Go Back

One-Skillet Mexican Quinoa

This Mexican quinoa dish is one of those one-skillet recipes that's perfect for feeding a large family. And the kids love it! Serve it for Cinco de Mayo or any night of the week.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican, south american
Servings 4 people
Calories 1799.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet with a tight-fitting lid
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve for rinsing quinoa

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup yellow corn
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium avocado - peeled pitted, and diced
  • 1 medium lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté jalapeño pepper and garlic in the hot oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir black beans, tomatoes, corn, quinoa, and chicken broth into the skillet. Season with pepper flakes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  • Add avocado, lime juice, and cilantro; stir until combined. One-Skillet Quinoa with Black Beans. Allrecipes

Notes

1. **Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly:** Do not skip rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes saponins, preventing a bitter taste and ensuring a fluffy texture.2. **Toasting for Depth:** For an even nuttier flavor, consider dry-toasting the rinsed quinoa in the skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding the liquid.3. **Spice Adjustment:** Taste and adjust the red pepper flakes and chili powder to your preference. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.4. **Perfect Quinoa:** Cook until the quinoa grains have absorbed the liquid and the tiny germ has separated from the seed, appearing as a small white ring. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushiness.5. **Fresh Finish:** The avocado, lime, and cilantro are crucial for brightness and balance; add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.