Microwave Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Warm Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Cinnamon & Honey
How to Make a Healthy Breakfast Bowl with Quinoa, Fruit & Nuts
This comforting, warm, cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl recipe is totally customizable and perfect for meal prep! Simply cook quinoa on your prep day, reheat it in the morning, and serve it with cinnamon, honey, fruit, nuts, or any toppings you like. I’ll show you how to make a healthy quinoa breakfast bowl at home—including how to cook quinoa in the microwave.
I know, quinoa isn’t the most common breakfast food. But, if you enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal, this warm quinoa breakfast bowl is a tasty change of pace! It’s sort of like a quinoa breakfast porridge: hearty, comforting, and easy to pair with your favorite toppings. Plus, quinoa is a grain that’s rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, plant-based protein, and loads of nourishing micronutrients.
Quinoa is also a relatively affordable ingredient, and a great grain to use for meal prep. You can cook it over the stove in about 15 minutes, or in the microwave in about 10 minutes! Using the microwave makes this quinoa breakfast bowl a dorm-friendly option, but you can use whichever cooking method you prefer. Simple, nutritious, budget-friendly—and totally tasty!
Is it ok to eat quinoa for breakfast?
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy quinoa for breakfast! Although quinoa is often served in savory dishes, its neutral flavor and rich nutrients make it a great choice for breakfast. You can use quinoa in breakfast porridge, a quinoa fruit salad, or a cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl recipe like this. Cook your quinoa in advance, and it’s a fantastic meal prep option—similar to oats or rice!
Which is better: oats or quinoa?
In my view, the best choice is whichever you enjoy eating more! Nutritionally, both oats and quinoa are rich in complex carbs and fiber—making them great choices for sustained energy and digestive health. However, a serving of quinoa does offer a bit more protein, magnesium, and iron than a serving of oats. (Also keep in mind: a serving of dry rolled oats is ½ cup, while a serving of dry quinoa is ¼ cup.)
Which color of quinoa is the best?
Again, the best color of quinoa is whichever you actually enjoy eating! In my experience, white quinoa is the easiest and quickest to cook, with the best flavor and texture. Red quinoa and black quinoa tend to have a heavier texture, with more prominent nutty and earthy flavors. You’re welcome to use whichever color quinoa you prefer in your breakfast bowl, or tricolor quinoa!
How to Cook Quinoa in Microwave vs. Stovetop
Typically, quinoa is cooked in water on the stovetop, and it takes around 15 minutes or so. Or, for a simplified version (or if you don’t have a stove), you can cook quinoa in the microwave! Simply combine quinoa and water in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for 10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes after cooking, and voila!
How to Make a Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Cook quinoa as desired: either over the stove according to package directions, or in the microwave. Store cooked and cooled quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge.
- When ready to serve, add 1 cup cooked quinoa to a bowl or saucepan. Combine with a splash of milk, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
- Heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
- Serve in a bowl with fresh fruit, nuts, or whichever toppings you enjoy!
See how to make this warm quinoa breakfast bowl in my Stress-Free Meal Prep video!
Microwave Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients
Meal Prepped Microwave Quinoa (Optional)
- 2 cups dry quinoa
- 4 cups water
Per Quinoa Breakfast Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2-3 Tbsp milk of choice
- drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- pinch of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Toppings:
- ¼ banana, sliced
- ¼ cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 Tbsp slivered almonds
Additional Topping Ideas:
- other fresh fruit
- chopped nuts of choice
- dollop of yogurt
- drizzle of nut butter
- anything else you enjoy!
Instructions
How to cook quinoa in the microwave (optional):
- Option: In a fine mesh strainer, rinse dry quinoa with cold water, if needed. (This step removes bitterness but may or may not be necessary, depending on the brand of quinoa you’re using.)
- Place 2 cups dry quinoa (rinsed, if needed) and 4 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl or container.
- Cover with a lid or plate and cook 6 minutes. Remove and stir—half of the water should be absorbed.
- Return to the microwave for 4 more minutes and then allow to sit covered for 8-10 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, serve, and enjoy! Or, store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Yields ~6 cups cooked quinoa – enough for 6 breakfast bowls.
How to make a quinoa breakfast bowl:
- On prep day, cook quinoa over the stove according to package directions, or in the microwave (see above). Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- At the time of serving, add 1 cup cooked quinoa to a bowl (or saucepan) with a splash of milk, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Top with sliced banana, fresh berries, nuts, or whatever you like!
- Yields 1 quinoa breakfast bowl. Repeat each morning as desired.
Notes
237 calories | 3g fat | 47g carbs | 4g fiber | 7g sugar | 8g protein
4 Comments on “Microwave Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Recipe”
it’s my first go at this recipe, and I love it!
Fantastic! Such an easy breakfast option, right? Microwave quinoa is just as good as stovetop! Thanks for trying it out 🙂
love to mix the quinoa with oats or amaranth or other grains
Awesome! 🙂