This tasty recipe for Quinoa Fried “Rice” is a healthier spin on a takeout favorite! A simple-to-make, protein-packed vegetarian main or side dish.
This 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, soy sauce 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!
For this Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe, I recommend:
- 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!
- Classic Skillet – This one is a kitchen essential. The quality is excellent and it is nonstick, which means clean-up is a breeze!
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If you make this recipe, let me know! Rate it and leave a comment below, because I love hearing from you! 🙂
This tasty recipe for Quinoa Fried "Rice" is a healthier spin on a takeout favorite! A simple-to-make, protein-packed vegetarian main or side dish.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 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, soy sauce 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.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari.
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Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
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!
Alia says
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! 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
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!
Alia says
Thank you so much Katherine! 🙂 I hope you’re having a great weekend!!
Christina says
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 🙂
Alia says
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! 🙂
Ashika | Gardening Foodie says
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.
Alia says
Hi Ashika!! Thanks so much! ♥ I can’t wait for you to try it!! 🙂
Laura says
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!
Alia says
Hi Laura! Thanks so much! Yes quinoa definitely adds a lot of nutrition to the recipe! You’re welcome! Thanks for pinning!! 🙂
Natalie Ellis says
I love this dish so much! It’s nice when we can take advantage of leftovers, such an ideal meal night xD
Alia says
Thanks so much Natalie!! 🙂