Description

This Garlicky Mushroom Quinoa recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring tender cremini mushrooms sautéed with garlic and thyme, combined with fluffy quinoa, this dish is both hearty and healthy. It can be served as a satisfying vegetarian main or as a delicious side alongside grilled proteins.

Ingredients

Scale

Grain

1 cup Quinoa (rinsed before cooking to remove bitterness)

Vegetables

8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms (sliced, can be swapped with button or shiitake mushrooms)
3 cloves Garlic (minced, for robust flavor)
Additional Vegetables (optional – bell peppers or spinach suggested)

Fats & Oils

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing; vegetable oil can also be used)
1 tablespoon Butter (adds richness; substitute with olive oil for vegan)

Herbs & Spices

1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme as substitute)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (for flavor enhancement)
Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Red Chili Flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Prepare Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy.
Sauté Mushrooms: While the quinoa cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
Add Garlic and Spices: Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and red chili flakes (if using) to the skillet with mushrooms. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked quinoa into the mushroom and garlic mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and cook together for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors are well combined.
Serve: Serve the garlicky mushroom quinoa warm. It works well as a standalone vegetarian main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa before cooking reduces its natural bitterness and improves texture.
Substitute butter with olive oil for a vegan-friendly version.
Optional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Adjust red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer quinoa flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlicky mushroom quinoa, quick mushroom quinoa, vegetarian quinoa recipe, healthy quinoa dish, quinoa and mushrooms