Best Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Quinoa fried rice is a nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. This dish combines fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory blend of sauces for a quick and satisfying meal.

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 sesame oil, toasted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Crack an egg into the skillet and scramble it, stirring occasionally to form soft curds. When cooked, transfer the scrambled egg to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and heat until melted. Add chopped carrots, onion, peas, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Increase heat to high and add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the cooked quinoa, green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce if using. Stir well to combine and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients. Drizzle with sesame oil and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Serve the quinoa fried rice warm on plates or bowls. Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful dish immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old quinoa for better texture and less sticking during frying.
• Swap peas and carrots with other veggies like bell peppers or corn for variety.
• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Adjust soy sauce to taste, starting with less to avoid oversalting.
• If oyster sauce is unavailable, a splash of hoisin or additional soy sauce works well.

Storage

Store leftover quinoa fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh quinoa instead of cooked quinoa?

Quinoa must be fully cooked and cooled before frying to achieve the right texture. Using fresh uncooked quinoa will not yield the same results.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes eggs and butter but can be made vegan by substituting butter with oil and omitting or replacing eggs with tofu scramble or another plant-based alternative.

Best Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

A flavorful and healthy twist on classic fried rice using protein-packed quinoa and fresh vegetables. This Best Quinoa Fried Rice recipe combines fluffy scrambled eggs, sautéed carrots, peas, onions, and aromatic garlic with a savory blend of soy and optional oyster sauce, all cooked in butter and finished with toasted sesame oil for a rich, satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Egg and Butter

• 3 tablespoons butter, separated
• 2 eggs, beaten

Vegetables

• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely sliced

Grains and Sauces

• 4 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 3–4 tablespoons soy sauce, adjust to taste
• 2 teaspoons optional oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 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 stir occasionally to cook it into soft scrambled curds. Once cooked, remove the scrambled egg from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, onion, peas, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Fry the Quinoa: Turn the heat to high and add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, melting it completely. Quickly add the cooked quinoa, sliced green onions, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and oyster sauce if using. Stir rapidly to combine ingredients well and fry the quinoa mixture for about 3 minutes to heat through and develop flavor, stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Combine with Egg and Add Sesame Oil: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and stir thoroughly to blend all components together. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil, stir to incorporate the flavor, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the quinoa fried rice into serving bowls or plates immediately. Enjoy the harmonious combination of textures and savory flavors in this wholesome, delicious meal.

Notes

• Use cooled quinoa to achieve the best texture and prevent sogginess.
• Adjust soy sauce according to taste and dietary needs to control sodium levels.
• Oyster sauce is optional and can be omitted to keep the dish vegetarian.
• For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: quinoa fried rice, vegetarian fried rice, healthy fried rice, quinoa recipe, quick dinner, easy meal, Asian-inspired rice alternative