You’ll never miss the rice in this healthy quinoa fried rice! This is by far the best technique I’ve tried for cooking perfect fluffy quinoa, every time!
Hookay so…. when it comes to quinoa, I had it all wrong! Someone once told me to cook it identically to rice and I have been happily doing so ever since. But then I did a little keen-wahhh related researched and realized there is most definitley a better way to cook up those little morsels of whole grain goodness!
I also realized that once the initial “newness” of quinoa wore off, I slacked on cooking the stuff. Yet whenever I would go to Whole Foods to stuff my face with their hot bar, I always loaded up on a giant scoop of quinoa as the base for my meal…. and loved the crap out of it every time.
Then it hit me – I needed to find a way to make quinoa convenient! Not that it takes a ridiculously long time to cook (15 minutes if not even close to brutal), but by cooking a small batch for the week, I can ensure its appearance on my plate over and over again. The quinoa lasts around four days in the fridge and stays light and fluffy when you cook it like quinoa, versus rice. Love it!
So in honor of my ah-ha moment, here is how I cook my quinoa these days.
And might I add, that it comes out perfect every. time. now.
The process goes a little like this:
How to Cook Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
1. Rinse quinoa, strain with a mesh sieve or strainer, and allow to dry before even attempting to cook the stuff. Moisture is the enemy here initially. You can get delish quinoa regardless but it will be even fluffier if you let it dry fully. Drying time will vary, I usually rinse, strain, and just walk away. After drying, the rest of the process will only take about 15 minutes max. So quick =) The rinsing is also essential here because quinoa has a slightly bitter coating on it. Rinsing removes this coating and you wind up with delicious results every time.
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| a seive or mesh strainer makes rinsing a breeze! |
2. Toss the dry quinoa straight in the pot without water and allow to toast on medium heat for just a minute or so while you stir to prevent burning. You don’t quite want to brown it, but instead want to kick that liiiiittle extra moisture that the quinoa might be holding on to. Sometimes I skip this step but I try to lightly toast it if I have a spare minute or two.
3. Add your water. I try to use filtered b/c I’m a pansy and can taste the tap water here in NC in my cooking. I’ve read many a cookbook and website that all suggest to nix the rice 1:2 ratio and instead do a 1:1.5 ratio for quinoa. 1 cup of quinoa per 1.5 cups of water. Feel free to use veggie broth instead of water for added flavor! I skip the broth in the recipe below, but use it in many other recipes. Try it both ways and see what you think =)
4. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer for approx 12 minutes.
5. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and dig straight in! If it’s still a little liquid-y let it simmer for another minute or so until it’s nice and fluffy.
Make extra so you can toss it in pasta dishes to bulk them up, in salads for extra protein and texture, and anything else you can think of! Now that i’m not drowning my quinoa in that extra 1/2 cup of liquid it comes out fluffier and tastier than ever. Which means when I make Quinoa Fried Rice, its EXTRA magical.
Fluffy + Flavorful Quinoa Fried Rice
This tasty quinoa fried rice yields 4 side dish sized servings or two large portions. We’re completely crazy for this recipe and make it oh so often!
Leftovers are also amazing and can be warmed up by tossing the extra quinoa and veggies on a skillet with a little hot oil or butter. Easy peasy!
Feel free to use it as part of your weekly meal prep and you can easily double the recipe as needed.
special diets and swaps
Vegan? Skip the optional egg and use oil for sautéing.
Brontosaurus Chefs – Dig in as is or add some Honey Garlic Tofu if you’d like!
T-Rex Chefs – You can totally add some protien to the mix. Our favorites are Coconut Shrimp or my 15-minute Honey Garlic Shrimp.
Gluten-Free? So is quinoa! Grab some bragg liquid aminos or GF tamari soy sauce to seal the deal and you’re good go.
Quinoa Fried Rice + Tips on Making Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
You'll never miss the rice in this healthy quinoa fried rice! This is by far the best technique I've tried for cooking perfect fluffy quinoa, every time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1.5 cups water
- 2-4 tsp low sodium soy sauce add a little to start and extra to taste!
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen veggies: peas, carrots, and onion
- 1-2 large eggs optional
- oil or butter for sautéing (I typically reach for the butter)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook your quinoa via the method mentioned above.
- While its cooking, prep your veggies! I used frozen peas, fresh baby carrots, and fresh onion since it's what I had on hand. Any combo of veggies, frozen or fresh will work.
- Saute the carrots and onion in a small frying pan until tender. You'll saute your garlic too but add it towards the very end to prevent burning.
- For the peas, I microwave-steamed a small bag and saved the rest for later; however, any cooking method for those delish little peas will work, including tossing them in the skillet with the other veg.
- If you're adding eggs to the mix, push the veggies to one side of the hot pan and crack your eggs on the other side and scramble.
- If your using a stainless or cast iron pan, you might want to add a teeny bit of butter or oil to the pan before cracking the eggs.
- By now the quinoa should be ready. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, fluff, and toss your quinoa into the pan with the veggies.
- Next add your soy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and pan fry for a few minutes.
- Serve hot and garnish with parsley, sweet chili sauce, and extra low-sodium soy sauce =)
Recipe Notes
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or chopped green onion if desired.
Feeling saucy? Drizzle this dish with a little extra soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even Sriracha! It's amazing with all three!
Nutrition facts below are an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed with your choice of ingredients and extras! xo
If you get a chance to try this fluffy quinoa fried rice, let me know! You can leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
This recipe is a great way to clean out your crisper drawer or even your freezer!
Use what you have on hand to make this dish any day of the week without worrying about a grocery-run. I tend to keep peas, carrots, and onion on hand at all time so those always end up in my dishes. When I have them, mushrooms, bean sprouts, snow peas and broccoli are a rockin’ addition to this dish.
What better way to eat your veggies?!
I literally make this quinoa fried rice once a week. Ob-SESSED!
I hope you adore it as much as I do!
more tasty quinoa recipes to try
First up, you’ve GOT to try my Greek Quinoa Bowls – they’re legendary!
For my T-Rex friends, I have the most amazing Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowls too.
Craving an easy peasy salad? Whip up a bowl of this epic Tomato Quinoa Salad and prepare to lick your plate clean!
Becka
I was planing on making this myself and then came across your recipe! Looks great!
Jenn
Thanks Becka!
Adlin
I tried this recipe last night and it’s wonderful. It will more than likely become a staple for me. I also followed your advice for cooking the quinoa and it turned out wonderful. I had half a zucchini to use, so that was my vegetable. I posted a review, along with a picture on my blog, http://adlinsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/06/recipe-roundup.html.
Jenn
I’m so thrilled you loved it Adlin! Off to check out your blog! Thanks so much!!! <3
Kristi
I just had to let you know how much I enjoyed this recipe. I shared it on my blog too. Thanks for your great site, photos and inspiration! http://www.naturallykristi.com/2013/07/01/meal-monday-quinoa-fried-rice/
Jenn
Ahhh yay thank you Kristi! So glad yu enjoyed it!
Cannella
YUM! I bring this to school all the time and it always gets me through track practice! I like to put sausage patties and egg whites and a ton of spinach in mine!
Anonymous
Made this tonight ~ OMG so good and easy to put together! My 2 and 3 year olds devoured it! We will be making this often! 5 stars!
Jenn
Best news ever!!
Warren
Try this one:
QUINOA AVOCADO SALAD WITH BLACK BEANS OVER ARUGULA
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1 lime
pinch of sea salt
4 cups baby arugula
1 fresh ripe avocado, cubed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
Toss and serve!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Ohmygosh Warren that sounds amazing! I will absolutely be making this! Thanks!
KLNobles
I love quinoa. I make a quinoa pilaf with onions, bell peppers and zucchini that my guys love. But we all love fried rice. So, I’m going to try your recipe tomorrow! Thanks!
Mary-Jeanine Ibarguen
I’ve been making this about once a week for a few months now. My 16yo daughter took small portions the first few times, but now she swoons when I mention I’m making “stir-fry quinoa”. Last week we attended a family reunion and I worried all summer about my gluten intolerance at the reunion. So I made this recipe a few times and I definitely introduced a whole bunch of people to the joys of quinoa. Especially a cousin who is celiac and is looking for things to eat. So thank you, thank you for posting a great recipe. I love cleaning out my veggie drawer and frozen veggie pile!!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
This is the best news I’ve heard all day! I’d say all week… but the week just started! But it will probably be the highlight of my next 7 days regardless =) Thanks for the super sweet comment Mary-Jeanine! My little brother is celiac so I’ll try to keep the gluten-free recipes coming! And I’m over the moon that you guys love it! Getting a 16 year old to eat quinoa is pretty much rocket science eh? Haha I love it!!!! Hope your week is off to a fantastic start! <3
Nana0257
Sounds and looks tasty….I’m going to have to try this…
FoodFaithFitness
I made this last night with zucchini, carrots, and onion. It was soooooo good!
MommaCook
I like to make a breakfast quinoa with left overs. I add a nut, fruit (dried or fresh), and some form of milk…super yummy. My favorite is quinoa, pineapple, walnut, unsweetened flaked coconut, coconut milk, and a dash of nutmeg. Mmmmmm!
Tiffany
Do you cook the quinoa in water and then add the coconut milk? I normally cook mine in homemade veggie broth, which wouldn’t be so good for breakfast. 😛 This sounds so delicious!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
At first glance, I thought you said you’d like to marry quinoa… which isn’t a bad idea =) haha! Love the meal idea! Thanks! <3
Tiffany
I’ve just thrown in some frozen peas and carrots and some green onions. Snowpeas and bean sprouts both sound delicious though. I’ll have to remember that! We skip the egg since we’re part of the vegansaurus crowd, but it’s still a pretty filling dish! Never any leftovers though. I might need to double it so I can have extra. Ha!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Thanks Tiffany!!! <3 Which veggies did you add? I’ve been putting fresh snowpeas and bean spouts in it a ton lately and pretty much have to refrain from eating the bowl 😉 haha
Tiffany
My family loves this recipe! Thanks for posting!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Yay! Doooooo it! It’s insanely good! I either make this one or the remix one at the bottom of the post! Love em!
Carly
This is great! I love cooking quinoa and usually make a quinoa and black bean concoction, but I am definitely trying this sometime soon!
katie b
I love this recipe! My 3 yr old even ate it! The only thing i hate is the quinoa that gets all over the place! In the sink on the floor in other dishes…..
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Haha you must be doing something right if the quinoa goes flying everywhere! =) It’s all over my kitchen too — totally worth it though! <3 So so so glad you liked the recipe! Thanks Katie!
Jennifer
Oh my, I love Fried Rice…worked at a Japanese restaurant and learned there… This might just be the inspiration for a total switch over to quinoa!
Pegasuslegend24
this looks great!
heatherbquinn
Made this for lunch today… I guess it defeats the purpose of a vegan recipe but I want to add shrimp next time 🙂
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Haha its GREAT with shrimp! =) You can make a big batch and have shrimp with it the first day and then vegan the next! I do this a lot <3
So glad you liked it Heather!!! and Thank you!
Jillian
Okay, so sorry to have taken so long to get back with you! I have made this recipe over and over and always get rave reviews! The calorie breakdown if you divide this into 4 servings is only 117 calories per serving!! Great nutritional value for the calorie content for sure! If you had a REALLY hungry crew, you could even divide it into thirds and still not consume too many calories per serving. Thanks again for a GREAT recipe!!
Jillian
Ooops! I added the wrong amount of calories for the eggs (I use 2 large eggs) so you would need to add 26.5 calories per person for a total of 144. 🙂
Nina Yang
My boyfriend said that I wouldn’t be able to make quinoa fried rice, but thank you so much for this recipe. I know what I’ll be making for dinner tonight!
Lisa Rozario
Thank you for sharing this. I love quinoa and am happy to find another recipe for it ..a healthy option too. Also read your guest post on The Blooming Hydrangea.
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I read this from my phone this weekend while having a bad day and ohmygosh — thank you so much for this sweet comment! It brightened my day =) I’m so so thrilled that your family loved it as much as mine! Thank you!
Kathy Welsh
I am so excited that this actually worked!! I’ve been wondering why oh why is my quinoa so mushy! Thank you so much. I love your blog. Please check out mine!! http://1bloominghealth.wordpress.com/
Lfcare
I just saw this recipe on Pinterest today and made it tonight. HUGE HIT! I made two cups and it was by far the lightest and fluffiest quinoa I’ve ever made. Everyone (all FOUR kids and the HUBBY) loved this version as fried rice. Thank you for sharing this with us as I’m certain it will be a staple in our home.
KarynEC
So excited to try this!!! I have been searching for fresh ideas for Quiona and this looks terrific!!
TheMrsatSuccessAlongtheWeigh
This looks like the perfect compliment to the stir fry I want to make this week. Yum!
Nancy
Just made a GREAT recipe from the January All You Magazine called Mushroom Quinoa Burgers! They were delicious!!! Love learning new ways to use quinoa and definitely making your fried rice quinoa this week!!! Thanks!!!
Nancyahawthorne
Just made a GREAT recipe from the January All You Magazine called Mushroom Quinoa Burgers! They were delicious!!! Love learning new ways to use quinoa and definitely making your fried rice quinoa this week!!! Thanks!!!
Jillian
Made it tonight and it was AH-MAY-ZING!!! Not a crumb left over!! I dried mine (after rinsing it) in a low temp oven (about 170 degrees) for about 5 minutes to hurry things along. Turned out great. Served it with Edamame . Next time my husband wants me to add a bit of red pork. I’m not too keen on the extra nitrates etc., but I might make a batch for him that way. Thanks for the great explanations and photos. It gave me the courage to try a recipe that will be in my weekly rotation for quite a while!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
There are a number of free memberships you can get to food diary websites and trackers that you can enter in how much of each ingredient you add to your total “batch” of the dish and obtain a total calorie count based on what you just cooked. Then you can break it down into calories/serving and get a better grasp of the details. I’m a little bit of a free spirit after calorie counting in nutrition school for so long so I have started viewing super “grains” like quinoa, legumes, and veggies as calorie-free foods b/c of their nutrient density. I only monitor the extras such as oils, butters, cheeses and such so I haven’t calculated the dish yet myself.
nutritiondata.self.com is pretty fun to explore as far as counters go.
Here is the breakdown of one cup of cooked quinoa: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2 — 1 cup is a LOT of quinoa and the calories are mainly from the awesome protein that it contains (vs coming from fat and carbohydrates) so I consider it a powerhouse! <3
Hope this helps! <3
Jillian
What would you guess is the calorie breakdown per serving? I am striving for 1700 cal. per day and usually have between 900 and 1100 calories remaining for dinner/dessert/snack at the end of the day. I love that quinoa has the great combo of protein and whole grains, but I don’t know how much I am really eating! Thanks again for your blog! It is the first one ever I have ever “followed” and I am so excited to try a bunch of your recipes!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Ummmm biggest virtual high-five ever! I love your idea to dry it in the oven at a low temp! Brilliant Jillian!!!! I will be trying that out with the batch i’m making Tuesday!
I always tease my carnivorous husband (i’m worried about those additives too!!) that he can have all the meat he chooses… if he cooks it himself! I bet this dish would rock with some pulled red pork but… I say you and I kick our feet up and have some wine while they get their butts in the kitchen this time 😉
Thanks so much for the feedback love! <3 Hope you had a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Jenn
Vermontmaple
My friend made quinoa and brought it into work. I couldn’t get enough of it! The one thing about quinoa is that you really can’t go wrong no matter what you do to it. My friend brought it in cold…..I love it this way. I did not drain or rinse (my bad); used fetta cheese, peppers, red onions and rice vinegar. I bought one brand that was horrible but the MARUKAN (Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar) was DELICIOUS! I made 1 cup quinoa to 1 1/2 cup water. Then added 1/4 cup vinegar. I didn’t realize it, but my friend added olive oil. Enjoy!!
Britt
Made it tonight. It was great! I will definitely be cooking my quinoa like this from now on. Thanks again. Oh, and the shrimp was a perfect addition!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
whooohooo! glad you loved it Britt!!!!!
Sara @my less serious life
So, Jenn. I know this is a few days old post…but I just had to write and tell you this story. I have never made quinoa myself and after seeing it on all the blogs bought some to try. My boyfriend thought this was a great idea too. So, after seeing this post of course I sent it to him in an e-mail b/c neither of were quite sure how to prepare it. And then…my boyfriend who certainly doesn’t read healthy living blogs or experiment in the kitchen…on his own, by himself, in his cute little apartment kitchen made this quinoa fried rice. And…because he liked it so much brought his little tuppaware of leftovers over to my place to try. Isn’t that the cutest thing of your life? And, just goes to show you what a fantastic recipe you created! <3
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Thanks Ashley! For sure try it — it’s been a huge hit with everyone that has taste-tested it [eee happy dance!]
For drying, I just leave it in the strainer earliler in the day and forget about it but last night I strained it and then dumped the pile of semi-damp quinoa on a stack of paper towels and it dried fairly quickly! The toasting process will nix any leftover moisture too =)
and my husband HATES quinoa with passion, until this dish =) now he gobbles it up! Hope that helps!!!! Thanks for your sweet comment!
Ashleysh22
WOW! This looks sooooo delicious! I seriously can’t wait to try it. and your method of cooking it. I wonder – HOW do you dry quinoa? I know that probably seems obvious – but, if you left it in a strainer, wouldn’t it take hours to dry? perhaps this is something even my husband will eat 🙂
feedthebf
Your quinoa looks awesome! Glad you found a great way to cook it =)
Icantdrive49
I am new to your site, and was excited to try this. I made it for dinner and Im eating it right now its fantastic! I have never had quiona before and im glad I tried it. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Thanks for the healthy dinner 🙂
Amanda Carlson
I made this tonight, and it was DELICIOUS. Perfect timing, as I had just bought my first bag of quinoa. Thanks for the time and effort you put into your posts — the detail, right down to the fun font you used on the pictures, make it like reading a really beautiful magazine.
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Thanks Amanda!!!!!! This is hands down one of my favorite comments I’ve ever received. I’ve always dreamed of working for a magazine and this really hit home =) You’re the best! I’m so thrilled you love the recipe! <3
Andrea Dixon
Same here! I bought some a while back and haven’t had the guts to try cooking it yet. This certainly helps!!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
haha yay! glad one of my vegansaurus bffs actually likes my dorky names for the recipe substitutions/variations! <3 Off to check out your WIAW post lovey!!!! def try the quinoa fried rice! I heart it so! =)
Jill @ Vegan in the Kitchen
We threw a Pink Panda Party for my Princess this past weekend. This quinoa fried rice would have been an awesome side to go with the stir-fry. Definitely going to serve it at the adult sushi/sake party all the adults were planning by the end of the party!
BTW, I love how you added vegansaurus here. 🙂
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I gave up meat in college to get myself to eat more veggies and learn to like beans…. it worked so well =) so much in fact that i didnt even mess with meat for like 5 years or so. Go for it girly!!!! I’ll keep posting veggie eats <3
Kay at the Van Gogh Cafe
I’m so glad you posted this! I’m trying to convince the hubs that we should give up meat for Lent, mostly because I think it would be really good for us to start eating meatless more, and that would give us a fantastic kick in the pants to do so. But that means I have to start collecting good vegetarian recipes asap!
Richa
i love quinoa and i love your post title!:) i’ve been using the 1:1.5 ratio.. but dint try roasting it.. great suggestion.. that fried rice quinoa looks gorgeous!
Lexie
I’ve never had quinoa before in my life! (ducking head in shame.) I go to buy it at the shops, and it’s SO EXPENSIVE I feel like somebody will rob me if I walk out of the shop with it. Is it a bit like couscous, only nuttier and crunchier? I have no idea. The fried rice looks amazing; are you a spice girl? (I don’t notice any chili’s, but not everyone puts chilli in fried rice.)
Khushboo
I LOVE quinoa and it took me the longest time to “master” how to cook it! I stick with the 2:1 water to quinoa ratio and that seems to do the trick! I’ve wasted a lot of quinoa due to failed attempts- woops!
Courtney (The Green Geek)
I am suddenly so glad I haven’t tried cooking quinoa yet. I was planning to just throw it in the rice cooker. I may actually be able to get my hubby to enjoy it!
LivelyKitchen
I love quinoa, but I must admit I always use a 2:1 ratio of water:quinoa. You are rocking my world by changing that…. still, I trust you…. so I’ll give it a go.
Alexis @ Hummusapien
I don’t know what I love more…..this recipe or the fact that you have a picture of Despicable Me’s “IM SO FLUFFY!”
I die.
Totally making this tomorrow!!!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I’m a spice FIEND! =) I try to alternate which recipes I cayenne/redpepperflake/chili sauce the heck out of b/c half my readers don’t like anything spicy. Though I can attest that this rocks with extra kick =) Brand-name quinoa is certainly more expensive than the bulk bin or discount store varieties (the quality seems to be all the same!) and does have a really similar texture to couscous but fluffier/nuttier and, because its related to beets and such, is much healthier than a typical grain (even whole grains!) I think its totally worth a try =) with chilis <3 Hope my ramble helps! hehe
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Hey Alexis! I use a seive/strainer to rinse the quinoa. I think I paid $7 for a 3pk at bed bath and beyond with one of their coupons [ http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13280096 ] and use them for soooo many kitchen tasks in addition to the quinoa. Its good for pasta and soups/stews and also for fishing out veggies after I blanch them.
Hope that helps! <3 LMK if you have any other questions!
Alexis Stapp
How do you rinse it? Every time I try to rinse quinoa, I seem to lose half of it down the drain. It sticks to EVERYTHING.
Maria
I know this may sound completely ridiculous, but I always fumble with the pronunciation. The title of the entry now has it permanently etched in my brain. I’ve been telling my daughter it’s called “KEEN-WAHHHH” over and over. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
LOVE lime juice in my quinoa! This sounds delicious!
Pkinderman
Quinoa cooked in chicken or vegetable stock, while hot add chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice! Learned it from a Chilean friend – it is a staple there.
Sugarspiceandbacon
I love the idea of toasting the quinoa! Definitely trying that out! Thanks!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I actually do make a cranberry quinoa! Its a little different though– here’s the recipe: https://peasandcrayons.com/2011/10/cranberry-curry-quinoa-with-roasted.html
what kind of sauce, if any, did the dish you tried have on it? if you can describe it a little bit I can try to whip something up and post a recipe for you! =) Just let me know! I adore recreating restaurant/etc… dishes at home! Its one of my fav challenges!
xoxo
jenn
Toni H
Any suggestions for a recipe with cranberries? I tried a quinoa dish on my last cruise…and it had cranberries, almonds and possibly green onion/scallions? it was extremely delicious, but i’ve never been able to find anything close to it.
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Anytime love! It’s sooooo goooood with shrimp! its filling but light at the same time =)
Britt
Thanks for the quick response. I can’t wait to try it! I love the idea of adding the shrimp.
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Great questions Britt!!! I’m going to try to update the post with the info as well — thanks for asking!!!
I usually rinse my quinoa whenever I start thinking of what I want for lunch/dinner (I think in advance b/c i’m always thinking about food! whoops!) and then just leave it out while I run errands and do stuff around the house — so I’ve never timed it. I would say 20 minutes or so but you can just as easily rinse it, leave it out for several minutes, and then pat it dry with paper towels. The toasting step will remove any little bit of moisture you left behind as well.
I usually fry up the eggs after the veggies are just about done sauteeing. I push the veg to the side and while the pan is still hot, crack two eggs in to the cleared space and just kind of scramble them around until they turn bright yellow. Shouldn’t take more than a minute or so. Its one of those dishes that can be muli-tasked really easily, which I love =)
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions Britt! and let me know what you think if you try it! xoxo
Britt
This looks great and I can’t wait to try it. 2 questions… 1) when do you add the eggs? 2) about how long do you let the quinoa dry after rinsing? Thanks so much!!!
Tanja @ Postmodern Hostess
Okay, over 100 comments. You are a blogging stud!
I LOVE quinoa! But I am lazy, and never bother rinsing it anymore. What a great idea to make it into fried rice! I am definitely going to try this!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I used to pronounce it wrong ALLL the time! hehe at least we have the hang of it now! <3
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Whooohoo! If you like quinoa you’ll love it… well, even if you didnt like quinoa you would love it =) my husband is deathy afraid of the stuff but devours this like its going out of style 😉 Hope you love it too!!!!
and I might need to take a cue from you and hunt down that ringtone. It would make me laugh everytime the phone rings! =)
The Healthy Hippie
AWESOME RECIPE! im pretty new with Qunioa and am always looking for new ways to make it..this looks delicious & ill have to try it out for sure!
PS: loooooooove the “its so fluffy!” …that used to be my ring tone, ahahaha!! love her 🙂
Claire Gallam10
I used to think you spelled quinoa KEENWAH. it was embarrassing. My gosh, rockstar, check out your comments 🙂 Love this Jenn!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
veg it up and give it a fun name/title so the kids think its cool! or you can let them pick what veggies they want to try in it and have them help mix/stir =)
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I like it to taste like perfectly cooked rice but without a crunch. But i’ve had it with a crunch to it and its still good too! Even when i goof and have made it mushy in the past i still devoured it sooo… im just easy to please as long as it isnt burnt or too raw! lol <3 I deleted the post b/c it was just kind of boring and noone was commenting on it. lol. i’m so insecure like that 😉
Erica
So I just went to comment on a quinoa post (not this one) and
it said it didn’t exist! EEEEEE! You must have deleted it! Anywho…I was
wondering your quinoa teqnique and now I see it! I never thought to toast it! Mine
has a perfect lil crunch to it…is that normal!?!? Kind of like el DENTE quinoa!
Even kurt had it! Haha
Its so fluffy im gonnna diieee!!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul
I love it when it’s lemony or it has balsamic! And lots of herbs~:D
Shirley
I use quinoa but I cheat LOL!! I but the one that does not require rinsing and just put it on the stove with water. I was afraid to make it thought I was not going to like it, but I must admit it comes out pretty good. I have only done it plain but next time I make it I am going to add the veggies and maybe get my kids to eat it.
Heather
I am fairly new to the Quinoa bandwagon too – thanks for sharing your cooking method, I can’t wait to try it out – congrats on the FoodBuzz Top 9!
Julia Mestas
Looooove this post. It’s funny, you’re funny! And I need to get my arse in the kitchen and make some more quinoa, but this time, TOAST it!!!! Yum!
Marisa@Thecollegecuisiner
Note to self: do not look at this post when hungry. mmmm….
Emily
Ahh…I was just thinking about quinoa this morning. I haven’t made any in such a long time- I miss it! For my go-to recipe I add carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and dried cranberries to the quinoa. And I use a mixture of lemon and balsamic for the dressing. So delicious!
Congratulations on making Foodbuzz’s Top 9 again! Very well-deserved. (:
Rachel@MyNaturallyFrugalFamily
Oh so yummy! I too have slacked off quinoa, but I may have to rejuvinate the love. Your fried quinoa looks so very delectable.
Ashley @ Josh & Ashleys World
I seriously heart quinoa! In fact I had it for dinner last night 🙂
Lori Lynn
Your fried version sounds positively delightful. I’ll be posting a quinoa meatball next week. We heart our quinoa too.
Congrats on Top 9 today.
Lori Lynn
Valerie Griffin
SO glad you stopped by my blog. Thanks for following! I’m loving yours! & I love quinoa! I can’t wait to try this recipe! YUM
Suzi
Love the colors in this healthy healthy dish. Congrats on the Top 9. Lovely photos too.
Reagan
I have to eat gluten free and I have always been too scared to make quinoa cuz I didn’t know how to cook it or what I could even make with it. Thanks so much for this post.
Julie
I love quinoa but never rinsed it before!!! Glad to know how to cook it properly now!
Professor Vegetable
number 1: I love the recipe! Number 2: having the different dinosaur chefs is so cute as a way to show how different eating styles can use the quinoa. I love your blog, JENN!!!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
wheat berries are next on my list of things to conquer! so excited! =) Do you have a recipe you can suggest?
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
I love quinoa and it really is such a great sub for rice dishes! And yay for more protein and less carbs!
Kelly B
I freakin’ love quinoa!! I think I love my mom even more for introducing me to it!! 😉
Kelli H
I love keen-wahhhhhhh tooooo! So good! This dish looks so good! I have to bookmark it.
My favorite quinoa dish is making a Mexican bowl. Add some peppers, onions, whatever else and top with some cheese – YUM!
Jodi K
I’m new to your site, but I’m seriously lovin’ it!
I haven’t ever tried quinoa because it seemed grosser than gross, but you’ve actually made it look delectable! So glad I found you!
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land
Omg, I just posted a recipe for Quinoa fried rice today too! Ours a little different, but I think I am loving your photos more than mine. Nice work, sister. (Great minds think alike!)
Yesiwantcake
Heck yes! I love quinoa – I forget about it as anything but breakfast food, but this post slams it to the forefront of my brain. Looks absolutely delicious.
Teeny Littlesuperchef
Yay for quinoa! Thanks for all the great info on how to cook these little babies up. I always forget to toast mine first and then wonder why ends up like a big pile of mush. Doh! I also like the idea of turning it into Fried Quinoa using the method as rice. Awesome-sauce! As far as my favorite thing to add to quinoa, I love having it in the morning with chopped apples and cinnamon. So warm and comforting and keeps my belly full for a long time… very important qualities in my book 🙂
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog}
Ah yes, we both definitely have been on a keen-wahhhh kick! It’s so good and of course healthy! This recipe looks scrumptious! 🙂
Kiri W.
Looks wonderful! I’ve never made quinoa, but I’m dying to 🙂
Helennaturally
I basically cook mine the way you do! I love to add veggies in the mix. Oh and I like to add it to my salads as well 🙂
ASHLEA
I have plans to cook with quinoa! I have fell in love with it as a breakfast dish at one of my favorite restaurants and dying to experiment. This looks like a great recipe to try!
Leanne@Around The Table
For weeks my husband was convinced quinoa looked like fish eyes and refused to eat it. I made him try it ( after weeks of trying) and he is now a believer. He loves it! I never thought of fried rice! Great idea.
monika @ fit foodies.
I love quinoa! For breakfast bakes and as a side for lunch and dinner. Recently I have been added fresh lime juice, sauteed onions and garlic to mine. Delish!
Ataleoftwoveggies
I’ve been meaning to try quinoa for the longest time, but I’m kinda scared! This looks de-liiiiii-cious! “its so fluffy i’m going to die” 😀 hilarrrrrious… I found you on FoodBuzz…loving your blog!
Lauren
excellent how-to! Haha I always burn quinoa 😉
Emily Goodman
I’ve been wanting to try cooking quinoa for a while now! I love how super easy your recipe is…I will def be trying this out 🙂
Liz
I also LOVE quinoa. In fact, I was thinking about making some tri-colored quinoa tonight! I like to add chopped cucumber, grape tomatoes, some fresh garlic and basil, and chopped onion to mine to make a quinoa salad. Your fried rice version looks amazing, too! Oh– and have you ever tried quinoa for breakfast with a fried egg on top? DEEEE-licious!