Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition? Dive into the vibrant world of "Don's Quinoa Shrimp and Kale Fried Rice"! This fusion dish combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with succulent shrimp and nutrient-rich kale, all tossed together in a savory soy sauce blend. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious foodies and busy families alike. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your dinner game with this delightful dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, typically using a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking: Peel and devein shrimp, chop kale into small pieces, mince garlic, and beat eggs in a separate small bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour beaten eggs and scramble quickly, breaking into small pieces. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until eggs are fully set.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to wilt and become tender.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked quinoa. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture and continue stirring to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with additional herbs or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider cooking the quinoa in advance and storing it in the fridge. This way, you can simply reheat it while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that are wild-caught and sustainably sourced.
- Customize Your Greens: If kale isn't your favorite, feel free to substitute with other greens like spinach or Swiss chard, which will also work beautifully in this dish.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Ensure your quinoa is perfectly cooked by rinsing it well to remove any bitterness and following the recommended water-to-quinoa ratio on the package.
- Add Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish for an extra kick.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, which will add a burst of color and flavor to your meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is designed to be cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 230mg