Broccoli Quinoa Cakes

Name: Broccoli Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (or sub 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa); 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets (8 ounces); 1 scallion, diced; 1/4 cup chopped herbs- basil, dill, Italian parsley, or cilantro (use what you have); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 garlic clove, finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic); 1/4 cup almond flour (or use bread crumbs), more as needed; 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, jack, mozzarella or vegan cheese); 2-3 tablespoons oil for searing.

These vegetarian Broccoli Quinoa Cakes can be made in 30 minutes flat & are a delicious healthy meal that your whole family will love! Video. See 20+ Fresh Yummy Broccoli Recipes or our 20 Best Quinoa Recipes!

broccoli quinoa cakes with vegan cilantro crema drizzled over top, served in bowl with green salad and red cabbage.

Do not try to save the world or do anything grandiose. Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then, will you know how to give yourself to this world so worthy of rescue.
Martha Postlewaite

Here’s an easy healthy recipe for Broccoli Cakes that are made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s a quick and healthy nutritious meal that really satisfies! Filling yet light, I love these best served with a generous side of salad or simple sauteed greens.

If you would like to add a flavorful sauce, the possibilities are endless here and I’ll list a variety of options in the recipe notes. Here I’ve served them with this Vegan Cilantro Crema that I had from leftover tacos.

Also, I intentionally left the seasonings pretty basic here, to make them easy and accessible—and I know you will find ways to jazz these up to your liking!

Why You’ll Love This

Easy, 30-minute recipe. Made in 30 minutes flat for quick lunches or dinners.
Healthy and vegetarian. Quinoa is an energizing superfood and broccoli is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
So versatile! Jazz these up with your favorite spices, and serve with greens, as a burger, in a wrap, or on top of a bowl.
Family friendly! A freezer-friendly meal with veggies that kids will love.

Ingredients

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferred, however you could use frozen broccoli if it’s all you have.
Quinoa: 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa or 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa.
Scallion and fresh herbs: Basil, dill, Italian parsley, or cilantro. Use what you have!
Egg: Essential for binding the cakes together.
Garlic: Use a garlic clove or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic.
Almond flour: Or sub breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed).
Grated cheese: Cheddar cheese, jack, mozzarella, or vegan cheese (you could add parmesan cheese in addition to any of these).
Spices: This recipe just calls for salt and pepper, but feel free to jazz the cakes up however you like with spices like onion or garlic powder or chili flakes.
Oil: For searing. Use olive oil or whatever you prefer.

How to Make Broccoli Quinoa Cakes

Step 1: Cook quinoa. Bring rinsed quinoa and 1 cup water to boil in a small pot. Cover and lower heat to simmer 10-12 minutes until tender and water is gone. Turn off heat and cool 5 minutes, covered.

uncooked quinoa and water in small saucepan to cook.

Step 2: Steam broccoli. While quinoa cooks, steam broccoli until fork tender, being careful not to overcook. Drain, cool, and pat dry.

fresh broccoli florets in saucepan with lid over top steaming on stovetop.

Step 3: Combine and pulse. Place broccoli, scallions, herbs, cooked quinoa, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese into a food processor and pulse repeatedly until finely ground. Pulse in the almond flour.

ingredients for broccoli cakes in food processor.

Step 4: Form patties. The mixture should slightly sticky and easily form a patty. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon almond flour at a time until manageable. With damp hands, form 4 large patties, pressing them together.

Tip: You shouldn’t need to coat these in flour or breadcrumbs, but if they feel very wet then feel free too. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

broccoli quinoa cake batter in bowl with spoon.

Step 5: Sear. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place broccoli fritters in the skillet, lowering heat to medium-low or low. Resist the temptation to fiddle with them! As they form a golden crust, they will naturally release from the pan. Flip after about 5 minutes.

broccoli quinoa cakes formed into patties on cast iron skillet, frying.

Pan-sear the other side until slightly puffed in the center (indicating the egg is cooked through), lowering heat more if need be.

Tip: You can also finish cooking these through in 350F oven after pan-searing if they are getting too dark on the stovetop.

broccoli quinoa cakes frying on cast iron skillet with top side already seared.

Step 6: Serve. Serve with a slaw, side salad, or sauteed greens. Top with a flavorful sauce if you like!

stack of broccoli quinoa cakes with one sideways, showing seared sides and crisp quinoa edges, on white serving dish.

How to Serve Broccoli Quinoa Cakes

Serve with a side dish of greens or a salad with sauce drizzled on top, or serve for breakfast with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Storage & Reheating

These Broccoli Quinoa Cakes are perfect for making ahead of time to refrigerate or freeze for later when you need a quick meal!

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375F for about 6-8 minutes until warm. You can also place them in the toaster oven.

FAQs

Why are my Broccoli Quinoa Cakes not sticking together?

When steaming the broccoli, be careful not to overcook and make sure to pat dry thoroughly. This ensures that the cakes stick together! The quinoa should be dry and not watery as well.

What can I use instead of quinoa?

You can substitute 1 1/2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice for the quinoa in this recipe.

Health Benefits of Broccoli Quinoa Cakes

Creating delicious vegetarian dishes like Broccoli Quinoa Cakes is not just about pleasing the palate, but it’s also about nourishing the body with essential nutrients. Broccoli and quinoa, the main ingredients of these cakes, bring a powerhouse of benefits to your table.

Broccoli: Packed with vitamin C and K, contains good amount of folate, potassium, and iron, and is high in fiber to aid digestion and maintain low blood sugar. Antioxidants, like sulforaphane, can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic disease.
Quinoa: Contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein that builds and repairs tissues. Rich in fiber for digestive health, with a low glycemic index, having less impact on blood sugar levels. Quinoa is also high in magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and folate.

When brought together in a tasty cake form, broccoli and quinoa offer a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients, keeping you satiated and energized! Pair with even more vegetables with a side salad!

crispy broccoli quinoa cakes in serving dish with side salad and cabbage.

Let us know what you think of these Broccoli Cakes. I’ve made several batches this week and all have quickly disappeared. Always a good sign. 😉

Have a lovely weekend.

Sylvia