Are you ready to elevate your meal game with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious? Dive into the world of flavors with our Spicy Quinoa Kimchi Bowls—a culinary adventure that combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the bold, tangy kick of kimchi. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with health benefits. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring a deliciously spicy meal that will have your taste buds dancing. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this explosion of flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the additional ingredients. Chop the kimchi into small pieces, slice the green onions, and cut the avocado into thin slices.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and sauté for 2-3 minutes to release its flavors.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with kimchi. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Divide the quinoa-kimchi mixture evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with sliced avocado and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- For extra heat, drizzle sriracha sauce over the top of each bowl according to personal spice preference.
- Serve immediately while the quinoa is still warm, enjoying the complex flavors of spicy kimchi and nutty quinoa.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. This simple step can make a significant difference in taste!
- Cook with Precision: Ensure you follow the cooking time closely. Fluffy quinoa is key to achieving the perfect texture—overcooked quinoa can become mushy.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to match your spice tolerance. You can always start with a little and add more to taste.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh kimchi for the best flavor. If you can, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought kimchi for a more authentic taste.
- Make it a Meal: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to make this dish even heartier and more satisfying.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the avocado and green onions—they add a wonderful creaminess and freshness that balances the dish beautifully.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these bowls while the quinoa is still warm to fully appreciate the flavors and textures. With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
