Vegetable Fried Quinoa

Name: Vegetable Fried Quinoa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen); 3 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Prep Plates

I love whipping up Vegetable Fried Quinoa whenever I want a quick and healthy meal. This dish is a delightful blend of vibrant vegetables and protein-packed quinoa, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. In about 30 minutes, I can create a satisfying bowl of goodness that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap in any veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:33:35.986Z

Vegetable Fried Quinoa became a regular dish in my kitchen after I discovered how easily it comes together and how satisfying it feels. On busy nights, I love that I can prepare this dish with whatever vegetables are in my fridge. The key to perfectly cooked quinoa is rinsing it before cooking; this removes any bitterness and gives a fluffier texture.

One of my favorite tips is to let the quinoa cool a bit before adding it to the pan with sautéed veggies. This prevents it from becoming mushy and helps it absorb the flavors beautifully. I also enjoy garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra crunch!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich quinoa
Quick and easy to make on a busy weeknight
Versatile recipe that adapts to your taste preferences
Great for meal prep and leftovers!

Mastering Your Quinoa

Cooking quinoa perfectly is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture rather than a mushy consistency. Ensure you rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, known as saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. When simmering, keep the heat low and avoid lifting the lid too soon. This helps trap steam, ensuring an even cook. Set a timer for precisely 15 minutes after adding quinoa to the boiling liquid for optimal results.

If you find yourself with leftover quinoa, don't worry! This recipe is perfect for using up that cooked grain. Store your extra quinoa in the fridge in an airtight container, and remember it can last about 3 to 5 days. Simply reheat it in the skillet with a splash of water, which will help loosen it back to its fluffy state before incorporating it with your sautéed vegetables.

Customizing Your Vegetable Fried Quinoa

One of the best aspects of Vegetable Fried Quinoa is its adaptability. While bell peppers and carrots offer vibrant color and sweetness, feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli florets, zucchini, or even small amounts of shredded cabbage can provide different flavors and textures. Just remember to cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking, ideally no larger than a half-inch dice.

If you're looking to add some protein, consider incorporating tofu or cooked chicken. Just sauté them in the skillet first until golden, before adding your vegetables. Alternatively, for a vegan option, add chickpeas or edamame during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This not only boosts the protein content but also rounds out the meal nicely.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Now that you've got everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Vegetable Fried Quinoa:

Cook the Quinoa

In a pot, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, carrots, and peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Combine Quinoa and Flavor

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooled quinoa to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy Vegetable Fried Quinoa!

Your delicious Vegetable Fried Quinoa is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive touch, consider serving Vegetable Fried Quinoa in a lettuce wrap or on a bed of fresh greens. This adds a crunchy texture, and the coolness of the lettuce complements the warm dish beautifully. You could also serve it alongside a tangy dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil for an extra flavor boost.

If you're preparing this dish for meal prep, store the quinoa mixture in individual containers. It reheats well in the microwave and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent option for on-the-go lunches. Just be sure to add any delicate garnishes, like green onions or sesame seeds, just before serving to preserve their flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once your Vegetable Fried Quinoa has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to five days. If you prefer freezing it, portion out individual servings in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible; this will help prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors intact. It can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When reheating, you can add a tablespoon of water in the microwave to help steam the quinoa and restore its moisture. Alternatively, heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. This will revive the dish beautifully, making it just as tasty as the first time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown quinoa instead of white?

Yes, but note that brown quinoa may take a bit longer to cook, about 20 minutes.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Using vegetable broth and no animal products makes this dish fully plant-based.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Vegetable Fried Quinoa?

Yes! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it should last for up to 2 months.