These tiny quinoa seeds really are sponges for flavor. I was really surprised how decadent and satisfying this seemed, and with only a tablespoon of vegetable oil and a handful of very lean smoked ham.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Calories
287 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Rinse quinoa in cold water for about 1 minute and drain well.
Step 2
Place in a saucepan and cover with 1 1/2 cup cold water and salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Fluff quinoa with a fork and set aside.
Step 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir ham, red bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onion until the ham begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Set chopped green onion tops aside. Add garlic, remove from heat, and stir until garlic becomes aromatic, 1 or 2 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in quinoa and return to stove over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add vinegar, soy sauce, chile-garlic sauce, and sesame seeds. Garnish with reserved green onion tops.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt to taste
1 ½ cups cold water
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
½ cup chopped green onion, white and green parts separated
1 teaspoon chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®), or more to taste (Optional)
