Batch Cooking Quinoa: 3 Easy & Kid-Friendly Meals

If you’re a busy parent (or just someone who loves easy meal prep), batch cooking is a game changer. It means you cook once and eat multiple times—saving time, effort, and stress during the week. One of my favorite batch-cooking staples? Quinoa!

Why Quinoa?

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, high-protein grain that makes a great base for a variety of meals. Here’s why you’ll love it:

✔ Packed with Protein – Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete plant-based protein. 

✔ Long-Lasting Energy – It’s a complex carb that provides steady energy (no sugar crashes!). 

✔ Keeps You Full – Its high fiber content helps with digestion and keeps hunger at bay. 

✔ Quick & Easy to Cook – Ready in 15 minutes, and it stores well for days. 

✔ Kid-Friendly – It has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with almost anything!

Now, let’s turn one batch of quinoa into three simple, delicious meals!

How Much Quinoa to Cook

To make these three recipes, you’ll need 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which comes from:

1 cup uncooked quinoa + 2 cups water = ~3 cups cooked quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.

2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of quinoa.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

4. Fluff with a fork and let cool before storing in an airtight container.

   
   
   
   

Now, let’s turn that one batch of quinoa into three tasty meals!

1. Quinoa Fried Rice

   
   

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)

• 1 egg (or scrambled tofu for a plant-based option)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• 1 green onion, chopped

• Protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu)

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add veggies and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

2. Push veggies to the side and scramble the egg in the same pan.

3. Add cooked quinoa, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well.

4. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.

5. Top with green onions and serve!

2. Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or dairy-free)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped veggies (zucchini, carrots)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

3. Scoop into the mini muffin tin, pressing down slightly.

4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

5. Let cool before serving!

   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Quinoa Taco Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup black beans (drained & rinsed)

• ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• ½ cup diced tomatoes or salsa

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder

• 1 lime, juiced

• ½ avocado, sliced

• Toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat quinoa with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices. Stir until warm.

2. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture.

3. Assemble your bowl with avocado, cheese, and any other toppings.

Serve as-is or with tortilla chips for extra crunch!