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!
Thai Chicken Quinoa Stir-Fry + Arms and Abs « freshlifefindings 05.29.2012
[…] I have a new-to-me recipe for you to try! Adapted and modified to my liking from Iowa Girl Eats […]
Thai Recipes quinoa – Thai Recipes | Asian Cuisine » Blog Archive 05.22.2012
[…] Advice and Thai Fried Quinoa : Peas and Thank YouRed Curry Quinoa Recipe | Healthy Thai RecipesMy Kind of Meal: Thai Fried Quinoa | Iowa Girl EatsThai Peanut Quinoa (& San-J Sauce Giveaway!) | Gluten free …Closet Cooking: Thai Style […]
Julie 05.16.2012
I came across your blog today a fell in love!!!!!! I was checking out your recipes and came across this one. I love Thai food but never found a recipe thati felt comfortable making … Until your recipe came along! I made it tonight. …. It’s AMAZING !!!!!! thank you for sharing it with us!
Sincerely
Julie, Montreal girl!!!
Sarah 05.15.2012
Thank you for posting this recipe — it is absolutely incredible! The flavours are wonderful, and it’s so easy. This will definitely make it into my regular recipe rotation. I made it for some friends who were over for dinner, finished the leftovers over the next few days, couldn’t stop thinking about it after that, and then made another batch yesterday! I love your blog; thanks for all the interesting cooking ideas!
Meatless Monday: Thai Fried Quinoa « windykitchen 05.14.2012
[…] THAI FRIED QUINOA (adapted from Iowa Girl Eats) […]
alison 05.06.2012
Holy cow! Just made this tonight for dinner with a side of edamame and it is heaven. Husband’s loss is your gain…
Vegan Thai Fried Quinoa 04.27.2012
[…] a bit of a quinoa kick. I suppose there are worse kicks to be on, right? A friend passed on a non-vegan recipe that looked awesome and very easy to veganize, so here is the final […]
Jenn 04.21.2012
Cathy above: if you go to sparkpeople.com and use their recipe calculator, you can calculate the nutrition info
Jenn 04.21.2012
I have been gathering the ingredients for this all week and finally made it tonight. Wow! Amazing! I used edamame instead of peas (only because I don’t like peas) and it was such a nice change from all the other mainstays in our house. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see all your other recipes!
Alison 04.17.2012
I couldn’t get my quinoa to crisp. Perhaps it should be made a day in advance?
Cathy 04.17.2012
do you have the nutrition information on this dish? Would love to know the numbers, since i’m dieting, (have lost 55 pounds)and quinoa is my new favorite fad. :)
Trader Joes – 2 new items. « cleaneatinglove 04.16.2012
[…] there’s no reason why I can’t get around to trying my hand at this delicious sounding Thai Fried Quinoa. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this […]
Jessie 04.15.2012
Made this tonight and LOVED it! Thanks for sharing.
Cassidy 04.12.2012
I think we have the same tastes in food because this (and just about everything else you post) sounds soooo delish! I will be making it this week, possible adding bean sprouts for a crispy texture in the mix.
Quinoa. « Life's Tough 04.11.2012
[…] Iowa Girl Eats […]
Mallory Torres 04.09.2012
I love this! Where did you find your quinoa?
Iowa Girl Eats 04.16.2012
I get mine at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or HyVee!
Thai Fried Quinoa | 04.07.2012
[…] fried quinoa, totally stolen from Iowa Girl Eats and incredibly delicious. Ready in less time than it would take your local Thai joint to deliver […]
Sarah T 04.05.2012
Just made this for dinner last night and my health food hating fiance and brother both loved it. In case anyone was wondering about making quinoa in a rice maker, the ratio of two cups of the broth/milk was perfect for one cup of quinoa. on the regular cycle.
My first time having quinoa and I will definitely be trying more recipes!
thai fried quinoa « the concierge mom 04.04.2012
[…] was perfect timing. While our little girl rocked in the bouncer next to us, we pulled off making Thai Fried Quinoa. We really liked it, plus it was easy. A wonderful combination. Like this:LikeBe the first to […]
Eating healthy feels so good « Chelcie's Food Files 04.02.2012
[…] Thai Fried Quinoa! […]