Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that’s both healthy and satisfying? Say hello to Vegetarian Kung Pao Quinoa Bowls! This delightful Asian-inspired recipe combines fluffy quinoa with a medley of colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory kung pao sauce that packs a punch. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, these bowls are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones—this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables by dicing the bell pepper, slicing the carrot, and cutting broccoli into small florets.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes to create the kung pao sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil and stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and divide evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top the quinoa with the stir-fried vegetables and sprinkle roasted peanuts over each bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared kung pao sauce evenly over each bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your vegetarian kung pao quinoa bowl.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the natural coating called saponin, which can give a bitter taste to your dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables! Snow peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms can add a unique twist to your kung pao bowls.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. For those who love heat, consider adding some diced fresh chili peppers.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of quinoa and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and toss with fresh veggies and sauce for a quick meal throughout the week.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget the green onions! They not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor of the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your bowls warm. This helps to meld the flavors of the sauce with the quinoa and vegetables, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
