This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy
Quinoa Cakes – crispy quinoa patties that make a great side dish or even a meat-free main dish. Just a little cheesy, a hint of spicy and plenty of fresh herbs!
Quinoa is one of those grains that I think is very under-rated. You see it in a few recipes, but it is way more versatile that people give it credit for. It is perfect for a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad or this Mexican Quinoa Salad. But it can be so much more!
These Quinoa Cakes are loaded with fresh herbs, so they are anything but boring. Great for a side dish, a quick and easy summer dinner, or if you are just looking for a meat-free alternative. You can use your favorite herbs and cheese to make the different every time!
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Quinoa
- Parmesan Cheese
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Fresh Basil
- Dried Oregano
- Eggs
- Lemon Juice
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil
How To Make Quinoa Cakes
- Start by mixing together your cooked quinoa with the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, dried oregano and the fresh basil.
- Once everything is well combined stir in the eggs and panko breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into patties. It will be crumbly, so I find it easiest to form into a ball, place on a plate, and then gently press down and form the patty.
- Place the quinoa patties in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the quinoa patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and serve
Recipe Tips and Variations
- These are great to make ahead! You can form the patties and leave them in the fridge for a few days before cooking them. So next time you make quinoa, make sure to make extra to make these quinoa cakes.
- Mix up the cheese and herbs! I used Parmesan and basil for these, but you could use cheddar and cilantro, or Mozzarella and sage. They are very versatile, so just use whatever your family enjoys!
- Don’t skip the step of letting them sit for at least 15 minutes in the fridge. This helps them firm up, so they are easier to handle when they cook.
- The quinoa cakes are a little crumbly when you first mix the together. Just gently shape into a patty as well as you can, they will firm up and hold their shape much better once they are cold.
How To Serve Quinoa Cakes
These are great as a side dish or even as a main! Serve along side Seared Salmon or French Onion Chicken or break out the air fryer for Air Fryer Steak Bites for complete and delicious meal.
They make for a great main dish if you want something meat-free. They can also work great on a salad for more protein; like this Caesar Salad or Roasted Squash Salad are a great pairing.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Creamy Polenta
- Smoked Potatoes
- BLT Salad
- Roasted Edamame
- Broccoli Rice Casserole
Parmesan-Sage Quinoa Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Mix cooked quinoa, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, fresh basil, oregano and red pepper flakes in a large bowl until combined.
- Add the eggs and panko breadcrumbs and stir until everything is combined . Season with salt and pepper. The mixture should be moist and you can form into a ball. It will be slightly crumbly.
- Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop to measure the mixture and form into patties. For into a ball and place on a plate. Gently press down and form into a patty. The mixture will be a little crumbly.
- Place plate in the fridge and let set up for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat.
- Cook 3-4 patties at a time, to make sure you don't crowd the pan, for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove cooked patties from the pan, add the rest of the oil and cook the rest of the patties.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you
never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Did you know there is a Dinners,
Dishes, and Desserts SHOP? Lots of different E-Books for sale. Or you can buy me a
coffee to say thanks!
.
So happy to see Cassie here! I love both of your blogs, and these quinoa cakes look divine! Great guest post girls!
Oh, these sound so, so good! I just love quinoa…but have only used it in salads! Erin, you have a full plate this week…moving and a bake sale? So nice to find Cassie helping you out 🙂
YUM! These look fantastic! It kond of reminds me of the grain cakes we had in Chicago.
I love quinoa cakes, and these sound so fresh and summery!
You and Cassie are both great and I always find myself hungry on your blogs! These look awesome!
I love Cassie’ blog! These cakes look so good, I bet I could even get my son to eat quinoa if I made these!
Hi Cassie, I just adore quinoa and these look absolutely delicious!
This is such a fantastic idea! I am so excited to try it out! Thanks for sharing! YUM!
These quinoa cakes are absolutely amazing!! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
My mom absolutely love this! Such a good recipe!