Best Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe
This Best Quinoa Fried Rice recipe offers a wholesome twist on traditional fried rice by using nutritious quinoa instead of white rice. Featuring sautéed vegetables, fluffy scrambled eggs, and flavorful seasonings like soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, this dish is a quick, protein-packed, and vibrant meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the scrambled egg:
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 2 eggs (whisked until just combined)
For the sautéed vegetables:
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 small onion (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 3 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
- 2 medium carrots (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
For the quinoa fried rice:
- 4 cups cooked quinoa (completely cooled)
- 3 green onions (sliced, white and green parts separated)
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 3 to 4 tbsp soy sauce (start with 3 tbsp and add more to taste)
- 2 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Scramble the Egg: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Crack the whisked eggs into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, to form soft curds. Once cooked through and fluffy, remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set aside on a separate plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add diced carrots, diced onion, frozen peas, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Fry the Quinoa: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, melting it completely. Quickly add the cooked quinoa, sliced green onion whites, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir thoroughly to combine, and continue frying the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine with Egg and Add Sesame Oil: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet with the quinoa mixture. Stir everything together evenly. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the top and give a final stir. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the warm quinoa fried rice to serving plates or bowls and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and savory flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Ensure quinoa is fully cooled before frying to prevent clumping and achieve a better texture.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds extra umami depth; you can omit it for a vegetarian version and substitute with mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to customize vegetables or add protein like tofu or shrimp to suit your preference.
- Stir frequently during frying to avoid sticking and scorching.
Keywords: quinoa fried rice, healthy fried rice, quinoa recipe, easy stir-fry, gluten free fried rice, protein packed meal