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Little Quinoa Patties

These nutritious quinoa patties are a versatile addition to any vegetarian repertoire, offering a satisfying texture and a savoury, moreish flavour. The combination of fresh chives, pungent garlic, and salty Parmesan or Gruyère creates a depth that pairs beautifully with the nutty profile of the grain. Whether served as a light lunch with a crisp green salad or as a protein-packed snack, these golden fritters are as wholesome as they are delicious.

This simple recipe is also highly practical for busy households and meal preparation. The uncooked mixture can be stored in the fridge for several days, allowing you to fry off individual patties whenever you need a quick, healthy meal. For a complete dinner, serve them topped with a dollop of soured cream or a spicy tomato chutney.

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Ingredients for Little Quinoa Patties

  • 600ml /350g /340 g cooked quinoa, at room temperature

  • 4 large eggs, beaten

  • 1/2 teaspoons fine-grain sea salt

  • 1/3 cup/.140g /15 g finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1 yellow or white onion, finely chopped

  • 50g /.140g /15 g freshly grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 130g /100g /100 g whole grain bread crumbs, plus more if needed

  • Water, if needed

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or clarified butter

Combine the quinoa, eggs, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the chives, onion, cheese, and garlic. Add the bread crumbs, stir, and let sit for a few minutes so the crumbs can absorb some of the moisture. At this point, you should have a mixture you can easily form into twelve 1-inch/2.5cm thick patties. I err on the very moist side because it makes for a not-overly-dry patty, but you can add more bread crumbs, a bit at a time, to firm up the mixture, if need be. Conversely, a bit more beaten egg or water can be used to moisten the mixture.

Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat, add 6 patties, if they'll fit with some room between each, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, until the bottoms are deeply browned. Turn up the heat if there is no browning after 10 minutes and continue to cook until the patties are browned. Carefully flip the patties with a spatula and cook the second sides for 7 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the skillet and cool on a wire rack while you cook the remaining patties. Alternatively, the quinoa mixture keeps nicely in the refrigerator for a few days; you can cook patties to order, if you prefer.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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