  finely crushed saltine or Ritz crackers or bread crumbs,
  plus more if needed
• 
  1
  tablespoon
  
  extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine the cooled cooked quinoa, lightly beaten eggs, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely minced garlic until well combined. Add the finely crushed cracker or bread crumbs. Stir the mixture until thoroughly combined. If the mixture appears overly wet and difficult to form into patties, add an additional tablespoon or two of cracker or bread crumbs. If, conversely, it seems too dry, incorporate a tablespoon or two of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Let the mixture stand for about five minutes to allow the liquid to be somewhat absorbed, which helps in forming the patties. Take small handfuls of the mixture and gently form them into uniform patties, approximately 1-inch thick, yielding about 11 to 12 patties.
2. In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it is hot and shimmering. Carefully add a single layer of the formed quinoa patties to the hot skillet (if using a standard 12-inch skillet, you will likely cook about half of the patties in the first batch). Cook the patties until their bottoms are beautifully well-browned and crispy, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Monitor the heat carefully, adjusting as necessary to prevent burning or increasing it slightly if the patties are not browning adequately. Once the first side is golden, flip the patties and cook for approximately 5 minutes more until the second side also achieves a rich, golden-brown color. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining patties, adding a bit more olive oil to the skillet if needed for the second batch. Serve these delicious quinoa patties warm, or enjoy them at room temperature.

Notes for Perfect Quinoa Patties

Cooking the Quinoa: For enhanced flavor, I highly recommend cooking your quinoa in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water. This simple substitution adds a significant depth of savory taste to the patties. If you opt to cook the quinoa in water, you might find it beneficial to add a bit more salt to the mixture to compensate for the broth’s inherent seasoning.

Rinse the Quinoa: Do not skip this crucial step! Always remember to rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water before cooking. This removes saponins, the natural bitter coating on quinoa, which makes a huge difference in the final taste and ensures your patties are deliciously mild.

Highly Adaptable: You can probably tell that this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Quinoa pairs well with a vast array of flavors, so feel free to experiment! Consider upping the spices, adding finely diced onions or bell peppers, incorporating different types of cheese (cheddar, feta, goat cheese), or even fresh herbs like cilantro or dill. Really, the sky’s the limit here – customize it to make it your own!

Author:
Mel

Course:
Side Dish, Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Stovetop

Serving:
1
Pattie

,

Calories:
123
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
12
g

,

Protein:
6
g

,

Fat:
6
g

,

Saturated Fat:
2
g

,

Cholesterol:
65
mg

,

Sodium:
283
mg

,

Fiber:
1
g

,

Sugar:
1
g

Recommended Products

Mixing Bowl

12-Inch Nonstick Skillet

Wooden Spoon

Recipe Source: Adapted from a recipe a reader, Melanie D. sent me, originally from Whole Living

Storage and Reheating Tips

To maximize the enjoyment of your quinoa patties, proper storage and reheating are essential. Once cooked and cooled, any leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully! Simply arrange cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there are a few reheating options. For the best texture, reminiscent of freshly cooked patties, reheat them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through and re-crisped. Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw slightly in the refrigerator first, or extend the cooking time in the oven.