| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 2g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 5g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love American Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu
Born and raised between the clanking pots and simmering sauces of Italian-American kitchens, a fiery passion for food has grown within me. One recipe that has quickly become a personal favorite is Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu. It’s an entrée that successfully mixes traditional and innovative elements, triumphing with a welcoming dance of hearty healthiness and delightful taste.
A Dish Inspired, A Dish Loved
At first, you may think, “Quinoa? In a classic fried rice dish?” This is where my love for this recipe comes into play. See, I’ve always deeply appreciated my Italian-American heritage, the comfort and authenticity that comes with each bite of spaghetti sauce-drenched meatballs. However, this deep love for traditional dishes has always been accompanied by a sense of adventure, an unending curiosity to explore the world of flavors beyond my grandmother’s kitchen.
Therefore, the modifications of using quinoa, packed with nutrients and proteins, and the inclusion of tofu, a splendid and versatile protein source, strongly resonate with me. An inspiration for this recipe was actually the ingenious fusion cooking of Chef Martin Yan. Yan, with his creative approach to Chinese cuisine, demonstrated that traditional recipes could be revisited, reimagined and transformed while still echoing the soul of the original. Just as I have done with this Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu.
Not Just Tasty, But Memory-Touching Too
One of the reasons I treasure this recipe is not merely about the culinary wonder of it, but the memories it evokes. While cooking and tasting this dish, I’m reminded of hikes with my grandchildren. Similar to the nutritious Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu, hiking is a wholesome, enriching experience. The dish captures the spirit of the venture, an off-the-beaten-path exploration that I often associated with the out-of-doors activity.
So, with each spoonful of the Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu, it’s not just the flavors that make me smile, but also the feelings. The pleasant memories of laughter shared, stories told, and nature enjoyed with my grandkids are a wonderful side dish served with the recipe.
Both coming from my Italian-American heritage and my culinary adventures, this stint with Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu is one that brings me joy, health, and a delicious satisfaction that encourages me to continue my kitchen experiments. Fair to say, it’s sprung straight from everything I hold dear about food and family.
Photo Courtesy: Your Gourmet Guru
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of quinoa
- 3 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup of canola oil
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup of white onions, chopped
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
To start off, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the quinoa, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all the broth has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Step Two
While the quinoa is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the remaining canola oil and stir in the white onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Step Four
Next, add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook until they’re warmed through. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the whisked eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
Step Five
Add the cooked quinoa and tofu back into the skillet and stir everything together. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil and cook for a few more minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
Step Six
Finally, add the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is mixed together, your Quinoa Fried Rice with Tofu is ready to be served. Enjoy it while it’s hot.
