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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is the first step in making veggie fried quinoa. Quinoa is your base, providing protein and fiber. Rinse it well to remove the bitter coating. You will need vegetable broth for cooking the quinoa, which adds flavor. Next, let’s talk about the vegetables. You’ll want to use a mix for color and taste. Diced onion and minced garlic start your dish with a strong base. The carrot and red bell pepper add crunch and sweetness. Snap peas give a fresh snap, while spinach adds a nice green touch. For flavor, soy sauce or tamari is key. It gives depth and umami. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang. Ginger brings warmth and spice. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance everything. To finish, a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds makes the dish pop. This combination makes veggie fried quinoa not just healthy but also very tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps to remove any bitterness. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring this mix to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the broth and become fluffy. After 15 minutes, remove it from the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside for later. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to look translucent. Then, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Cook this mix for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, add 1 diced carrot and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to start to soften. After that, toss in 1 cup of trimmed and halved snap peas and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Stir everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the snap peas should remain crisp. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir everything gently, mixing the quinoa with the veggies and sauces. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking. Remove the skillet from the heat. You can garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your colorful and tasty veggie fried quinoa! How to rinse quinoa properly Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating called saponin. This coating can taste bitter. To rinse, place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water for about 2 minutes. Use your hands to stir, so all grains get washed. Checking quinoa for doneness You know quinoa is done when it’s fluffy and the grains have split. The outer ring should separate from the seed. Usually, this takes about 15 minutes of simmering. Let it rest for five minutes after cooking. This step helps the grains fluff up. Suggestions for additional spices To boost flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. You can also try cumin or coriander for an earthy touch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add brightness. Use these spices to match your taste. When to add salt and pepper I recommend adding salt and pepper toward the end of cooking. This way, you can taste and adjust the seasoning. Start with a small pinch, then add more as needed. Remember, it's easier to add than to take away! Best side dishes to pair with veggie fried quinoa Veggie fried quinoa is filling and tasty on its own. Yet, it pairs well with a light salad or steamed broccoli. You might serve it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for more protein. This adds variety and balance to your meal. Garnishes to elevate the dish Garnishing makes your dish look great and adds flavor. Chopped green onions add crunch and color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nutty taste. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice on top for extra zest. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Use Homemade Vegetable Broth: For the best flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought, as it can significantly enhance the dish. Mix and Match Veggies: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor. Let it Rest: Allowing the cooked quinoa to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking helps it fluff up and improves the texture. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your veggie fried quinoa easily. Here are some great choices: - Beans: Black beans or chickpeas add flavor and protein. - Tofu: Firm tofu works well. Just cube it and sauté until golden. If you're not vegetarian, try these alternatives: - Chicken: Add diced, cooked chicken for a hearty meal. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink for a tasty twist. Feel free to switch up the veggies in your dish. Here are some ideas: - Broccoli: It adds crunch and color. - Zucchini: Diced zucchini cooks quickly and tastes great. - Corn: Sweet corn brings a nice pop of flavor. You can also use seasonal veggies for freshness. In summer, try bell peppers or summer squash. In fall, add pumpkin or Brussels sprouts. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. Here’s how: - Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. - Low-carb: Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice for fewer carbs. These adjustments keep the meal healthy while still being delicious. To store leftover veggie fried quinoa, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep the moisture in. Store in the fridge for up to four days. Look for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or strange colors, before eating. You can freeze veggie fried quinoa for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Quinoa is great for weekly meal prep. You can make a big batch and use it in various meals. Store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Mason jars or glass containers work well for this. You can mix it with different proteins and veggies throughout the week. This keeps meals fresh and exciting. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the quinoa and sauté the veggies. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat them together in a skillet. This saves time and keeps it fresh. How do I make quinoa less sticky? To reduce stickiness, rinse the quinoa well before cooking. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. This removes the saponins, which can make quinoa sticky. Also, make sure to fluff it with a fork after cooking. What are the nutritional benefits of quinoa? Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein and fiber. It contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diets. Plus, it has vitamins and minerals like magnesium and B vitamins. Is veggie fried quinoa healthy? Yes, veggie fried quinoa is a healthy meal. It combines nutritious vegetables and quinoa. This dish is low in calories and high in nutrients. It's perfect for a balanced diet, offering great flavors without extra calories. What to do if quinoa is mushy? If quinoa turns out mushy, it likely cooked too long or had too much water. You can try to dry it out by spreading it on a baking sheet. Let it cool and air out. Next time, use the right water-to-quinoa ratio. How to fix overly salty quinoa? To fix salty quinoa, rinse it under cold water. This can help remove some salt. You can also mix in more plain cooked quinoa to balance the flavor. Add veggies or other ingredients to help absorb the saltiness. This blog post covered how to make veggie fried quinoa successfully. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and essential tips. I shared ways to enhance flavors and provided variations to fit different diets. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Veggie fried quinoa is simple, tasty, and adaptable to your needs. You can create a healthy dish that everyone will love. Get cooking and enjoy your meal!

Colorful Veggie Fried Quinoa

A vibrant and healthy quinoa dish packed with colorful vegetables and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Toss in the snap peas and spinach, stirring well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and snap peas are tender-crisp.
  • Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet, pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, and stir everything together gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Keyword fried quinoa, healthy, quinoa, vegetables