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a white ceramic bowl filled with quinoa fried rice with linen napkins folded on the side with glasses of water and a bowl of chili oil
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5 from 3 votes

Quinoa Fried "Rice" with Crispy Garlic and Ginger

This light and healthy faux fried rice is made with fluffy quinoa, golden brown crispy garlic and ginger, caramelized shallots, scallion, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: lunch, sides
Cuisine: American, Asian
Servings: 2
Calories: 594kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil sunflower, avocado, grapeseed etc.
  • 6 large cloves of garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 inch knob of ginger peeled and thinly sliced into slivers
  • 2 large shallots thinly sliced
  • 3 c cooked quinoa see recipe notes for cooking instructions
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/2 c loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems roughly chopped
  • (optional) chili oil and extra soy sauce for serving

Instructions

  • Heat both oils in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers add in the sliced garlic, ginger and shallot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until the shallot is deeply caramelized and the garlic and ginger are golden brown and crispy.
  • Next, add the quinoa and soy sauce then cook, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the quinoa is piping hot, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add in the cilantro, green onion and sesame seeds .
  • Divide between bowls and top with additional cilantro. Serve with chili oil and extra soy sauce if desired.

Notes

 
Quinoa Cooking Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Fill a small pot with 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp of salt and a glug of olive oil. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa steam in the pot for an additional 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
 
Storing and Reheating:
Quinoa fried rice can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just know that the coconut will not be as crisp but it’s still delicious. 
To reheat in the microwave, sprinkle a bit of water over the quinoa, then drape a damp paper towel over the bowl before heating it, to make sure it doesn’t dry out. You can also reheat on the stove top in a pot: give it a generous sprinkle of water and heat with the lid on over low heat for 3-5 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 594kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1034mg | Potassium: 735mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 6mg