There was a time when I didn’t love quinoa. I tried and tried, but no avail. Finally I figured it out – make sure your quinoa is clean-wah! 
Quinoa only takes 10-15 minutes to cook, but I hate having to rinse it before cooking. The seeds stick everywhere! That’s why I was super excited when I saw this on my package of quinoa:
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And if you haven’t tried red quinoa before, you need to do so as soon as possible!
Isn’t it lovely?
Right away I knew what I wanted to make for lunch – a quinoa bowl!
This bowl is chock FULL of protein from the quinoa, chickpeas, and tofu! Although you could choose either the chickpeas or the tofu.
And speaking of tofu, I was a little perplexed as I created this bowl. You see, I’ve never marinated tofu in anything except my signature marinade (maple syrup + EVOO + tamari + apple cider vinegar.) Since I’m trying to limit my sugar intake after the holidays, I was up to the challenge to create a new marinade – one without sugar, but with all the deliciousness
I promise there’s quinoa underneath all this goodness:
Just trust me?
Tangy Quinoa Protein Bowl
makes three servings
Marinade/sauce:
2 tbsp canola/EVOO
1/2 large lemon
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Salad/Bowl:
1 block of extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 c. uncooked quinoa
1 c. water + 1 c. veggie broth (or just 2 c. water)
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1 c. fresh spinach
1 can organic chickpeas
Mix together the ingredients for the sauce, and add half to a ziplock baggie. Add the tofu to the baggie and marinade for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add the quinoa and the liquid to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid ~ 15 minutes. While the quinoa is simmering, place the tofu on a grill (I used my George Foreman) and cook for about 10 minutes. In a bowl, layer the spinach, then the cooked quinoa, then the veggies, chickpeas, and finally the tofu. Top with the rest of the sauce.
SO delicious. This may be my new go-to marinade for tofu!! I can’t tell you how happy I am that there were leftovers that I ate for today’s lunch 
Do you have a go-to marinade? – either a premade/bottled one or one that you make yourself?
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Back to work I go! Tonight I have a baby’s birthday to go to! My friend, Heidi’s baby girl turns 1 today!!
Have a great Tuesday!!
Looks delish! Tons of marinades going on here.
I’ve never seen red quinoa here in the UK — though I eat the regular stuff a lot. I also hate to wash it — you’ve made me wonder now whether I’m a bit lazy about that..
I have to confess that I don’t usually marinade tofu. I know that it would taste better if I did, but I just never have. Plus, well.. I’m lazy. Next time I buy some though, I’ll marinade it in this. Thanks!
I always use red wine vinegar or balsamic with oil. The perfect combo! I love quinoa, so good with everything. Especially garbanzo beans!
I love quinoa and tofu, especially together! I’ve never marinated tofu before, actually. I eat it totally plain, but I’m a little burnt out on it. When I pick some more up, I will be trying this
Your protein bowl looks AMAZING!! I am going to try this!!
thanks to this post, I realized that I definitely forgot to wash the quinoa when I made it for the first (and only) time a few weeks ago. I made it tonight and rinsed it before and I really do think it made a difference, haha.
This looks amazing! I love quinoa and tofu, so the two together sound like heaven! I can’t wait to try it out!
Your lunch looks so delicious and inspired me to want to make tofu this week. I love quinoa and recently tried the red quinoa too. I found it to be delicious. I totally agree that it is much easier to buy the pre-washed stuff!
This looks delicious! Quinoa is one of my favorite things to make at home and I love the red, too. Also really love chickpeas so this is right up my alley. I use a lot of red wine or balsamic vinegar in my dressings/marinades. And I love spicy mustard in my dressings as well. Anything that gives it a kick!
The rinsing is definitely the worst part about quinoa. I love that you found a no-rinse option. Now I’m on the hunt! This bowl has so many delicious ingredients. Yum!