Name: Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: International
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 8 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious side dish, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe. It’s quick, requires just five ingredients, and packs a savory punch that turns plain quinoa into your new favorite staple. Trust me, once you try this buttery, garlicky quinoa, you’ll find yourself making it over and over—and I’ve got some handy tips to help ensure your version turns out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity at Its Best: Just five ingredients come together for maximum flavor without complication.
Buttery Garlic Goodness: Using butter or vegan butter with garlic powder infuses the quinoa with warmth and richness.
Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Cooking quinoa in veggie broth and letting it stand ensures each grain is light and tender.
Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe easily fits a vegan diet (swap the butter), and you can customize garlic intensity to your taste.

Garlic Butter Quinoa, garlic butter quinoa side dish, easy garlic quinoa recipe, savory quinoa recipes, quick vegetarian quinoa - A close-up of a white bowl full of cooked quinoa, which is light beige and fluffy. The quinoa grains are mixed with small green herb pieces scattered evenly throughout and seasoning specks of black and red on top. A gold spoon scoops up some quinoa from the bowl, showing the grain’s soft, slightly textured surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface with some green leaves blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These five ingredients create the magic in this garlic butter quinoa recipe. Each one plays a key role in texture and flavor, and I’ve found quality matters, especially with the broth and butter. Here’s why they work so well together.

Garlic Butter Quinoa, garlic butter quinoa side dish, easy garlic quinoa recipe, savory quinoa recipes, quick vegetarian quinoa - Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked white quinoa grains, a few curls of creamy vegan butter, a small white bowl filled with pale off-white garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small white bowl containing golden vegetable broth, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Quinoa: This tiny seed is not only gluten-free but cooks up fluffy and nutty, making a great canvas for flavor.
Butter or Vegan Butter/Ghee: Adds richness and creamy texture; I sometimes opt for ghee for a subtle nuttiness.
Simply Organic Garlic Powder: Garlic powder distributes flavor evenly, and using quality garlic powder means no bitter bites.
Sea Salt: Elevates all the flavors—don’t skip it, but adjust according to your broth’s saltiness.
Vegetable Broth: Cooking quinoa in broth rather than water brings depth—choose a low-sodium kind for better control.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this garlic butter quinoa recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it less garlicky—or love garlic so much you want to go extra—you can make it uniquely yours without any sweat.

Adjusting Garlic: I usually start with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, but sometimes I bump it up to 3 if I’m craving bold flavors. If you’re sensitive to garlic, start low and add more later—you can always sprinkle some raw minced garlic on top for an extra punch!
Butter Alternatives: Using ghee gives the quinoa a hint of nuttiness, while vegan butter keeps it plant-based and just as tasty.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving livens it up and adds a fresh note.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little warm kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Saucepan

First things first: add your quinoa, butter (or vegan butter/ghee), garlic powder, sea salt, and vegetable broth right into a small saucepan. I like using a medium-sized saucepan to give the quinoa room to expand and cook evenly. Before turning on the heat, give everything a gentle stir so the butter gets a head start on melting and all ingredients start mingling.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Place the pan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help the butter melt smoothly and prevent quinoa from sticking to the bottom. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. The goal here is to let the quinoa absorb all the flavorful broth while cooking to fluffy perfection.

Step 3: Remove Lid and Fluff the Quinoa

After 15 minutes, take the pan off the heat but don’t uncover just yet. Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently—this lets steam escape so it doesn’t get mushy. Then, let it sit for 5 more minutes uncovered, allowing any remaining moisture to evaporate. This last bit really makes a difference for that light, fluffy texture I love.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: I always rinse my quinoa under cold water first to get rid of any bitterness from the coating—it makes a noticeable difference.
Use Low Heat for Simmering: Keeping the heat low avoids scorching the butter and ensures gentle absorption of the broth.
Fluff With a Fork, Not a Spoon: This subtle technique helps keep each grain separate and fluffy rather than mushy.
Mind the Standing Time: Don’t skip the final 5-minute standing stage—it’s the finishing touch for perfect texture.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe

Garlic Butter Quinoa, garlic butter quinoa side dish, easy garlic quinoa recipe, savory quinoa recipes, quick vegetarian quinoa - A close-up view of a white bowl filled with cooked quinoa, showing light yellow grains mixed with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, along with a few red spice flakes and some black pepper. A golden spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herb leaves blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this garlic butter quinoa, I love topping it with a bit of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for vibrant color and freshness. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish beautifully, especially on a warm summer night. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This quinoa pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, grilled chicken or tofu, and even a hearty stew. I often serve it alongside a simple sautéed kale or spinach, which balances the richness of the butter and garlic perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this quinoa molded in small ramekins, then inverted onto plates to create a neat, compact mound. Garnishing with microgreens and a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil turns a humble side into an elegant dish that gets compliments every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic butter quinoa keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I store it, I like to cool it as quickly as possible to prevent sogginess, then reheat portions on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate it.

Freezing

If you want to freeze some, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When thawing, I prefer moving it to the fridge overnight before reheating gently to keep that fluffy texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, a quick warm-up in a skillet with a little butter or drizzle of broth works magic to revive that fresh-out-of-the-pot taste. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out. I sometimes add fresh garlic powder at this stage to give it a boost.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of vegetable broth for this Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe?

Absolutely, you can use water if you don’t have vegetable broth on hand. Just keep in mind that the broth adds extra flavor depth, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a bouillon cube to avoid a bland result.
How do I make sure my quinoa isn’t bitter?

Rinsing quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking helps remove its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. I always rinse mine in a fine mesh strainer for at least 30 seconds before using.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in this Garlic Butter Quinoa Recipe?

You sure can! Just finely mince 1-2 garlic cloves and sauté them briefly in butter before adding the quinoa and broth to the pan. Fresh garlic adds a different kind of punch, but using garlic powder keeps it even and subtle throughout.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Definitely! Use vegan butter or a good-quality plant-based spread instead of regular butter, and you’re all set for a vegan version that tastes just as dreamy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so as long as your broth and garlic powder don’t contain any gluten additives, this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter quinoa recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those go-to dishes that feels both fancy and super approachable. The rich garlic and buttery flavor make quinoa something to look forward to rather than just a healthy filler. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—whether as a quick weeknight side or a cozy weekend comfort food. Go on, give it a try and watch how it transforms your usual meals into something memorable.