But my biggest takeaway? They’d gotten the quinoa perfectly crispy, almost like it’d been cooked and then stir-fried to get that crispy golden crunch. ‘Ding, ding, ding!’ A light bulb went off in my head for “quinoa fried rice” and one of the first things I did when I got home was get in the kitchen and test this recipe. Good news! It totally worked. Let me show you how easy it is!
Origin of Fried Rice
The exact origin of fried rice is unknown, but it’s earliest mention is believed to be in a book about Chinese cuisine from the Sui Dynasty (569-618). The story is that Emperor Yang Guang tasted the dish in Yangzhou and loved it so much that it became an imperial dish. The standard recipe for Yangzhou fried rice includes rice, eggs, meat, fish, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and peas. You can find a traditional (not vegan) recipe here. Our plant-based version strays from traditional in terms of ingredients, but is similarly colorful and cooks the quinoa twice for a “fried” effect.
How to Make Quinoa “Fried Rice”
This dish requires just 10 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to prepare when your quinoa is prepared ahead of time. If you’re like us, you have leftover quinoa in the fridge most days. Chopped vegetables get sautéed while you mix up a delicious almond butter-based sauce with coconut aminos for depth of flavor, lime juice, and maple syrup. Dried chilies or chili garlic sauce add a bit of heat, while chopped green onion adds freshness and a pop of color. Once your veggies are tender, simply add your quinoa and sauce and stir-fry until the quinoa is nice and crispy! We hope you LOVE this dish! Quick + easyFreshFlavorfulCustomizableNutrient-packed& Super delicious This would make the perfect weeknight meal – or one to make ahead of time and enjoy as leftovers. For a little more crunch and staying power, we added some cashews. But you could also add something like Marinated Peanut Tempeh or Crispy Peanut Tofu! If you’re into this dish, be sure to check out our Vegan Fried Rice, 30-Minute Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry, Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry, or General Tso’s Tofu Stir-Fry! If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
