Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Savory Broccoli Quinoa Fritters with Spicy Sriracha Aioli are a healthy and flavorful snack or appetizer. Packed with plant-based protein, smoky spices, and creamy aioli, they’re perfect for meal prep, parties, or a wholesome main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups filtered water (divided)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup almond meal or almond flour
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1¼ to 1½ teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ⅓ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or chile garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, then place it in a medium saucepan with 1½ cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, use a fork to fluff the contents, and allow it to cool.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a small pot, bring ½ cup water to a simmer. Add the frozen broccoli and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, flax egg, olive oil, almond meal, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Bites: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small patties or balls.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayonnaise with Sriracha or chile garlic sauce.
- Serve with Aioli: Serve the warm quinoa bites with a side of Sriracha aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Customizable: Replace broccoli with spinach or kale for a variation.
- Make-Ahead: Store the mixture in the fridge for up to a day before shaping and baking.
- Pan-Frying Option: Cook fritters in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil, 3–4 minutes per side.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked fritters and reheat in the oven for quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Plant-Based, vegan