Quinoa Fried Rice: A Nutritious Peruvian Twist on a Classic Dish

Quinoa Fried Rice is a creative and healthy twist on the traditional fried rice dish, substituting quinoa for white rice.

Rice holds a special place on tables around the world, but quinoa offers a different experience, in taste and texture. Quinoa doesn’t absorb as much sauce as rice, so for some recipes it’s a lighter, less sticky alternative to traditional rice. Quinoa’s nutty flavor and texture make it perfect for stir-fries, salads and soups.

Quinoa, a versatile grain native to the Andes, comes in three different types: white, brown, or red and black, each with a different texture and flavor. This ancient Andean plant was grown around Peru and Bolivia and became a staple during pre-Columbian civilization, before being replaced by cereals by the Spanish. Despite this, quinoa continued to be consumed and developed outside of Inca territory, consuming its seeds and leaves. In historical documents, quinoa was often compared to millet rather than short-grain rice, demonstrating its unique qualities as a nutritious grain.

Quinoa is easy to heat and break down, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Its nutty flavor enhances salads, while red or black quinoa adds a crunchy texture. For those looking to switch from rice to quinoa, mixing white quinoa with rice in a pot or rice cooker is a popular method.

From its lower calorie content and higher fiber content to its complete protein and textural intake, there are many reasons to use it. There are so many reasons to choose quinoa over rice. People describe the taste as nutty brown rice: the texture changes depending on the type; some say chewy, others crunchy.

Today, this superfood is a staple thanks to its versatility in dishes ranging from hearty soups to refreshing salads.

Upgrade your fried rice recipe: Replace the rice with quinoa to create a protein-packed gluten-free dish. While retaining classic flavors, this contemporary fried rice offers better nutrition and a delicious nutty flavor.

As a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice. It is also a good source of fiber, iron, magnesium and antioxidants. With its three main types: soft white, medium-textured red and crunchy black, quinoa can add different qualities to your fried rice.

Tips for cooking quinoa

• Rinse the quinoa completely in cold water to remove it saponinsa natural coating that can impart a bitter taste.
• Flavor Enhancement: Toasting quinoa in a dry pan before cooking accentuates its nutty flavor.
• Cook consistently: Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and simmer until the “germ” or spiral separates, about 15 minutes for white quinoa.
• Use broth: Swap the water for chicken, vegetable or beef broth to infuse the grains with flavorful depth.
• Customize your dish: add protein (shrimp, chicken, tofu) or try some Peruvian ají amarillo for a spicy kick.
• Cook in batches so everything cooks evenly.
• Option: Cool before preparing. Soaking cooked quinoa in the refrigerator overnight prevents the grains from clumping together. The lightly dried grains from the fridge create a fluffier, lighter texture, perfect for salads and other recipes.

Simple preparation of quinoa

First we need to prepare the actual quinoa grains. This should take approximately 15 minutes. The basic recipe couldn’t be simpler:

• 1 cup quinoa (white, red, or black)
• 2 cups water or broth (adjust for desired flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

• Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Bring water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add salt to season.
• Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Check the cooking: the quinoa is ready when its germ (the curly “tail”) becomes visible. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork and serve warm or at room temperature.

Now let’s get to the real quinoa fried rice recipe, the good stuff.

Step by step recipe images

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the garlic, onion and carrots. Slice the green onions, keeping the darker green parts separate from the white and light green parts.

Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Beat the eggs, pour them into the pan and cook until lightly scrambled. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Using the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the carrots and peas for 3-5 minutes. Add the onions and cook until slightly translucent, then add the garlic, salt and pepper. Stir until fragrant.

Step 4: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the light green parts of the green onions and the cold quinoa. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mayonnaise, and gochujang. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, making sure the quinoa is evenly coated and colored as you stir.

Step 7: Serve hot with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onion tops. Enjoy!

Storage and heating

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 in the microwave until thoroughly heated.

Versatility beyond the plate

The uses of quinoa don’t stop there. Add it to soups for added heartiness, like Peruvian quinoa and chicken soup. Add it to salads with avocado and citrus dressing for a refreshing bite or mix it into ceviche for a unique texture. For dessert, try it in quinoa con leche, a creamy Andean version of rice pudding.

Quinoa proves once again that it is more than a substitute: it is a tasty and versatile ingredient worthy of any table.

If you’re a fan of quinoa, you’re in for a treat! Explore various flavorful recipes on the same site that highlight the versatility of this superfood. Try the refresher Peruvian quinoa and avocado salad for a healthy, vibrant meal, or satisfy your sweet tooth with something creamy and comforting Quinoa with milk pudding. For something warm and satisfying, don’t miss the hearty Chicken and quinoa soup or the traditional one Quinoa soup—both perfect for cozy and wholesome meals. Each recipe brings the unique taste of Peru to your table