If you're looking to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and a tropical twist, look no further than this delectable Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Quinoa! This Asian-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp, sweet pineapple, and nutty quinoa into a harmony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this colorful, nutritious meal that’s perfect for impressing family or guests. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions, preferably using low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. Once cooked, spread on a baking sheet and let cool to room temperature to prevent clumping.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over high heat.
- Quickly stir-fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same pan, add remaining sesame oil. Crack eggs and scramble quickly, creating soft curds. Push eggs to one side of the pan.
- Add pineapple chunks and peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until pineapple is slightly caramelized and peas are bright green.
- Add cooled quinoa to the pan. Pour soy sauce over quinoa and mix thoroughly, ensuring each grain is evenly coated.
- Return shrimp to the pan and gently fold into the quinoa mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat shrimp and blend flavors.
- Garnish with sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for added flavor.
Tips
- Flavorful Quinoa: For a richer taste, cook your quinoa in low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water. This simple swap adds depth to the dish without extra calories.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are patted dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear. A hot pan is key—cook the shrimp quickly to retain their juicy texture.
- Egg Scrambling Technique: When scrambling the eggs, keep them soft and creamy by cooking them on medium-high heat and pushing them to one side of the pan. This allows for a fluffy texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Caramelizing Pineapple: Don’t rush the stir-fry! Allow the pineapple chunks to caramelize slightly for a delightful contrast of sweetness and acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Mixing It Up: When adding the quinoa and soy sauce, make sure to mix thoroughly to coat every grain. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
- Final Touches: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A splash of extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili sauce can take it to the next level!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Quinoa hot, garnished with fresh green onions. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 250mg
