This hearty, flavorful quinoa fried ‘rice’ may just be running in the top spot for tastiest dish I have ever made. I’ve got to give the credit entirely to the  deliciously healthy cooking site, Love and Lemons which I find myself turning to time and time again when I need recipe inspiration (although I did throw in a few additional ingredients to add to the already fantastic mix of quinoa, kale, mushrooms and edamame). I followed this recipe which made enough for two side dishes one night for dinner, and two lunch portions the next day – the perfect brown bag option. Add a dash of Sriracha, plum or hoisin sauce and enjoy!

You’ll need:

  • 1.5 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed & sliced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • salt, pepper
  • a few handfuls of chopped kale
  • 1/2 cup frozen edamame
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil or cilantro
  • 2 (or 3) large eggs, beaten
  • 3-4 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
  • sriracha or red pepper flakes
  • drizzle of toasted sesame oil
  • top with sliced almonds & sesame seeds
To Make:
  1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil shimmers, ad the garlic and green onions and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and ginger, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the kale, quinoa, edamame, and basil, toss to coat with oil and heat through. Cook until the grain is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  3. Make a well in the center of the mixture, exposing the pan bottom. Put the egg and soy in the well and stir until just cooked through. Break up the egg mixture and stir into the grain-vegetable mixture, stir-frying until the edges are golden, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with sriracha or red pepper flakes, and additional soy sauce.
  4. Top with sliced almonds, sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil & serve.
Add veggies or seared proteins as you see fit. Serve and enjoy!