Description
This Best Quinoa Fried Rice recipe offers a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional fried rice by using protein-rich quinoa instead of white rice. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy sauce blend, making it a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, separated
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 3 green onions, finely sliced
- 3–4 tablespoons soy sauce, adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons optional oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Scramble the Egg: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Crack an egg into the skillet and cook it until scrambled, stirring occasionally to create soft curds. Once cooked, remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and transfer to a separate plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and heat until melted. Add diced carrots, chopped onion, peas, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onion and carrots are tender.
- Fry the Quinoa: Increase heat to high and add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted. Add cooked quinoa, sliced green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce if using. Stir well to combine and continue frying for 3 more minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Combine with Egg and Add Sesame Oil: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix everything together thoroughly. Drizzle in toasted sesame oil, stir, and then remove from heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the warm quinoa fried rice onto serving plates or bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of textures and savory flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Use day-old quinoa for best texture to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to control sodium content.
- Oyster sauce is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for variation.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you require the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing/Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: quinoa fried rice, healthy fried rice, vegetarian fried rice, easy quinoa recipe, gluten free fried rice alternative
