Quinoa Fried Rice + Tips on Making Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
204 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Vegetarian
Quinoa Fried Rice + Tips on Making Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
Description
Quinoa Fried Rice combines cooked quinoa with sautéed vegetables including peas, carrots, and onions, along with minced garlic and a touch of garlic powder. The quinoa is cooked with water until fluffy, then combined with the tender vegetables in a pan. Optionally, scrambled eggs can be added by creating a space in the pan for cooking them before mixing everything together. Soy sauce is used to season the mixture, providing depth and saltiness that balances the mild quinoa and vegetables.
The vegetables are cooked until tender, with garlic added at the end to prevent burning and preserve its flavor. This cooking approach ensures each component retains its texture and integrates well in the final dish. The quinoa replaces traditional rice, offering a slightly nutty taste and a fluffy texture when properly cooked and fluffed with garlic powder.
This recipe works well as a standalone meal or a side dish and can be garnished with parsley or chopped green onion for freshness. Additional sauces like sweet chili sauce or Sriracha can be added to adjust the flavor to taste.
Adjusting the soy sauce amounts allows control over the saltiness, and steaming the peas separately prevents overcooking. Using butter or oil for sautéing supports a richer mouthfeel. Leftovers can be stored and reheated, with flavor enhanced by adding sauces before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 1.5 cups water
- 2-4 tsp soy sauce add a little to start and extra to taste!, low sodium
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup vegetable peas, carrots, and onion, fresh or frozen
- 1-2 egg optional, large
- oil I typically reach for the butter, or butter, for sautéing
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook your quinoa via the method mentioned above.
- While its cooking, prep your veggies! I used frozen peas, fresh baby carrots, and fresh onion since it's what I had on hand. Any combo of veggies, frozen or fresh will work.
- Saute the carrots and onion in a small frying pan until tender. You'll saute your garlic too but add it towards the very end to prevent burning.
- For the peas, I microwave-steamed a small bag and saved the rest for later; however, any cooking method for those delish little peas will work, including tossing them in the skillet with the other veg.
- If you're adding eggs to the mix, push the veggies to one side of the hot pan and crack your eggs on the other side and scramble.
- If your using a stainless or cast iron pan, you might want to add a teeny bit of butter or oil to the pan before cracking the eggs.
- By now the quinoa should be ready. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, fluff, and toss your quinoa into the pan with the veggies.
- Next add your soy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and pan fry for a few minutes.
- Serve hot and garnish with parsley, sweet chili sauce, and extra low-sodium soy sauce =)
Notes
- Garnish with parsley or green onion to add freshness and color before serving.
- Try drizzling sweet chili sauce or Sriracha for extra flavor variations according to your preference.
- When cooking frozen peas, consider steaming separately to retain texture before mixing with other sautéed vegetables.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity gradually to suit your saltiness preference without overpowering the dish.
- Use butter or oil when sautéing to enrich the dish and avoid sticking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 204 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 204kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 132mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 350mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 2370IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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