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Light Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Light Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that's both incredibly delicious and guilt-free? Look no further than this Light Shrimp Fried Quinoa – a game-changing recipe that transforms your typical fried rice into a nutritious powerhouse! Imagine diving into a plate of perfectly cooked shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy quinoa, all tossed in a savory sesame-soy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary adventure that proves healthy eating can be absolutely irresistible!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

  1. Quinoa
  2. Shrimp
  3. Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, peas)
  4. Soy sauce
  5. Sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Chop your choice of vegetables, such as 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green) and 1/2 cup of peas. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or green onions if desired.
  5. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil if needed. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
  7. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well, ensuring the quinoa and vegetables are evenly coated.
  8. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
  9. Remove from heat and taste, adjusting the seasoning with more soy sauce if desired. Serve the light shrimp fried quinoa hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Tips

  1. • Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy texture. • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear. • Use a hot skillet or wok to get that authentic stir-fry flavor and prevent soggy ingredients. • Don't overcook the shrimp – they should be pink and just opaque to maintain their tender texture. • Feel free to customize your vegetables based on what's in season or in your refrigerator. • For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of garlic or ginger when stir-frying vegetables. • Let the quinoa rest after cooking to ensure it's light and fluffy before adding to the stir-fry. • If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook quinoa and prepare ingredients in advance, but stir-fry just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: kcal

Carbohydrates: g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: mg

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