Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms (Easy Fall Side Dish)

Name: Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Harvest Blend couscous and quinoa; 2 tablespoons butter (divided); 2 large cloves garlic, chopped; 3 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; Pinch red pepper flakes; 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced; Juice from one lemon; Pinch of salt and pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, stemmed and chopped

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Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms combines the nutty goodness of Israeli couscous, the protein-packed power of quinoa, and the earthy umami of shiitake mushrooms. This easy fall side dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that's not only incredibly delicious, but so simple to prepare!

Couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms in a white bowl with a fork on top of a wooden board with a linen napkin and red pepper flakes on the side.

A delicious and easy fall side dish can truly elevate any autumn meal, like this rustic couscous and quinoa recipe. It's so hearty, healthy, and delicious! Simple ingredients, like garlic, ginger, and shallots, boost the flavors in this earthy, fall side dish. It's also perfect as a main dish!

Pair this yummy side dish with my Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for a complete meal. This recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare!

In This Article:

Ingredients you'll need for this recipe
Variations and substitutions
How to make couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms
Nutritional benefits
What goes well with this easy fall side dish?
Storage instructions
Common FAQ's
Want more recipes like this one?
Recipe notes
Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms

Ingredients you'll need for this recipe

[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]

Labeled ingredients for making couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms on top of a wooden board.

Simple ingredients, bold flavor! Here's what you'll need to make my Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms recipe:

Couscous and quinoa. I used Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend. (You can sub with 1 cup of couscous and ¼ cup of quinoa.)
Chicken broth. Adds a depth of flavor to the grains. You can also use vegetable broth to make this vegetarian.
Shiitake mushrooms. Hearty, earthy, shiitake mushrooms have the perfect texture for this dish.
Shallots. I like the subtle flavor of shallots vs. red onions. Your choice!
Garlic. What's not to love about garlic?
Ginger. Adds a bit of tang and spice to the grains.
Butter. For richness, but you can sub with coconut oil or olive oil.
Lemons. The acid makes the flavors pop!
Red pepper flakes. For a bit of heat.
Cilantro. Fresh cilantro really brightens up this side dish. Dried will also work here. If you're not a fan of cilantro, try fresh basil or parsley instead.
Salt and pepper. Just a pinch, to taste.

Trader Joe's Harvest Blend couscous and quinoa in a bag and in a bowl on the side on top of a wooden board with a linen napkin.

I love Trader Joe's Harvest Blend. In addition to the Israeli (pearl) couscous and red quinoa, it's got other grains, like orzo and baby garbanzo beans. If there's not a Trader Joe's in your area, you can order this on Amazon.

Variations and substitutions

Grains. Instead of the Harvest Blend, you can use 1 cup of Israeli (pearl) couscous and ¼ cup of quinoa.
Make this vegetarian. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Mushrooms. If you're not a fan of shiitake mushrooms, feel free to add your favorite mushrooms. Or, add in other varieties of mushrooms with the shiitake.
Onions. I used shallots, but red or white onions will work just as well in this dish.
Garlic and ginger. I always think fresh is best, but in a pinch you can use garlic powder and ginger powder (about a teaspoon of both).
Butter vs. oil. If you don't like using real butter, sub with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, or olive oil. Canola oil would also work, but would not have the richness of flavor.
Herbs. You can get creative here. Torn fresh basil would be great in this recipe, either alone, or with the cilantro. I think fresh thyme and parsley would also work. In a pinch, you can always use dried herbs.
Make it a meal. Add protein to this recipe, like tofu, chicken, or steak, for a complete meal.

How to make couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms

Follow these simple steps to make this easy Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms recipe!

[*See recipe card for detailed instructions.]

Slicing shallots on a cutting board with sliced shiitake mushrooms, and cilantro on the side.

1. Slice the shiitake mushrooms.

Grating ginger on a cutting board with sliced shiitake mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and cilantro on the side.

2. Chop the garlic and grate the ginger.

3. Slice the shallots.

Couscous quinoa blend being put into a pot of chicken broth on a stove.

4. Add the couscous quinoa shiitake blend to the chicken broth.

A wooden spoon stirring couscous in a pot over a stove.

5. Cook according to package directions, and until the broth is absorbed.

A wooden spatula stirring sliced shiitake mushrooms, shallots and garlic in a frying pan on a stove.

6. Sauté the garlic, shallots, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms.

Cooked couscous and quinoa blend being poured into a frying pan with cooked shiitake mushrooms and shallots.

7. Add the couscous quinoa shiitake mixture to the sautéed veggies.

A wooden spatula inserted into a frying pan filled couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms on top of a wooden board with a linen napkin and red pepper flakes on the side.

8. Stir to combine, and serve!

A wooden spoon holding up a blend of couscous and quinoa over a pot on a stove.

Can you believe this couscous quinoa shiitake blend only takes 10 minutes to make? The combo of healthy grains, like quinoa, hearty couscous, and orzo pasta, plus the addition of healthy veggies, makes this side dish so satisfying and delicious!

TOP TIP: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth or water!

Nutritional benefits

Considered a "healthy fast food," couscous serves as a valuable reservoir of various vitamins and minerals, among them the immune-boosting selenium. This vital mineral functions as an antioxidant and holds significance in supporting thyroid function and the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Quinoa boasts abundant fiber content and provides a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals often lacking in typical diets. Incorporating quinoa into your regular meals can aid in fulfilling your requirements for magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and folate.
Shiitake mushrooms are a superfood powerhouse that contain numerous nutrients. Compounds in shiitake may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and support heart health.

Hands holding up a white bowl filled with couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms over a wooden board with a linen napkin and red pepper flakes on the side.

This hearty, healthy, and easy fall side dish can be served warm, or at room temperature.

What goes well with this easy fall side dish?

Consider these main dishes to pair along with this Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms recipe: Vietnamese Grilled Pork Tenderloin Skewers, Thai Curry Chicken, Pressure Cooker Asian Meatballs, and Easy Miso Glazed Salmon.

I also love to serve this couscous quinoa shiitake blend at room temperature over a salad drizzled with vinaigrette. It's so healthy and hearty!

Storage instructions

You can make this recipe a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it on the stove over low heat (add a few tablespoons of water, or broth, if it's too dry). You can always reheat this in the microwave for 2 minutes.

To freeze: Place in an airtight container or freezer-safe baggie in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw before reheating.

A spoonful of couscous and quinoa with shiitake mushrooms being held up above a white bowl on top a wooden board with a linen napkin and red pepper flakes on the side.

Common FAQ's

Does quinoa taste like rice?

Quinoa is actually a seed that originated in the Andes, and comes in three different colors. Quinoa has a nutty undertone and an earthy aftertaste similar to brown rice, but with a soft, yet slightly chewy, texture.

Why is my couscous not fluffy?

With too much liquid, your couscous will go soggy. With not enough, it'll be hard. So, take the time to make all measurements accurately.

Want more recipes like this one?

If you liked this Couscous and Quinoa with Shiitake Mushrooms recipe, you're going to want these delicious recipes too!

Recipe notes

I used Trader Joe's Harvest Blend because it's so easy to make. But, you can use 1 cup of Israeli (pearl) couscous and ¼ cup of quinoa instead of this blend.
If you're a fan of veggies like I am, try adding in other veggies like colorful bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
Want it spicier? Add in more red pepper flakes, or add in some hot peppers.

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