This delicious garlic butter quinoa recipe is one of the easiest recipes you'll ever make! It uses just 5 ingredients, one pan, and goes well with everything!
When you're craving fluffy white quinoa that's got an indulgent buttery flavor, this is what you need to make. And if that isn't something you've craved before, this is still what you need to make!
This garlic butter quinoa is legit one of the best ways to make quinoa ever. It's so easy – hello, one pot! – but it can also be used a ton of different ways and pairs well with everything.
Whether you're looking for the ultimate healthy side, or you want a new jazzy way to enjoy quinoa, I can't wait for you to try this.
What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
You guys know I don't eat dairy, so I decided to use a vegan butter spread to get that nice buttery flavor into the quinoa, but you could certainly also use regular butter or ghee.
For the garlic, we're using organic garlic powder from Simply Organic. What I love about using garlic powder – and I use it in pretty much everything – is that you get that nice garlic flavor without having to do an extra step of cooking. No chopping, no mincing, no sauteeing, but still all that incredible garlic flavor.
And of course, since it's a powder, it's easy to stir in and gets incorporated evenly throughout the entire dish.
To that we're also adding salt, quinoa and we're cooking it all in vegetable broth!
How to Make Garlic Butter Quinoa
In addition to this recipe only using 5 ingredients, you also just need one pot. Basically, we're going to cook the quinoa like we normally would – in a liquid, then simmer until fluffy – and just add in the flavorings.
Here's how to make it:
- Put the quinoa, garlic powder, butter, and salt in the pan
- Add the vegetable broth
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cover
- Simmer it until it's fluffy
- Fluff with a fork and serve!
And that's it! So simple and delish.
How to Make Quinoa More Flavorful
We're using vegetable broth instead of water to help give this garlic butter quinoa even more flavor. The vegetable broth adds a touch of saltiness, while also complementing the butter really nicely.
If you're not a veggie broth fan, you have other options. You could use chicken broth, water or you could also do water and a chicken/vegetable bouillon cube. Either method will give you the same effect: a flavorful quinoa dish that goes well with everything!
And when I say everything, I really mean it!
How to Serve Our Garlic Butter Quinoa
This is one of those recipes that you can serve a million and one ways. From breakfast to lunch, to dinner, to leftovers, to sides, to dessert (wait…what!? jk). Garlic + butter + anything = heaven
Well, okay, maybe not a million different ways, but you get the idea. It's a versatile recipe and you're gonna love it!
Here are some ways that I recommend trying:
- Lunch/dinner: toss it with sauteed mushrooms, broccoli, and tofu/chicken (or chickpeas)
- Breakfast: serve it warm with a soft boiled egg, some salsa, and sliced avocado
- Leftovers: saute chopped tomatoes and white beans
- As a side: serve warm with grilled chicken (or tofu), roasted asparagus and a salad
- And for dessert: Ummm yeah, I got nothing there 😉
More 5-Ingredient Recipes to Try:
- Broccoli + Quinoa Mac and Cheese
- Coconut Curry Quinoa
- Quinoa Flour Pizza Crust
- Sweet Potato Quinoa Fritters
- Peanut Butter Honey Cookies
- Lemon Blueberry Energy Balls
5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or butter/ghee
- 2 - 3 teaspoons Simply Organic Garlic Powder*
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until butter has melted. Cover and reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove lid, take off the heat and fluff with a fork. Let stand for 5 minutes then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Filed Under:
This was so easy, and super delish! Hubby was grilling beer brats & BBQ chicken so I needed a quick side and went with this. Served as is (nothing added) but veggies would have been great had I thought that far ahead (instead of serving a separate veggie). I did feel like it could have used some tweaking for the cook time because there was a little liquid remaining, but that absorbed eventually after sitting uncovered for a while. I used chicken broth but don’t skimp on the salt, and for us the garlic was perfect (I’m just really glad I realized that word was “teaspoons” and not “tablespoons”)! Next time i’ll try sautéing a little garlic first, or maybe adding the chickpeas as suggested above. A really great, versatile recipe!
I’m so glad it was a hit!! This recipe is the best, it can be enjoyed so many ways and would be great with veggies added in!
I’ve never left a review for a recipe but this is awesome. Quick and easy and delicious
I am so glad you are enjoying it and left a review, Brenda!! Let us know if you try any of our other recipes too 🙂
I started making this and my husband is obsessed. He loves it and now makes it for us often. I will say it takes much longer to cook than the recipe instructions because it’s a lot of liquid that needs to absorb. But it’s worth the wait.
I’ve never made this before so I was a bit apprehensive. I’m so happy I chose this recipe. It came out really good. Thank you!
I am so happy you liked it!!
I made this tonight and it was delicious. After reading other comments, the only think I changed was reducing the broth to 1-1/2 cups. The directions on the quinoa I use is 1 cup to 1-1/2 cups of water or broth. Consistency was perfect.
I used fresh garlic (from the garden) instead of the powdered form, because my fiance just harvested some today – and I don’t have the Simply Organic on hand. I put it through the press and gave it a quick saute with one teaspoon of the ‘butter’ before adding the quinoa & the rest of the ingredients. I think it came out very well.
Delicious. Added some diced carrot and onion, lemon zest and red chili flakes. Used low sodium vegetable broth. Used as side dish with grilled salmon and roasted Brussels sprouts. This’ll go on the “good for company” meals list. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it! And I’m loving the changes 🙂 Makes such it into an even better side dish!
This was delicious! I used 2 tsp of garlic powder and that was perfect. It did take a little longer for the broth to cook down, so next time I won’t turn the heat quite as low. Thank you for this recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Too salty and Like another reviewer said, mine was also a mush of water at the end. Simmering more with the top off helped. I would make again because it has good flavor. I will increase boil time with top and without and maybe decrease liquid and definitely less salt.
Thanks for the feedback!
Terrible recipe! I followed the instructions 100% and ended up with a mushy mess that resembles porridge!
Have you cooked regular quinoa before? It sounds like you had too much water or didn’t let it cook for long enough.
Dang haters are funny haha! You could also throw the whole recipe into a rice cooker, then it will cook until the liquid is gone based off pressure
That’s a great idea!!
Alyssa,
Can you please give me an alternative to vegetable broth in the garlic butter quinoa recipe?
I don’t have a vegetable broth where I live (outside US).
What can I replace it with and still keep it vegan and gluten free?
You could use water, but it won’t be quite as flavorful! or maybe add a veggie bouillon cube!
I agree with Akyssa mine was perfect and I followed the recipe and never made it before. Did you not cover
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How many grams is one serving?
About 1/2 a cup!
Added lemon juice and chopped spinach for a wonderful side dish! Excellent!
YUM!
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I’ve been looking for more easy recipes that I can quickly make after coming back from a long day of classes. This definitely is one that I’ll be using time and time again. If you don’t like garlic, then this obviously isn’t the recipe for you. After reading some of the other comments, I opted for a little a less garlic than the recipe called for the first time around and in the times that I’ve made it since, I’ve increased the amount of garlic powder. If you love garlic, this is definitely a good recipe to try. Play with it a bit to see how much garlic feels right but otherwise this is awesome and very yummy!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! xox
Love this!!! Subbed chicken bouillon for the veggie broth and it goes great with chicken cooked out on the grill. Thanks for this simple and easy side!!!!
So glad you enjoyed, Cathy!
Is the nutrition facts label for one serving or all four that the recipe makes?
For one serving 🙂
This looks great, could I use olive oil instead of butter (or vegan butter)?
Definitely!
I will definitely try it soon!
Can I use real garlic? I have some already chopped in a jar that I bought at the store… How much should I use?
Thank you 🙂
Yep! But I would saute it first 🙂
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SO garlicky!! I love garlic but only 3 teaspoons since garlic powder is strong stuff. OMG! The whole family skipped it 🙁 except Grandpa who can’t taste anymore
Sorry it was too strong for you!
This sounds so good and I can’t wait to make it however my bag of quinoa states to rinse before cooking. I don’t recall your recipe saying to do that. Should we rinse before cooking the quinoa?
You don’t have to!
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What’s the green leafy stuff and the red seasoning you used to garnish the quinoa?? Looks delicious I’m trying this tonight!
I used parsley and red pepper flakes 🙂
I have made this twice since finding the recipe. It’s amazing and the whole family loves it! Thank you!!
I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!!! xox
Too garlicky! Recipe calls for 3 -4 teaspoons of garlic powder, I used 3 and it was way too much. And I love garlic. Maybe you meant 3/4?
I think it depends on your taste! I did mean 3 – 4 🙂 But maybe next time you can cut it down to 1!
Thank you so much for this recipe! It is a staple in my kitchen now…never liked quinoa before trying this.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it Anna! xo
I made this last night, it was so good, I used chicken broth, but it was still amazing! Planning on putting the leftovers in my salad! Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed it, Jenny 🙂 xo
I am new to cooking with quinoa. Do ALL of the recipes have so many calories and fat???
It’s updated now!
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Omg soooo goood. But to much garlic for me so instead I only put 1 tps and a half. But still super goood ????????
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! xo
Can Chicken Broth be used instead of the vegetable?
Absolutely!
I make this every week now! I love it so much, I always add chopped, sauteed brussel sprouts to it as well- so yummy!
Oh boy that sounds amazing! So glad you’ve been enjoying it, Becci 🙂 xo
Hi
Can you give a recipe for homemade vegetable stock.
I don’t have one on my blog, but there are tons of recipes on Pinterest/Google!
Looks fantastic! I am adding this to my “Quick ‘n’ Easy” recipe list for last minute weeknight meals.
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I made this last night, and it was fantastic. So easy! I mixed in a can of chickpeas and topped with roasted Brussels sprouts and parsnips. This is such a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Oh my gosh that sounds amazing Megan!! xo
Did you mix in a can of chickpeas at the beginning or once the quinoa was done cooking?
Either or will be fine!