As versatile as rice, and as simple to cook as pasta, Success® boil-in-bag quinoa is the dark horse of the pantry, ready to wow when given the chance! Knowing how to season quinoa can take this ingredient from nutty and hearty to bold and thrilling. It’s also incredibly easy to do, as quinoa can stand up to myriad flavors from all over the globe.
Whether you season quinoa from the get-go or stir in a wealth of flavors once it’s cooked, you can be sure that this protein-packed ingredient won’t disappoint. As a side or a main, in a supporting role or at center stage, quinoa can be shaped to fit whatever’s on the menu at lunch, dinner, dessert and more!
Why Quinoa Deserves a Place on Your Table
You already adore rice and have a soft spot for couscous, so it’s time to give quinoa the attention it deserves. Reach for Success® boil-in-bag quinoa for the best results with the least amount of effort. No measure, no mess, each bag provides two servings in just 10 (hands-off!) minutes.
Nutty and light, quinoa is the edible, whole-grain seed of a plant in the amaranth family. It is commonly available in white, red and black (or a tasty tri-color blend). These three main varieties of quinoa are very similar and only vary slightly in their texture and ideal cook times. Quinoa is high in fiber and protein, contains all 9 essential amino acids and is gluten free. It’s also versatile enough to use in dishes as diverse as cookies and creamy puddings, casseroles and chimichangas!
Adding Flavor to Quinoa While Cooking
For many people, the first step in cooking quinoa is rinsing it to remove the saponins (a naturally-occurring coating), that protect the plant from pests and fungus. Saponins can impart a bitter flavor so it’s generally recommended to rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking. However, Success® boil-in-bag quinoa is pre-rinsed, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
Cooking Liquids
Though easily cooked in water, quinoa can also be cooked in liquids that impart every seed with layers of flavor. When making quinoa, try replacing 1 cup of water with fruit juice, broth, milk or your favorite plant-based alternative.
- For savory dishes, broth is an easy go-to that will add herbal notes and enough seasoning to your quinoa. Try chicken, beef or vegetable.
- Milk or a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut or soy milk, are ideal when preparing desserts or, in the case of coconut milk, Southeast Asian dishes. Cooking in milk or a non-dairy alternative gives quinoa a creamier texture and delicately sweet finish.
- Fruit juices, such as orange or apple, can brighten up any quinoa dish. When preparing quinoa for salads or desserts, fruit juice will add vibrancy and a pop of sweetness to the final dish.
Aromatics and Spices
Beyond replacing water with another liquid, you can also flavor your quinoa cooking liquid with herbs, spices and extracts that will match your dish. Once you start experimenting, the only limit to your creativity will be what you have in your pantry!
- Aromatics, such as onion, garlic, celery and carrots, are commonly used to flavor dishes — and quinoa is no exception! Simply cut whichever aromatics you are using into a small dice, then sauté in a little oil before adding the water and quinoa.
- Dried herbs, such as bay leaves and oregano, can be added to your quinoa cooking liquid as it comes to a boil.
- Whether you’re making a dish with Latin American flair or are prepping for curry night, seasoning your quinoa with dried spices is guaranteed to boost its flavor. Try cumin, cloves or turmeric. For desserts or breakfast dishes, cinnamon or allspice add warmth and fragrance.
- Some cooks like to toast their quinoa before they cook it. To do this, heat a little oil or butter in a saucepan. Then, add the quinoa and cook it until it’s nutty and fragrant, for 2-3 minutes.
How to Season Quinoa After Cooking
So you didn’t season your quinoa as it cooked. No problem! From enriching quinoa with butter or seasoned oil to stirring in nuts, dried fruits and spices, it’s easy to learn how to season quinoa after cooking. Plus, you can mix and match any or all of these ideas to find your perfect recipe.
- Simple — but effective! — salt, pepper and butter or oil go a long way to making quinoa pop. Use oil seasoned with herbs, lemon, garlic, even truffles, and try something new with every dish.
- Fresh herbs can be stirred into warm quinoa just before serving. Try cilantro, basil, parsley or mint in dishes as diverse as tacos, pasta-style bowls and salads.
- Though citrus can be added to quinoa during cooking, it can also be drizzled over cooked quinoa once it’s ready to eat. Ingredients that add interest to any dish, lemon, orange, lime and grapefruit juice or zest are zingy additions to a quinoa salad, bowl, soup or dip.
- Reach for prepared condiments to add heaps of flavor with zero effort. Just a spoonful of sauce or paste — be it pesto, miso paste, soy sauce, tahini or another favorite — will elevate any pot of quinoa.
- Flavor-boosting add-ins, such as cheese, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, can be used to add flavor and texture to a warm bowl of quinoa. Try one, and immediately notice the difference these tasty flavor-boosters can make!
Flavor Combos to Elevate Your Quinoa
As you can see, there’s no limit to what you can add to quinoa to boost its flavor, texture and to make it an integral part of any meal. Used in combination, these tasty add-ins offer even more layers of flavor. When planning your menu, think of the flavor profile you want your final dish to have. Then, choose a combination of add-ins that will take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure!
- Make quinoa a part of your next taco fiesta by mixing it with dried spices, fresh herbs and a blend of savory ingredients. Think cumin and chili powder, cilantro and fresh add-ins, like jalapeño, cotija cheese, corn and avocado.
- For a dish that sings with Mediterranean flavors, think bright, briny additions, such as oregano, lemon juice, feta and olives.
- Channeling Italy? Fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic will make any bowl of quinoa delizioso.
- Southeast Asian quinoa dishes benefit from a sprinkling of cilantro, basil and mint, a dash of fish sauce, lime juice or coconut milk, chopped chilies and ginger.
- For quinoa with Indian accents, try turmeric, garam masala or cumin, plus some fresh herbs and sautéed aromatics, such as onion, garlic and ginger.
Seasoned Quinoa Recipe Ideas
Don’t just take our word for it, try some seasoned quinoa recipes tonight! From taco bowls to salads, desserts to savory sides, we’ve got plenty of delicious ideas.
Baja Quinoa with Fish Taco Bowl
Baby kale and a zesty, cumin-spiked yogurt dressing liven up this bright, California-inspired bowl. Seasoned white fish is a light, protein-packed garnish but this bowl is irresistible with any firm fish, grilled chicken or favorite plant-based meat alternative.
Quinoa Tabouli
Though generally made with bulgur, this tabouli is gluten free and boasts a higher protein content thanks to the addition of Success® boil-in-bag quinoa. A zingy, Dijon and lemon-based dressing livens up every herb-packed bite.
Spicy Tuna Quinoa Salad Bowl
Spicy tuna salad tops nutty quinoa in this energizing bowl. For lunch or dinner, this dish is a welcome change from heavier fare.
Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Quinoa
If you’re wondering how to season quinoa as a side dish, this recipe is just one delicious answer! Served alongside pan-seared salmon (or a protein of your choice), quinoa mixed with stir-fried vegetables, sweet chili sauce and sesame oil is an elegant and satisfying alternative to takeout that can be on the table in just 30 minutes.
Savory Quinoa with Mushrooms & Garlic
Substitute vegetable bouillon granules for the chicken bouillon granules in this recipe and serve a hearty vegetarian main that will delight everyone at your table. Stirred together with earthy sautéed mushrooms and garlic, thyme, and parmesan cheese, this warming bowl of quinoa is as comforting as they come.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Spice up taco night with this zingy, layered quinoa salad. Bright and bold, and easy to customize, this recipe makes quinoa the star of any family fiesta.
Creamy Coconut Tropical Quinoa
Cooked in coconut milk, Success® boil-in-bag quinoa becomes creamy and rich, with a nutty, slightly sweet taste. Add coconut, sugar, lime juice, vanilla, cinnamon and plenty of fresh fruit to the mix and you’ll have an irresistible tropical bowl you’ll want to dive into at breakfast, snack time AND dessert!
