Last Updated on April 15, 2022 by Karen
Skip the takeout and make this Quinoa Fried Rice as a side to pair with fish, shrimp or any lean protein for a better-for-you and satisfying meal!
Ever since coming back from vacation when we ate and drank without abandon, my mind is set on eating healthful in preparation for summer! It is all about balance after all, right? That means lots of lean protein, vegetables and whole grains, and cooking at home as much as possible. In between unpacking, taking care of little chores around the house, and getting back into a routine, I’m in need of fresh, delicious meals that can be prepared quickly and easily. That’s where Gorton’s Simply Bake products came in handy!
Gorton’s Simply Bake Salmon contains wild-caught salmon with roasted garlic and butter in two oven-ready pouches, which makes it a breeze to prepare. The salmon inside the bag are seasoned so all I had to do was just place the bags on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven, until the fish flakes easily but is not dry. It should still be very moist, totally restaurant quality flavors!
To pair with the salmon, I made a delicious quinoa fried rice. Fried rice is one of my favorite quick cooking meal, and you can make it much healthier by adding quinoa. Since quinoa hit the scene years ago, I try to incorporate it into my recipes for more protein and fiber, and often replace white rice or pasta with quinoa. I have tried making this dish entirely with quinoa, but I did like how it turned out (too mushy), so instead, I mix it up with brown rice for better texture.
The best way to make fried rice is to cook the quinoa and rice, and store it in the fridge overnight. If you use freshly cooked quinoa and rice, it tends to get mushy, and the individual grains don’t separate as they should be when stir fried. It’s also more convenient too. That way, all you need to do is chop, cook and serve! You can have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes.
This quinoa fried rice is loaded with broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, which makes it the perfect easy healthy meal or side dish.
Quinoa Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz mushrooms diced
- 3 cups cooked quinoa and brown rice blend chilled preferably overnight
- 3 tbsps low sodium soy sauce or to taste
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 scallions chopped
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for about one minute. Add carrots, broccoli florets, and mushrooms. Adjust heat to high, and stir fry for about three minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
- Add cooked quinoa and brown rice, and stir until incorporated and heated through. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, scallions and mix well. Serve immediately.
