Thai Fried Quinoa is a healthier riff on fried rice, and is full of aromatic Thai flavors, including coconut, ginger, cilantro and lime.
On the last episode of Ben’s Not Home For Dinner, I got up-close and personal with a creamy, comforting Tuna Noodle Casserole. A dish that I happen to adore, but my man won’t touch with a 10 foot pole.
On tonight’s episode we feature an entree that is not only meatless, but also contains a slightly sweet element, otherwise known as meh and nuh-uh in my husband’s world.
Ben’s been in Vegas since Friday night for a bachelor party (?) and while I can’t wait to see his smiling face when he gets home tonight, I’ve been loving the recipes chock-full of Kristin-friendly ingredients I’ve made in his absence, like tonight’s dinner of Thai Fried Quinoa.
Coconut milk-infused quinoa is stir fried with ginger, garlic, pineapple and peas, then drizzled with a lime-soy sauce, and topped with chopped peanuts. AKA, my dream meal, but something Ben would just rather…not.
To be fair, peas are his fourth favorite food after potatoes, turkey and ketchup, and I did overhear him telling my Dad how awesome! quinoa is last week (so adorable)Â But you know what I mean!
Start by rinsing 1 cup quinoa under water in a fine mesh strainer, then add it to a saucepan. Pour in 1 cup each chicken broth and lite coconut milk.
Tip: shake your can of coconut milk before you open it. The fat in the milk rises to the top and sticks to the lid otherwise.
Bring the liquid to a boil then place a lid on top, lower the heat to medium low (about a 3.5 out of 10) and let the quinoa simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s tender and cooked through.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, then give it a good coating with non-stick spray. Add 2 chopped green onions, 1 Tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly as to not burn the garlic.
BTW, I made the rookie mistake of going grocery shopping during the mad Saturday afternoon rush this weekend, and by the time I got to the fresh ginger, it was all gone. I paid through the nose for this tube of pre-grated ginger, but I’m actually kind of loving the convenience factor!
Next add 1 cup frozen peas, 1-8oz can pineapple tidbits (drained), and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to the hot wok.
Cook for an additional minute or two, giving the peas time to heat through.
Lookin’ good already!
Next push the ingredients up the side of the wok to create a clear space in the center.
Add 2 whisked eggs, and scramble them up using a spatula. When they’re cooked, toss everything together to combine.
Finally, add in the cooked quinoa,
2 Tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari (dish will not be GF if using soy sauce) and the juice of 1/2 a lime.
Toss it all together then scoop into bowls, top with chopped peanuts, and enjoy!
Stop what you are doing this very minute, go to the grocery store, buy the ingredients for this dish, and make a double batch. That is a direct order.
That is to say, this is ab incredible dish! A light tropical scent hits your nose before you take a bite, then blammo – flavor explosion. Spicy ginger, savory garlic, sweet pineapple, and fragrant coconut. I adore this recipe!
Tracy 03.27.2012
I’m just curious. If the consolation prize was that awesome wok, what was the winner’s prize?
Iowa Girl Eats 03.29.2012
The same thing! When you’re forced to bump & grind in front of 500 people, there really is no true winner. ;)
Brittany 03.27.2012
I definitely pay less and do the work. I think it’s so much more fun that way. I am on a huge Thai style food binge right now and this recipe looks great!
Tami McBryde 03.27.2012
Lovely recipe. YUMMO! It does contain a critical error, it says it serves four. Not so, maybe two; if the second person is quick enough.
Thanks so much for enriching my quinoa recipes. Love it!
Renn @ The Big C and Me 03.27.2012
Thanks for putting an Asian spin on quinoa! I never would have thought to do that before!
Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables 03.27.2012
I will absolutely be making this. And I buy pre-cut butternut squash because I hate peeling + chopping it myself. Lazy, I know :)
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness 03.27.2012
This just went on my meal plan for next week, I can’t wait to make it!!
Eva @TheHealthyParty 03.27.2012
Wow this looks so yummy!!
Epicurea 03.27.2012
i’m really enjoying all the quinoa dishes here! not sure if i could trick hubby into eating this but i’ll definitely keep it in mind!
Michelle 03.27.2012
Brilliant! And so not a meal my boyfriend would eat. I can hear the, “Where’s the meat?” now.
pattisj 03.26.2012
I’m going to have to try this! Sometimes those little conveniences are worth every cent. And don’t ever apologize for being “that” wife. That’s the way it is when you play for keeps. :)
Lori P 03.26.2012
This recipe looks amazing! I haven’t tried quinoa yet…can you believe it? This looks like the perfect time to change that because I love anything Thai.
Amanda Yancy 03.26.2012
I saw this and said “Yum!” and my husband said “Meh” – LOL :-)
Marie M 03.26.2012
Loved the bump and grind (jealous), loved the Thai turkey burgers, and can’t wait to try this! Thank you for all the delicious recipes and fabulous entertainment!
Beth 03.26.2012
Definitely a dish to male when the hubby is gone…at my house that also includes any Mexican dish or Chinese. I usually don’t pay for convenience and I’m really considering buying groceries one week at a time vs two. I just threw out broccoli and a whole chicken because they went bad before I noticed!! Oops.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) 03.26.2012
Bookmarking this one! Looks delicious!
Katie 03.26.2012
This sounds insanely delicious! I love Thai food, and I can’t wait to try it out!!
Prairie Bee 03.26.2012
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing!!! You sure put Iowa on the map, in all the good ways! :)
I just read your post about bumping and grinding with Curtis Stone ~ that was hilarious!
Carrie 03.26.2012
Cannot wait to try this!
I made your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese last night (to die for) and will be trying out your Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo tonight…love love love IGE!
fitscally responsible 03.26.2012
We’ve been looking for a good quinoa recipe. I also love thai food (actually did a guest blog today on my trip to Thailand!).
Whether I will pay for convenience depends on the product. I will pay for individual greek yogurt because I am too lazy to portion it out into a small tupperware. But, I will portion out carrots every single morning.
MyThy as in "Mighty" 03.26.2012
I’ve been a long time reader (occasional poster) but where is that LIKE button? I’m definately “pinning” this and DF doesn’t have a problem w/ Thai flavors. I’ll just make some chicken satay skewers or shrimp to bump up the protein! Thanks Kristin (and Peas & Thank You ;))