Description
These Crispy Quinoa Patties are a delicious and healthy vegetarian option perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Made with cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, parmesan, and gluten-free breadcrumbs, they are pan-fried to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior. Versatile and satisfying, they can be served in pita, on salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed plain with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 and 2/3 cups cooked quinoa
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup gluten free whole grain breadcrumbs (or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped zucchini
- 1 Tablespoon oil, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, beaten eggs, salt, and lemon pepper. Stir in chopped parsley, onion, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic. Next, fold in the gluten-free whole grain breadcrumbs along with finely chopped carrot and zucchini. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb moisture, helping the mixture bind better.
- Form the patties: Once the mixture has rested, shape it into about 20 thick patties. The mixture should be moist but hold together well. If it’s too loose, add more breadcrumbs to firm it up, or add a couple of drops of water if too dry. The uncooked mixture can be refrigerated tightly covered for a few days until ready to cook.
- Cook the patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 5-6 patties at a time to the pan, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the bottoms turn deeply browned and crispy. Carefully flip them using a spatula, cooking the second side for about 5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove cooked patties to a plate and let them cool while cooking the remaining patties, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy quinoa patties plain or incorporate them into pitas, salads, sandwiches. They also pair wonderfully with sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor and variety.
Notes
- You can substitute regular whole grain breadcrumbs if not gluten free.
- Resting the mixture helps the patties hold their shape better while cooking.
- Adjust breadcrumbs as needed to get the perfect consistency — moist yet firm enough to hold.
- Use medium-low heat to ensure patties cook through without burning the exterior.
- The uncooked patty mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try various seasonings or add-ins like herbs or spices to customize flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian American