Even more delicious than traditional fried rice, this Quinoa Fried Rice is a healthier alternative and full of flavor.
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Fried rice originated way back during the Sui Dynasty in China, over a thousand years ago. Fried rice normally consists of rice, veggies, and meat or seafood. Basically, to prevent wasting food, whatever salvageable scraps were left, were added to rice and soy sauce to make the dish we have come to love.
Quinoa has also been around forever, longer than fried rice, like 5,000 to 7,000 years ago! At first, it was fed to livestock, but people began enjoying the “ancient grain” in the Andes. Around 2005 quinoa became increasingly popular in the States as a superfood that could be added to, like, ANYTHING!
Want quinoa for breakfast? Try this gluten-free Breakfast Quinoa Recipe made with pumpkin and whipped ricotta. Snack? How about Quinoa Energy Bars? You can also indulge in Quinoa Crusted Chicken or Crock Pot Pizza Quinoa for lunch or dinner.
I assure you though, that out of all the quinoa recipes you can find, you will love this Quinoa Fried Rice. It has a taste similar to traditional fried rice, with savory soy sauce and mixed veggies. Also, it is so simple, made in one pan, and is good for you!
Is Quinoa Fried Rice Healthy?
Yes, Quinoa Fried Rice is healthy! Quinoa is known as a superfood. It is a good source of protein and plenty of other vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, and folate. Quinoa has more fiber than any grain and contains anti-inflammatory components. There are also a bunch of delicious veggies and virtually no fat in this dish. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be vegan if you omit the two eggs that this recipe calls for.
Why this is the best dish ever
Not often do you find a delicious meal that contains all the food groups and is healthy. This Quinoa Fried Rice checks those boxes and you likely have the ingredients already. The best part about it is if you don’t have the exact veggies that it calls for you can clean out the veggie drawer in your fridge and toss it in with your quinoa. If you do not have onions or garlic you can use onion or garlic powder and achieve a similar flavor. If you have leftover chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu just add it to this dish! I love that this fried rice is yummy enough to warrant a compliment to the chef from my husband, but it is super easy!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked quinoa, chilled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Scramble
Heat oil and cook the eggs until scrambled. Set aside.
Sauté
Cook carrots and onions until soft, then add peas and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Fry
Turn up the heat, add quinoa and soy sauce, and fry until the quinoa is crispy.
Combine
Mix in the scrambled eggs and sesame oil, then remove from heat.
Serve
Plate your quinoa fried ‘rice’ and enjoy your meal!
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to five days. Also, you can make the quinoa a day or two before, then add it to the rest of the mix.
Quinoa is coated in a natural protectant called saponin. Supposedly, this reduces the bitterness, but it also seems to be a preference. I always rinse it because I am a rule follower.
Absolutely! You can use frozen or fresh vegetables for your Quinoa Fried Rice. You can use most things from your produce drawer or any frozen veggie. Just note that the frozen items will change the amount of liquid, so you may have to cook them down a bit.
While I find them interchangeable, there is a slight difference. White quinoa is less earthy than red and also does not need to cook as long. Either one works for this recipe!
Serving Suggestions
One of my favorite dishes to serve with Quinoa Fried Rice is this restaurant quality, paleo Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Be sure to make extra since everyone will want seconds and it tastes even better the next day, IMO. It also goes great as a side to this mouthwatering paleo Grilled Beef Stir Fry.
If you want to serve this as a main course go for it! To make it a bit heartier add Broccoli Stir-Fry or Asparagus Stir-Fry.
Quinoa Fried ‘Rice’
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked quinoa chilled
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
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Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs and set them aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, add the diced carrots and onions, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the peas and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked quinoa along with the green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine everything evenly. Fry the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the quinoa is slightly crispy.
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Fold the scrambled eggs back into the skillet, mixing well to distribute. Finish by stirring in the sesame oil and remove from heat.
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DEVOUR!
Nutrition
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