Easy Cilantro Lime Quinoa Recipe (Stove or Instant Pot)
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This cilantro lime quinoa makes a wholesome alternative to rice! It’s deliciously zesty with a kick and can be made on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
Let’s veganize the crowd-favorite Cafe Rio cilantro lime rice with the nutritious quinoa!
This fluffy and flavor-packed quinoa can be used as an alternative to white rice, whether in tacos or burrito bowls or to add more oomph to salads.
The best part is it’s also Instant Pot-friendly if you don’t want to babysit the stove!
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Did you know that there are copycat recipes that are as delicious as the real thing but are entirely vegan? Check out Cafe Rio veggie salad and Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Recipe
- Cilantro quinoa is an easy addition to your weekly meal, and it can be made on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot!
- Use this versatile lime cilantro quinoa as a more nutritious alternative to white rice!
- This Instant Pot and stovetop quinoa recipe is great for meal prep and makes tasty leftovers! It’ll be perfect for hosting and feeding a crowd or as a quick but flavorful side dish when your schedule is packed.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Green chiles – This zesty cilantro lime quinoa Instant Pot and stovetop recipe features an extra punch of heat from green chiles.
Onion – Scallions are a nice alternative if you want something more delicate.
Fresh cilantro – You can also add herbs like basil, dill, and mint to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Uncooked quinoa – The base for this hearty and versatile Cafe Rio copycat rice alternative. You can also sneak in some riced cauliflower to amp up your veggies for this healthy side dish.
Vegetable Bouillon – Adds incredible flavor to the lime cilantro quinoa.
Garlic – Nothing beats fresh garlic for the best flavor!
Water – Double-check the recipe quantities for perfectly fluffy quinoa.
Fresh lime juice – Feel free to use the lime zest as well!
Salt and pepper – Seasonings for our cilantro lime quinoa.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Rinse the Quinoa Well
Pour quinoa into a strainer and rinse it under the faucet for 1 minute, stirring the grains with your fingers occasionally. You can also stir the grains in a bowl with cold water.
Toast the Quinoa
This is optional, but after you rinse and drain your quinoa, you can toast the grains in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes to add flavor and make your quinoa fluffier.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal by pairing this cilantro lime quinoa with black bean burritos and avocado cream sauce! You can also build delicious quinoa bowls with sofritas and street corn salad!
Lime Cilantro Quinoa Recipe FAQs
Which quinoa is best for lime cilantro quinoa?
Light, fluffy, and mildly flavored, white quinoa is the best choice for this Instant Pot and stovetop quinoa alternative for the Cafe Rio rice recipe. Tri-color, red, or black quinoa can also be used, but they have a different texture and flavor that might not be as satisfying for this cilantro lime dish.
What is a substitute for cilantro in cilantro quinoa?
Not a fan or out of cilantro? Feel free to make this quinoa recipe with flat-leaf parsley!
Should you rinse quinoa?
Yes! Otherwise, quinoa can taste soapy or bitter from its saponin coating.
How long can I keep cilantro lime quinoa in the fridge?
Leftover cilantro lime quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, reheat over medium-low heat with a tablespoon or two of water.
Can you freeze cilantro-lime quinoa?
Yes! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
More Delicious Vegan Recipes
- Quinoa Black Bean Salad
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
- Sheet Pan Tofu
- Veggie Spring Rolls
- Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
I found this recipe for Harissa Cauliflower Pilaf that I HAVE to try!
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Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 4-oz can green chiles
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 tsp vegetable Bouillon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups water for Instant Pot
- 3 cups water for stovetop
- 2 limes, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend the green chiles, chopped onion, and cilantro until smooth.
- Add the cilantro mixture and the remaining ingredients except the lime juice into the saucepan or Instant Pot.
Stovetop Method:
- Bring the ingredients to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Fluff the cilantro quinoa and mix in the lime juice. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as desired.
Instant Pot Method:
- Close the lid and select Manual. Set the timer for 5 minutes on High.
- Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Once the pressure is completely released, remove the lid, fluff the cilantro quinoa, and stir in the lime juice. Taste and add more salt and pepper as desired.
Notes
- Pour quinoa into a strainer and rinse it under the faucet for 1 minute, stirring the grains with your fingers occasionally. You can also stir the grains in a bowl with cold water.
- This is optional, but after you rinse and drain your quinoa, you can toast the grains in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes to add flavor and make your quinoa fluffier.
- Enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal by pairing this cilantro lime quinoa with black bean burritos and avocado cream sauce! You can also build delicious quinoa bowls with sofritas and street corn salad!
