Quinoa may not be a hot new grain anymore but it’s still a fun alternative to boring old rice. I do love the chewy texture and the cute little ‘tails’.
And even better it’s lower GI and higher protein than good old rice.
So next time you’re tempted to make fried rice – treat yourself to this more tasty version.
Or do as my friend Aggie does and do a combo of half half quinoa and cooked rice.
Ingredients
- 250 g / 9 oz cooked quinoa (recipe below)
- 3-4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
PLUS Ingredients
- 1-2 small red chillies finely sliced (optional)
- small handful green onions (shallots / scallions / spring onions) sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a little oil in a wok or frying pan. Add quinoa, eggs and chilli (if using).
- Cook, stirring often over a medium heat until there is no more runny egg visible. Remove from the heat. Stir in soy and green onions (if using).
Cooked Quinoa
Ingredients
- 250 g / 9 oz quinoa approx
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to the boil.
- Meanwhile, Place quinoa in a fine sieve and rinse well under running water. Drain.
- When the water is boiling, add the quinoa and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
- Drain and allow the steam to escape as it cools.
- Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge until ready to use.
Variations
carnivore – brown some sliced chicken breast in the pan before adding quinoa and egg.
vegan / egg-free – replace egg with crumbled tofu (about 200g / 7oz) and 1 teaspoon ground turmeric for colour.
soy-free – replace the soy sauce with fish sauce or just season generously with salt instead.
can’t find quinoa? – replace with cooked brown or jasmine rice.
more substantial – serve with roast peanut or cashews or avocado. Also good with cooked chicken or sausages.
lower carb – replace quiona with frozen cauliflower or other veggie rice – you might like to increase the eggs to make it more substantial.
Problem Solving Guide
too dry – it’s meant to be a fairly dry dish. Drizzle with a little oil or chilli oil if it’s too dry for you. And make sure you don’t overcook your eggs.
rubbery – a sign of overcooked eggs. Add in a little butter to moisten and next time remove from the heat earlier.
bland – add in a little more soy and chilli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in small bowls ‘rice’ bowls with chopsticks.