Brown Rice and Quinoa

Brown Rice and Quinoa is a wholesome and delicious side dish that combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the protein packed and slightly crunchy texture of quinoa. This quinoa brown rice recipe is a perfect blend of these two nutritious grains, creating a versatile side dish that can be served in so many ways. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this recipe is not only delicious but also really healthy.

A large bowl of cooked rice and quinoa with chopped herbs scattered on top.

We used to buy SO many of those microwave pouches of rice that were a brown rice and quinoa blend. Then I thought, why not just make my own and freeze it in portions? It is so easy to prepare and as well as being a versatile side dish, it's a great filling for burritos or wraps.

Quinoa and brown rice is a powerhouse of nutrients. Both grains provide ample amounts of fiber, which aids in digestion. Quinoa’s complete protein profile, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, making it richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor which we much prefer.

Looking for more ways to use quinoa? Why not try our Quinoa Greek Salad?

Jump to:

Ingredients and Substitutions
Variations
How to Make Brown Rice and Quinoa - Step by Step
Top Tip
Serving Suggestions
Storage
Extra Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
More Rice Recipes
Recipe
Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

A bowl of uncooked quinoa and a bowl of uncooked brown rice.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Brown rice - We used short grain basmati brown rice, as it's a little quicker to cook. If you have long grain brown rice, then add 5 more minutes on to the cooking time.
Quinoa - You can use white quinoa or use a mixture or red and white to make it more colorful.

Variations

Add Veggies: When the brown rice quinoa is cooking, why not cook up some vegetables to mix into it? I like cooking some diced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Protein Boost: For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to the dish and turn it into a full meal.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy twist.

How to Make Brown Rice and Quinoa - Step by Step

Step 1: Rinse the rice and quinoa under cold water and put into a saucepan.

Step 2: Add the water and salt and stir. Cover with a lid and simmer for 25 minutes.

Step 3: All the water will have been absorbed. Use a fork to fluff up the rice and quinoa.

Top Tip

To make this brown rice and quiona recipe higher in protein, then instead of water, cook it in bone broth. It's an easy way to make this more nutritious.

Serving Suggestions

This is such a versatile side dish and goes with so many meals. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve brown rice with quinoa:

Salads: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Tacos: Use as a filling for tacos or burritos with some avocado slices and salsa. They are great in our Bean Burritos.
Soup: To make soup more filling, we add a couple of spoonfuls of this brown rice and quinoa blend. It goes really well with our Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup.
Bowls: Create a nourishing grain bowl by adding roasted veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Why not add it to our Greek Chicken Bowls or Chicken Protein Bowls?

A bowl of chicken, rice, vegetables and cheese.

Storage

Store: Cool the rice quickly by spreading it out over a lined baking tray. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure you have fully cooled the quinoa brown rice fully before it is stored.

A lined baking tray with rice and quinoa cooling on it.

Freeze: For longer storage, which is great for meal prep, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Defrost: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the grains moist.

Extra Tips

Rinse the brown rice and quinoa under cold water to remove any excess starch and bitterness.
For more flavor, you could cook this in chicken stock rather than water.
Once you turn the heat off, leave the lid on the pan until you are ready to serve it.
If you are adding this to a salad, I would leave it to cool a little first.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs before serving to freshen it all up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can brown rice and quinoa be cooked at the same time?

Yes, they can both be cooked at the same time as they are very similar. We used basmati rice though. If you use long grain rice, it will need 5 minutes longer and you risk the quinoa becoming mushy.

Is this gluten free?

Brown rice and quinoa are both gluten free ingredients. Make sure there is no cross contamination to be sure this is a gluten free dish.

More Rice Recipes

If you’ve tried this rice and quinoa recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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