This easy Quinoa Fried Rice recipe is a healthy spin on a takeout favorite! It is a quick, tasty, and protein-packed vegetarian main or side dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
This simple 30-minute recipe has all of the delicious flavor of traditional fried rice, but gets a boost of protein and nutrition by substituting quinoa for rice. Just like my classic Chinese Fried Rice recipe, this dish is prepared in stages so that everything gets cooked to perfection.
How to Make Quinoa Fried Rice
Begin by cooking your quinoa in a saucepan. To cook quinoa, just remember this simple ratio: 1 cup quinoa to 2 parts liquid. For the liquid in this recipe I used water, but you can also use chicken or vegetable broth to add an extra layer of flavor.
Next, scramble the eggs in some sesame oil in a frying pan and then set them aside once they are done cooking. This is done so that they don’t overcook while the rest of the ingredients are in the pan.
Then, sauté the vegetables and aromatics until tender. Add the cooked quinoa, tamari and Sriracha and stir-fry the mixture for a couple minutes. Finally, add back your eggs and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Dinner is served!
Don’t miss out! Click here to get exclusive discounts on my favorite healthy products and resources!
Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-rich, grain-like seed that is originally from South America. Quinoa is incredibly rich in iron and stands out because of it’s high levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. For example, half a cup of quinoa contains as much fiber as a slice of whole wheat bread or half a cup of cooked brown rice.
Quinoa can be to added salads, soups, or stews and can replace rice or pasta as a side. You can find quinoa in the natural food section at the supermarket or online. I’ve linked my favorite brand of quinoa in the recipe card below.
More Quinoa Recipes to Try
Craving more wholesome quinoa recipes? Here are some great ones one the blog:
For this Quinoa Fried Rice recipe, I recommend:
Here are some kitchen tools I suggest using to make this recipe:
- Ultra Chef Express Food Chopper – This is the one I have and it is one of my most-used kitchen tools. I use mine all the time to quickly chop up vegetables. I especially love using it to dice onions, because it saves me from all the tears!
- Cuisinart Classic Skillet with Cover – This one is a kitchen essential. The quality is excellent and it is nonstick, which means clean-up is a breeze!
If you make this Quinoa Fried Rice recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡
The BEST Quinoa Fried Rice! (Easy & Healthy Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Add quinoa and water to a saucepan, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble constantly until cooked through. Transfer eggs to a separate plate.
- Heat remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in the skillet. Add onion, garlic, carrots and peas and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the cooked quinoa, tamari and Sriracha. Stir-fry mixture for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs back to the pan and stir until combined. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
© Everyday Easy Eats. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any of my recipes, text or images without prior permission.
I am a vegetarian and look for easy ways to incorporate it into my diet..This Quinoa fried rice looks like a perfect meal! Simple, filling and delicious..not to forget the extra protein!
Hi Deepika!! I didn’t know you are a vegetarian!! I should think of some good meat-free recipes to post for you in the future! Yeah I like this recipe because it fills you up but it is loaded with healthy ingredients! 🙂
This is totally my kind of dish! My kids would love it too – an easy and yummy way to sneak in those healthy things. It looks delicious!
Thank you so much Katherine! 🙂 I hope you’re having a great weekend!!
How awesome! I love quinoa but never thought to make it into fried rice! And I LOVE me some fried rice. This recipe will be perfect for me because I have quinoa sitting in my pantry, waiting to be used up! Yay, I love this idea 🙂
Hey Christina! Thanks so much! ♥ It’s a good dish to make because using quinoa instead of rice gives it a good punch of protein, so it keeps you feeling full for longer! I hope you get a chance to try it sometime! 🙂
OH yum Alia ,this looks so delicious…and so much healthier than using regular rice. It will really make a great lunch. I am going to love to try this out.
Hi Ashika!! Thanks so much! ♥ I can’t wait for you to try it!! 🙂
Alia – what a great recipe! I love quinoa, and this dish sounds so delicious! I’m glad to have a substitute for white rice in a dish, I just feel it’s a bit healthier! Thanks. Will pin this one for sure!
Hi Laura! Thanks so much! Yes quinoa definitely adds a lot of nutrition to the recipe! You’re welcome! Thanks for pinning!! 🙂
I love this dish so much! It’s nice when we can take advantage of leftovers, such an ideal meal night xD
Thanks so much Natalie!! 🙂
Taught my g-daughter this recipe to teach her how to read a recipe and cook it. Came out delicious.
Thank you, Alia!
Hi Eric, that makes me so happy! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂
Just 30 minutes for a main healthy dish, not bad at all. Thank you for a quick recipe, Alia
Thank you Marina! 🙂
Great! I just finished it last night and the result was unexpected, my wife and daughter both liked it, which made me happy. Thanks for your recipe!
Thanks Elliott, I’m glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe!