Looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Dive into the vibrant world of our Quinoa Veggie Stir Fry with Teriyaki Sauce! This Asian-inspired recipe is a flavor explosion that combines fluffy quinoa and colorful mixed vegetables, all tossed in a rich, savory teriyaki sauce. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? 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
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, wash and chop all vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release their aromatic flavors.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and retain their vibrant colors.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and add to the vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Pour teriyaki sauce over the quinoa and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, continuing to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to integrate flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra teriyaki sauce on the side for those who prefer additional flavor.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this.
- Prep Your Veggies: Chop your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. This not only enhances the dish's appearance but also ensures a consistent texture.
- Heat is Key: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the oil. This helps achieve that perfect stir-fry texture, keeping your veggies crisp and vibrant.
- Aromatics First: Stir-fry the garlic and ginger quickly to release their flavors without burning them. This step is crucial for building the dish's aromatic base.
- Toss it Right: When adding the teriyaki sauce, toss everything gently to ensure even coating without breaking down the veggies or quinoa.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t forget the green onions! They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your dish, making it visually appealing and enhancing the flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms would also work beautifully in this stir fry!
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it hot, and consider offering extra teriyaki sauce on the side for those who want an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 254kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
