Are you ready to take your taste buds on a colorful adventure? Introducing the delightful "Rainbow Quinoa Stir Fry Veggies" – a vibrant dish that not only pleases the eye but also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this Asian-inspired masterpiece that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning addition to your meal prep. With a medley of fresh vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, this recipe is a feast for both the palate and the body. Dive into this article to discover how to create a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, wash and chop all vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped vegetables to the skillet, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender and retain their vibrant colors.
- Add cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Pour soy sauce over the quinoa and vegetables, tossing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating, known as saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Chop Uniformly: For even cooking, ensure all your vegetables are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes for a more visually appealing dish.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: When stir-frying, use medium-high heat to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture. This helps retain the vibrant colors and nutrients of the veggies.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or sauces, such as a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Garnish Generously: Don't hold back on the sesame seeds! They add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it hot for maximum flavor and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg