Quinoa Patties Recipe: How to Make Quinoa Cakes

Quinoa patties, also known as quinoa cakes, are a meat substitute featuring quinoa, a starchy edible seed. The whole grain’s slightly chewy texture mimics ground meat and blends well with mix-ins like zucchini and mushrooms. Like Italian meatballs, quinoa patties use egg and breadcrumbs (or flax egg and gluten-free breadcrumbs) to help the ingredients bind.

Quinoa patties come together quickly, and it doesn’t take too much effort to ensure these vegetarian treats are flavorful, light, and crisp. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. 1. Use a binding agent. An egg keeps the patty in one consistent piece so it doesn’t fall apart in the pan. To make these vegan quinoa cakes, simply use a flax egg as an egg replacement. (To make a flax egg, combine one part flaxseed meal with three parts water.)
2. 2. Watch the moisture level. If you want to achieve crispy exteriors, your patty mixture should be moist but not wet. Breadcrumbs will soak up some of the liquid, but be sure to drain wet ingredients of their liquid as much as possible.
3. 3. Use up leftovers. Take inspiration from Italian arancini (fried balls made of day-old rice), and use leftovers to make your quinoa patties. Any leftover quinoa or quinoa salad, cheese ends, condiments, or sautéed vegetables can work.
4. 4. Try different cooking approaches. Shallow-frying the patties in a sauté pan with oil yields a crisp outside and a tender inside. For extra-crispy quinoa cakes, deep-fry them, like falafel. To use less oil, bake the patties in the oven or in an air fryer.
5. 5. Personalize the flavor profile. Bulk up your quinoa patties with mashed chickpeas or black beans, or incorporate sweetness with grated carrot or sweet potato. Add warming spices and turmeric for curry-scented patties. Try oregano, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and cured pitted olives for a Mediterranean-style patty.
6. 6. Add a cheesy filling. When rolling up the patties, add a small chunk of mozzarella cheese to the center of each patty. The cheese will melt beautifully as the patties cook and provide a welcome surprise when eating.
7. 7. Plan ahead of time. If you’re making this dish ahead of time, simply form the patties and layer them between sheets of parchment paper to freeze. Thaw the patties completely before cooking.

Quinoa has a relatively neutral taste that lends itself to many dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy quinoa patties:

1. 1. As an appetizer or side: Enjoy these patties served with your favorite dipping sauce as a side dish or appetizer. Try avocado crema for a refreshing, colorful option.
2. 2. As a “falafel” sandwich: A pita filled with quinoa patties, tahini dressing, and diced tomatoes and cucumbers makes for a flavorful, falafel-like Middle Eastern–inspired vegetarian meal. Use Yotam Ottolenghi’s tahini recipe, which features a hint of lemon and garlic to let the sesame paste shine.
3. 3. As the main dish: Serve quinoa patties with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables for a complete, nourishing supper.
4. 4. In burgers and sliders: Swap store-bought veggie burgers for quinoa patties on a bun. Top quinoa patties with tomato and lettuce, plus a dollop of relish, ketchup, or mustard.
5. 5. In grain bowls: For a filling lunch, add quinoa patties to grain bowls alongside fresh herbs, roasted red pepper, and marinated feta cheese.