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!
school time | the concierge mom 09.02.2016
[…] An oldie but goodie hopped back in my meal planning this week. Nice to have a no-meat meal in the mix. My husband and my oldest like this as do I. I still had to make a separate meal for the younger two. But, with the ingredients, they could eat them separated and add in other extras. Thai Fried Quinoa. […]
Omra 04.24.2016
Made this recipe today and it was amazing. Very flavorful and easy to make.
Thai Rice Stir-Fry | The German's Corner 06.29.2015
[…] and in my excitement I cooked some pan-Asian food for lunch today. This dish is inspired by Iowa Girl’s Thai Fried Quinoa but unfortunately I didn’t find any (afforable) quinoa in the supermarket so I substited with […]
Angela 10.11.2014
Made this for me and hubby and it was a hit! Definitely adding it to our rotation. I added some odds an ends of veggies in addition to the peas, and I used veg broth and skipped the eggs to make it vegan, and it was YUM.
Cashew Chicken Coconut Curry (20 Minute Meal!) + 31 Meals Cookbook Giveaway! | Iowa Girl Eats 03.26.2014
[…] case he’s working late or out of town and I have a chance to make things like this curry or Thai Fried Quinoa (<– omg that […]
Amanda @ All Day Active 03.05.2014
This looks delicious! I hope you don’t mind me sharing it in a recipe round up on my blog tomorrow. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Thai Fried Rice | Iowa Girl Eats 01.27.2014
[…] I didn’t realize until I sat down to eat that this dish is practically kissing cousins of the Thai Fried Quinoa I made the last time he was away. I guess I know what I like (and what he […]
Thai Fried Quinoa | 01.06.2014
[…] recipe slightly adapted from Iowa Girl Eats […]
Kayla 12.05.2013
Pretty good dish! I added in leftover thanksgiving turkey, a ton of Sriracha (very important), bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Two things I would do differently next time: not add in the cilantro so early, and cook the quinoa in less liquid, it was a bit mushy for my taste. I LOVE the idea of cooking the quinoa in half stock / half coconut milk – this was genious.
Oh, and the boyfriend asked me to add this meal to the regular rotation! ;)
What I Wish I Ate Wednesday - Posts from November 6 | Healthy Way To Cook 11.13.2013
[…] Thai fried quinoa appeared on Chelcie’s Food Files last week. The recipe, originally from Iowa Girl Eats, starts with coconut milk-infused quinoa that’s stir fried with ginger, garlic, pineapple and […]
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The Repeat Recipe: Thai Fried Quinoa - Cooking With Carly 10.11.2013
[…] found the recipe for Thai Fried Quinoa on Pinterest, but the recipe is from Iowa Girl Eats. Click HERE for the original recipe on her […]
Recipe: Thai-Style Steak with Thai Fried Quinoa | A Pinch & A Dash: Cooking Beyond Measure(ments) 09.30.2013
[…] to try it out. I searched high and low for the perfect recipe and found this fantastic one from Iowa Girl Eats. I picked up strip steaks and created a Thai-inspired marinade, and that this unique, grain-like […]
Christy 06.09.2013
THANK YOU for creating this recipe! I’ve now made it twice in the past week. So freakin’ delicious! It is really good with chicken added in, too.
Meal plan 05.03.13 | Julie's Doodle Blog 05.02.2013
[…] Sunday: Breakfast: Chai spiced banana bread. Dinner: Thai fried quinoa […]
Frances 04.22.2013
Delicious! Added a dash of curry powder to this recipe to add a little kick. Will definitely make it again!
Food, lately » Exclaim & Murmur 02.28.2013
[…] Iowa Girl Eats | Thai Fried Quinoa 2. Pioneer Woman | Pesto Pasta with Cream Sauce 3. Joy The Baker | Broccoli and Potato […]
Shelly 02.21.2013
I am making this for dinner tonight but instead of coconut milk I have cream of coconut…..How will this change the recipe???
Iowa Girl Eats 02.22.2013
Hey Shelly! Cream of Coconut is to coconut milk like sweetened condensed milk is to milk, and can’t really be used in its place. Best to stick with coconut milk for this recipe!