The Ultimate 15-Minute Quinoa Fried Rice: Healthier, Flavorful, and Incredibly Easy!
This Quinoa Fried Rice offers all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional fried rice, but with an elevated nutritional profile and a quick prep time! It’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with fantastic flavor, and surprisingly takes only 15 minutes to whip up. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal!
WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE HOW IT’S MADE:
I genuinely owe you all a huge apology! It’s almost criminal that I haven’t shared this incredible quinoa fried rice recipe sooner. I’ve been perfecting this dish for years, even long before my husband and I tied the knot. And that’s a crucial detail because, friends, this is hands-down his absolute favorite dish I make. He often tells me he prefers it over any regular fried rice he’s ever had!
So yes, consider this your official, blinking-neon-sign invitation: You absolutely need to try making this Quinoa Fried Rice. It’s not just another recipe; it’s a culinary revelation that will change how you think about fried rice and quinoa forever. Prepare to be amazed by how easily and quickly you can create something so utterly delicious and nutritious.
Why Quinoa Fried Rice is a Game-Changer
My journey with quinoa began a few years ago, and it quickly became an obsession. I started incorporating it into everything imaginable—quinoa for breakfast, quinoa for lunch, quinoa for snacks. While I haven’t quite ventured into quinoa desserts yet, rest assured, a sweet creation involving quinoa flour is definitely brewing in the back of my mind!
But let’s refocus on this amazing quinoa fried rice. I initially started swapping out traditional rice for quinoa in many dishes because, truthfully, I’ve never been a huge fan of rice itself. Fried rice, however, was always my one exception (along with sushi). There’s something undeniably appealing about the savory flavors, the vibrant vegetables, and the comforting warmth of a well-made fried rice.
The first time I tried quinoa fried rice, it was a revelation. I ate it for four consecutive dinners, which, if you know me, is an extraordinary feat. I tend to get bored with leftovers easily, but this was the kind of dinner that stays on your mind all day, building anticipation for your next meal. You know that feeling, right?
This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Quinoa, a complete protein, adds an incredible depth of texture and a nutritional boost that traditional white rice simply can’t match. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying diet.
Nutritional Powerhouse and Versatile Meal
In the past, I used to eat meat, but the great news about this recipe is its incredible versatility. It works perfectly as both a hearty side dish and a satisfying main course. Each side serving provides a significant 7.1 grams of protein. Double that for a main dish, and you’re looking at a fantastic 14.2 grams of protein – an excellent way to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and energized!
This makes the Quinoa Fried Rice ideal for vegetarians, and with a simple adjustment (which I’ll detail below), it can easily be made vegan. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
The Secret to Perfect Fried “Rice”: Day-Old Quinoa!
P.S., just like with regular fried rice, using day-old cooked quinoa is absolutely crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in this dish. Freshly cooked quinoa tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy fried “rice.” Day-old quinoa, however, has dried out slightly, allowing it to crisp up beautifully in the pan and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the seasonings. This simple trick makes all the difference, so plan ahead for optimal results!
This entire recipe is incredibly filling, bursting with delicious umami flavors, and I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot on your weekly meal rotation after just one bite. The texture is perfectly chewy yet slightly crispy, and the combination of fresh vegetables with savory sauce is simply irresistible.
I actually have some of this Quinoa Fried Rice frozen right now because, yes, it freezes exceptionally well! This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prep, ensuring you always have a quick and healthy meal option ready to go. Now you understand my sincere apology for not sharing this gem earlier. We can still be friends, right?
Essential Tools and Ingredients
To make this recipe a breeze, having the right tools and quality ingredients can make all the difference. Here are some of the items I personally recommend and use:
| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |
Nutrition Highlights: WW Smart Points & Full Nutritional Breakdown
WW SMART POINTS: 5
Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe Card
Below you’ll find the full, detailed recipe for this fantastic Quinoa Fried Rice. It includes everything you need from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Remember, using day-old cooked quinoa is key for the best texture!
Quinoa Fried Rice
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Ingredients
Quinoa Fried Rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 3 cups cooked quinoa, made one day ahead of time
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoon liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 2 tablespoons green onions, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Quinoa Fried Rice
- In a pan over medium heat, add one teaspoon coconut oil. Add in the eggs and scramble slightly with a pinch of salt and pepper (optional), until barely cooked. Remove from pan into a bowl and set aside.
- Increase heat to high hat and add the other teaspoon of coconut oil and the cooked quinoa. Stir quinoa while sizzling until it begins to brown a bit, after a few minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-high and add in the carrots, garlic, frozen peas, liquid aminos and rice wine. Stir to combine, and allow to cook for about 8 minutes until carrots have softened and everything is combined.
- Add in the eggs and green onions, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Add more green onions for garnish if you desire.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! If not serving immediately, allow to cook then store in an air-tight tupperware container. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free.
- TO MAKE VEGAN
- Use a vegan egg substitute or leave the eggs out. You can add pressed tofu instead and sear first to keep up the protein content of the recipe.
- HOW TO STORE
- You can store this quinoa fried rice once it has cooled completely in an airtight tupperware container in the fridge for 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it flat in a freezer-safe zipped bag. It should last a few weeks to even a month in the freezer.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Share Your Creations & Discover More Quinoa Recipes!
I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! If you give this Quinoa Fried Rice a try, please let me know how it turned out in the comment section below. Even better, share a photo of your masterpiece and tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #jessicainthekitchen! For more exclusive recipes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and daily inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram and on Snapchat: jessinkitchen.
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