One Pot Veggie Quinoa Fried “Rice”

Is Fried Rice your vice? Try this One Pot Veggie Quinoa Fried “Rice” instead that’s packed with fresh vegetables and uses Quinoa in place of rice. A superfood alternative with twice the protein and even slightly fewer carbs! 

For some reason, everyone associates carbs with negativity, but it really shouldn’t be that way.

Not all carbs are the same. There’s the whole grains like those in brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread; Legumes like chickpeas and beans; “Seeds” like quinoa, that are actually good for you. They’re usually quite rich in fiber, and protein too.

But on the other end there’s the processed/refined versions like white rice and white flour where the fibrous and nutritious parts of the grain (aka bran and germ) are stripped out. Basically all you’re left with at that point is starch, and that’s what causes the issues commonly tied to “carbs” in general: high blood pressure, weight gain,… you probably know the rest.

So ditch the takeout Fried Rice side and make this Quinoa “Fried Rice” instead. Quinoa is a superfood seed (not grain) that although high in carbs, is rich in fiber, protein and actually good for controlling blood sugar!

Throw in whatever veggies you have lying in the refrigerator, and this side will still turn out just as good. Probably even worthy of being a main dish!

One Pot Veggie Quinoa Fried “Rice”

Print recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 153kcal

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Try this One Pot Veggie Quinoa Fried "Rice" that’s packed with fresh vegetables and uses Quinoa instead of rice. A superfood alternative with twice the protein and slightly fewer carbs!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Quinoa, Cooked (140g, or ¼ cup dry)
• ½ tsp Olive Oil
• ½ cup Onion, Chopped (80g)
• 1 tsp Ginger, Grated
• 2 tsp Garlic, Minced (2 cloves)
• 1 cup Mushroom, Thinly sliced (70g)
• 1 cup Broccoli, Chopped (90g)
• ¼ cup Carrots, Chopped (32g)
• 2 Tbsp Frozen Peas, Thawed (18g)
• 1½ tsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, and fry the onions and carrots for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
• Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
• Add in mushrooms and broccoli and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes until tender.
• Add peas and quinoa. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until heated through.
• Pour in soy sauce and toss to combine.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot!

Notes

To cook Quinoa:

• Rinse quinoa thoroughly in cold water (required to avoid any bitter taste).
• Bring ½ cup water and quinoa to a boil in saucepan, then reduce to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and all water is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and move it to a plate. Pop it in the fridge to cool completely.

Nutrition:

• Servings: 2 cups | Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 153kcal
• Fat: 2.9g | Saturated fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 27.5g | Fiber: 5.2g | Sugar: 4.5g
• Protein: 6.5g