Quinoa Veggie Fried "Rice"

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

Craving the comfort of Chinese fried rice but want a healthier alternative? This Quinoa Veggie Fried "Rice" is the answer to your prayers!

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Packed with protein-rich quinoa and an array of colorful vegetables, this nutritious dish will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling energized. A nutrient-packed spin on the classic Chinese dish, this recipe is not only delicious but also an excellent option for those seeking a healthier and lighter alternative.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 250

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen green peas
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Steps

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or vegetable broth). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Next, add the diced carrots, frozen green peas, diced red bell pepper, and chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Step 4

Push the stir-fried vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating space on the other side. Crack the eggs into that space and scramble them until they are fully cooked.

Step 5

Now, add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and mix it with the stir-fried vegetables and scrambled eggs. Pour the low-sodium soy sauce and rice vinegar over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 6

Garnish the Quinoa Veggie Fried "Rice" with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a delightful presentation.

Make it your own!

Incorporate other colorful vegetables like snow peas, water chestnuts, or baby corn for added texture and taste.
For a heartier version, add cooked and diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish.
Adjust the seasoning by adding a dash of chili sauce or extra soy sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.