Brisket With Lemon and Herb Quinoa Recipe

Brisket with lemon and herb quinoa is a delightful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of brisket with the refreshing, zesty taste of lemon-infused quinoa.

The brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, becoming tender and juicy, while the quinoa is light and aromatic, bringing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.

This recipe offers a unique twist on a classic dish, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Brisket With Lemon and Herb Quinoa Recipe?

• Healthy yet hearty: The quinoa adds a light, nutritious element to the dish, balancing out the rich brisket.
• Tender brisket: Slow-cooked to perfection, the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor.
• Zesty quinoa: Lemon and herbs make the quinoa a vibrant, refreshing side that complements the brisket beautifully.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients, yet delivers a gourmet-quality meal.
• Great for leftovers: Both the brisket and quinoa store well, making this dish perfect for meal prep or next-day meals.

Ingredients For Brisket With Lemon and Herb Quinoa

For this brisket with lemon and herb quinoa, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a flavorful, well-balanced meal.

For the Brisket

• 3–4 lb beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Lemon and Herb Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step By Step Instruction To Make Brisket With Lemon and Herb Quinoa

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the brisket on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the brisket and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir to combine. Return the brisket to the pot, fat side up, and cover.

Transfer the pot to the oven and roast for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. Baste the brisket occasionally with the cooking liquid. Once done, remove from the oven and let the brisket rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

PRO TIP: If the brisket is getting too dark in the oven, cover it with aluminum foil during the last hour of cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the brisket is cooking, prepare the quinoa. In a medium pot, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.

Remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Serve

Slice the rested brisket and serve it alongside the lemon and herb quinoa. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the brisket for added flavor. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory brisket and zesty quinoa in each bite.

FAQs or Tips Section

Here are some answers to common questions about making brisket with lemon and herb quinoa.

Can I use a different cut of beef for the brisket?

If you don’t have brisket, a chuck roast or round roast can be used as alternatives. Both cuts are ideal for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful when braised in liquid.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The quinoa can also be stored in the refrigerator for the same amount of time. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water to maintain moisture.

Can I make the quinoa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with the lemon and herb mixture just before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, both the brisket and quinoa can be frozen. For the brisket, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, slow-cook or bake it until heated through. The quinoa can also be frozen in a similar manner, though it may lose some texture when reheated.

Can I adjust the flavor of the quinoa?

Absolutely! You can add more herbs or even a little garlic for extra depth. Feel free to swap the parsley and mint for cilantro or basil, depending on your flavor preference.

Variations or Serving Suggestions

• Add vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be served alongside the brisket to add color and flavor to the dish.
• Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the quinoa or drizzle a little hot sauce over the brisket.
• Make it a salad: For a lighter, fresh option, serve the brisket on a bed of mixed greens or as a salad with the quinoa on top.
• Serve with a sauce: Try a tangy yogurt-based sauce or a mustard vinaigrette on the side to complement the brisket.

Nutrition + Summary

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	500
Protein	40g
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	650mg

Summary:
Brisket with lemon and herb quinoa is a balanced and flavorful meal that brings together the rich, savory taste of brisket with the fresh, zesty quinoa. The brisket becomes tender and juicy through slow cooking, while the quinoa provides a light, aromatic side with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, special occasion, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.