Amazing Shrimp Fried Quinoa: 25g Protein

Alright, let’s talk about my absolute favorite weeknight savior: Shrimp fried quinoa! Forget that heavy feeling you get from traditional fried rice. This is my go-to when I want something super satisfying, packed with protein, and genuinely good for you. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! I first started playing around with this idea because I was craving that comforting fried rice flavor but wanted to sneak in some extra goodness without anyone even noticing. Quinoa is just brilliant for this – it’s got that lovely fluffy texture that holds up so well to stir-frying, and it soaks up all those amazing savory flavors. Trust me, once you try this healthy twist, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with rice!

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Seriously, this Shrimp Fried Quinoa is a total winner for so many reasons! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: When I’m slammed after work, I can whip this up in no time. It’s seriously fast and fuss-free, perfect for those nights when you just need dinner on the table ASAP.
• A Healthier Alternative: Swapping out rice for quinoa is a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself! It’s loaded with protein and fiber, making it way more filling and nutritious than your average fried rice.
• Packed with Flavor: Don’t let the healthy aspect fool you – this stuff is bursting with flavor! The savory soy sauce, a hint of sesame oil, tender shrimp, and crisp veggies all come together in a way that’s just incredibly satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Okay, getting the right ingredients is totally key to making this Shrimp Fried Quinoa sing! Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you can find at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

Grains for the Base

We’re starting with 1 cup of quinoa, and it’s super important to give it a good rinse under cold water before you cook it. This gets rid of any bitterness. Then, we’ll cook it up in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth – broth adds a little extra flavor, but water works just fine!

Protein Powerhouse

For our star protein, grab about 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined – nobody wants to be picking through shells, right? I usually buy them already prepped, but if you have to do it yourself, it’s not too tricky.

Flavor Builders

You can’t have fried anything without aromatics! We need 2 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. Then, for that classic savory punch, we’ll use 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari (if you’re keeping it gluten-free) and just 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for that nutty, toasty aroma. A little goes a long way with sesame oil!

Freshness and Color

Here’s where we add some crunch and color! I love using a bag of 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Frozen works perfectly and is so convenient – think peas, carrots, and corn all mixed together. But feel free to chop up any fresh veggies you have hanging around, too!

Binding Agent

Just like in regular fried rice, we need eggs! We’ll use 2 large eggs, just lightly beaten in a small bowl before we add them to the pan. This helps bind everything together beautifully.

Seasoning

And of course, a little salt and pepper to taste at the end. This is where you can really fine-tune it to your liking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Shrimp Fried Quinoa is surprisingly easy, and honestly, the process is almost as fun as eating it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time.

Prepare the Quinoa

First things first, we need to get our quinoa ready. Grab a medium saucepan and toss in your rinsed quinoa along with 2 cups of water or broth. Give it a quick stir, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want to cook it until all the liquid is absorbed. Then, here’s a little trick: let it sit, covered, off the heat for another 5 minutes. This helps it get nice and fluffy. After that, fluff it all up with a fork!

Cook the Shrimp

While your quinoa is doing its thing, heat up a big skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get tough! Once they’re done, quickly scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Sauté Vegetables and Garlic

Now, into that same skillet (no need to wash it!), throw in your 1 cup of mixed veggies and the minced garlic. Stir-fry them for about 3-5 minutes. You want them to get nice and tender-crisp – still a little bite to them, you know? Keep things moving so nothing burns.

Scramble the Eggs

This is a classic fried rice move! Push all those lovely veggies and garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour your lightly beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them set for a second, then gently scramble them until they’re just cooked through. Once they’re done, you can break them up a bit and mix them in with the veggies.

Combine and Heat Through

Now for the grand finale! Add your fluffy cooked quinoa and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the veggies and eggs. Drizzle in the soy sauce (or tamari!) and the teaspoon of sesame oil. Give everything a good stir, making sure it’s all mixed together evenly and heated through. Keep tossing it around for a couple of minutes until everything is nice and hot.

Final Seasoning

Taste it! This is your chance to make it perfect. Add salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little pinch of red pepper flakes here adds a nice kick, too, if you like it spicy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fried Quinoa

You know, even with a super straightforward recipe like this Shrimp Fried Quinoa, a few little tricks can really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve picked up a few things over the years that make a big difference, and I’m happy to share them!

Flavor Boosters

If you’re like me and love a little zing, don’t skip this! When you’re adding the garlic and veggies, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering everything else. It’s my secret weapon for when I want a little excitement in my meals!

Ingredient Flexibility

This recipe is SO forgiving, which is one of the things I love most about it. Don’t have shrimp? No problem! You can totally swap it out for diced chicken or even firm tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – chicken will need a bit longer to cook through, and tofu is great pan-fried until golden before you add it.

Utilizing Leftovers

Got some random veggies hanging out in the fridge? This is the perfect recipe to use them up! Chop up any leftover broccoli, bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini and toss them in with the main mix of vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to cut down on food waste and add even more nutrients and color to your Shrimp Fried Quinoa.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Fried Quinoa

This Shrimp Fried Quinoa is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with a few little extras to make it even more special! Sometimes, I’ll whip up a quick side of steamed edamame – it adds another pop of green and is just so satisfying. A little drizzle of Sriracha on top is also a must for me when I want extra heat! If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some chopped green onions right before serving adds a lovely visual appeal and a little extra crunch. It just looks and tastes that much more put-together, you know?

Storing and Reheating Your Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Shrimp Fried Quinoa actually tastes even better the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, just pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to toss it back into a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. This helps bring back that lovely moisture and keeps the quinoa from getting dry. You can also zap it in the microwave, but give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Just avoid letting it sit out at room temperature for too long before you eat it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Got some burning questions about making this delicious Shrimp Fried Quinoa? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things folks ask me most often.

Can I make Shrimp Fried Quinoa ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Shrimp Fried Quinoa is fantastic for meal prep. I often cook the quinoa and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Then, when I’m ready to eat, I just cook the shrimp, sauté the veggies and eggs, and then stir everything together with the pre-cooked quinoa and sauces. It really speeds things up on a busy day!

What are good vegetable options for this recipe?

Oh, the veggie possibilities are endless! I love the classic peas, carrots, and corn mix because it’s easy and colorful. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Diced bell peppers (any color!), chopped broccoli florets, snap peas, green beans, or even some chopped mushrooms work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size so they cook evenly.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you love a little heat, this Shrimp Fried Quinoa can definitely handle it! My favorite way is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes right when you add the garlic and vegetables. You can also add a swirl of your favorite hot sauce, like Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, at the very end when you’re adding the soy sauce. Just start with a little and add more to your taste!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Shrimp Fried Quinoa

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with! This delicious Shrimp Fried Quinoa comes in at about 350 calories per serving. You’ll get around 12g of fat, a fantastic 25g of protein, and about 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a seriously satisfying and wholesome meal!

Amazing Shrimp Fried Quinoa: 25g Protein

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• Author: folderfood
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and healthy twist on fried rice, this Shrimp Fried Quinoa uses fluffy quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), frozen or fresh
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook quinoa: Combine rinsed quinoa and water/broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Cook shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook vegetables and garlic: Add mixed vegetables and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Scramble eggs: Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until cooked.
5. Combine: Add cooked quinoa, cooked shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• You can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp.
• Chop any leftover vegetables you have on hand and add them to the stir-fry.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp fried quinoa, healthy fried rice, quinoa recipe, quick dinner, protein-rich meal