Quinoa Fried Rice is a meal I made at least once a week for Ben and myself when we were first married. Then, I became distracted cooking other things (all 800+ of these healthy recipes perhaps?), and it fell off our usual rotation. Last week, I was digging through our freezer (always an adventure) and found a big container of cooked quinoa I had stashed away. We also had a few straggler vegetables and a casual chicken breast hanging out in the refrigerator, awaiting their purpose. Like finding $5 in a pair of jeans or a forgotten shirt hanging in the back of a closet, I felt the joy of rediscovering something I once loved. We had Quinoa Fried Rice for dinner that very night. It tasted new and exciting and even more delicious than I remembered. Quinoa Fried Rice is essentially the same idea as regular fried rice (just replace the cooked rice with cooked quinoa), but nothing about it tastes “regular” at all. If you prefer the idea of rice, try this Homemade Fried Rice recipe instead.
Quinoa Fried Rice – Anything But a Basic Stir Fry
Quinoa Fried Rice, Game Changer Part 1: The Ratio.
I know we already discussed this, but I must say it again. Most restaurant fried rice is overpriced, underwhelming, and sorely lacking in tasty mix-ins like vegetables, eggs, and chicken or shrimp. I’m forever tempted to order it based on potential alone, but it lets me down every single time. To be fair, fried rice is usually meant to be a side dish and not a main, but if I’m going to the trouble to cook vegetables, meat, eggs, AND a grain like rice or quinoa, you best believe I want a full, hearty meal in exchange for my effort. This Quinoa Fried Rice delivers. It’s a one-pan plan that hits every food group. I elected to make my Quinoa Fried rice with chicken because that is what we had on hand, but I think Quinoa Fried Rice with shrimp would also be super yummy. For a vegetarian version, you could use tofu (this Crispy Tofu would be perfect) or simply omit the meat all together. For vegetables, I used carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers, which are nutritious, beautiful, and give the Quinoa Fried Rice a colorful, almost confetti-like appearance.
Quinoa Fried Rice, Game Changer Part 2: Protein.
A key element to making this Quinoa Fried Rice tasty and satisfying enough to be a full meal is protein. Even if you omit the chicken, it still is protein rich, thanks to the quinoa itself (which is higher in protein than rice), eggs, and edamame. Bring a container of this leftover-friendly Quinoa Fried Rice for lunch and you’ll stay full and happy all afternoon.
Quinoa Fried Rice, Game Changer Part 3: Simple Fresh Ingredients + Pantry Staples.
For this quinoa stir fry recipe, you don’t need to make a separate sauce. Instead, add a few fresh and pantry ingredients right to the skillet. Easy-peasy. The fresh: garlic; ginger; green onion. Don’t overcomplicate this. They are perfect just as they are. The pantry staples: soy sauce (I use low sodium to ensure the recipe doesn’t become too salty); toasted sesame oil (INCREDIBLE flavor right of the bottle; it’s sold in the Asian food aisle of most grocery stores); as many teaspoons of garlic chili sauce as you dare (this sauce is also called Sambal Oelek and is sold in the Asian food aisle).
Final Tips to Make the Best Ever Quinoa Fried Rice
ONE: Use COLD Quinoa.
I use this tip for my classic Chicken Fried Rice and also use it for my Quinoa Fried Rice. In order for the quinoa to crisp up when it hits the hot pan, it needs to be COLD. Even an hour in the refrigerator can make a difference. I like to cook the quinoa a day or two ahead (or even freeze it). It creates a better final product and saves me a step on the night I make the Quinoa Fried Rice.
TWO: Make Sure You Have BIG, Sturdy Skillet.
I bought myself this wok right after I graduated college (a splurge, especially back then) and have loved it ever since. You certainly don’t have to have a fancy wok to make Quinoa Fried Rice; just make sure your skillet is large (all the goodies in this recipe means it yields a lot!) and can withstand high stir fry heat.
Recipe Adaptations
Fried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables. You can make this same recipe with the same amount of cooked brown rice (or white rice) in place of the quinoa.To Make Gluten Free. Use gluten free soy sauce or tamari.To Make Paleo. Omit the edamame and use coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce.
I promise the only “picking” that will happen with this Quinoa Fried Rice recipe is when you catch yourself snitching forkful after forkful straight out of the fridge!
