Description
Delicious and protein-packed quinoa fried ‘rice’ that captures all the flavors of traditional fried rice, but made healthier with quinoa instead of white rice. This quick and easy recipe features sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked and chilled quinoa
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add the whisked eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until scrambled and cooked through. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and transfer them to a separate plate to set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and heat until melted. Add the diced carrots, onion, frozen peas, and minced garlic. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onions and carrots are soft and fragrant.
- Add quinoa and sauces: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until melted. Quickly add the cooked quinoa, sliced green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients, and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to fry the quinoa evenly and enhance the flavors.
- Combine eggs and finish: Add the cooked scrambled eggs back into the skillet and stir to combine everything thoroughly. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the mixture, stir once more, and remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Serve the quinoa fried “rice” warm as a delicious and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Using chilled quinoa helps to achieve a better fried rice texture by preventing clumping.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the oyster sauce or replace it with mushroom sauce.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein if desired.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to control saltiness according to your taste.
- Toast the sesame oil gently before adding to release its full flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
