Craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Asian Shrimp and Quinoa recipe that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven! In less than 30 minutes, you'll create a stunning dish that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a tantalizing Asian-inspired sauce that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for achieving a pleasant flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the shrimp and vegetables. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it between two serving plates. Top each plate with the shrimp and vegetable stir-fry.
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your Asian Shrimp and Quinoa!
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: To prevent rubbery shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry Secret: Keep your vegetables crisp-tender by stir-frying on high heat for a short time. This method preserves nutrients and maintains a delightful texture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra umami kick, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to intensify the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can prepare the quinoa and marinate the shrimp in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 230mg
