Beef and broccoli fried quinoa recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal, this beef and broccoli fried quinoa recipe is a perfect choice. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and hearty quinoa, this dish delivers a satisfying bite while keeping things light and healthy. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional fried rice, offering the same great taste with added nutrients. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe is both easy to prepare and full of bold flavors.
Beef and broccoli fried quinoa
This dish is quite similar to the quinoa fried rice I prepared some time ago, but it is definitely not vegetarian-friendly (apologies to my vegetarian and vegan friends!). It is a nutritious ground beef recipe that is completely gluten-free, incredibly tasty, and fairly simple to cook. Plus, you can have it ready in about 20-30 minutes.
Ingredients for this beef quinoa
Beef: You will need 8 ounces of ground beef for this recipe.
Chopped broccoli: Prepare 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets to add a fresh and nutritious element.
Pre-cooked quinoa: Use 1 cup of pre-cooked quinoa as the base of the dish.
Garlic: Mince 3 garlic cloves to enhance the flavor.
Tamari sauce: Add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of tamari sauce for a rich and savory taste.
Onion: Chop 2 spring onions to incorporate a mild onion flavor.
Carrot: Dice 1 carrot to bring a slight sweetness and extra crunch.
Olive oil: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking and blending the flavors together.
Step-by-step instructions
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet for a few minutes. Keep cooking it until it is nearly fully done.
Next, toss in the minced garlic cloves. We really enjoy garlic in our meals, and even the little one appreciates its flavor.
Shortly after adding the garlic, stir in the chopped broccoli. It’s important to cook them just enough without making them overly soft like how your grandma used to. We’ve learned over time that broccoli can be enjoyed without being cooked to the point of complete sterilization.
Drizzle in the tamari sauce and mix in the chopped carrot, spring onions, and cooked quinoa. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution.
Finally, stir in some spinach and cilantro if you prefer. These ingredients are optional, but I found they added a nice touch to the dish.
Serve the dish right away and enjoy it until all your work and relationship troubles fade into the background. Of course, I’m just joking—food isn’t a replacement for therapy. It’s always hard to tell if sarcasm comes across in writing. Hopefully, you can tell that I’m a decent person who just hasn’t had much sleep in the past three years.
Frequently asked questions
How can I store leftovers of beef and broccoli fried quinoa?
You should store this dish in the refrigerator’s cool section. We recommend letting it cool down and wrapping it with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. However, the best option is to enjoy it hot right after cooking.
Can I cook this quinoa my own way?
This dish is completely gluten-free, but you need to use tamari sauce or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. However, if you don’t follow a gluten-free diet, feel free to use soy sauce—it doesn’t really matter. In the end, what truly matters is that you prepared a meal.
You can substitute the quinoa with a different grain. For instance, you can use leftover rice, freshly cooked rice, millet, or any other grain that suits your taste.
If you prefer to avoid red meat, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey.
Find more helpful dinner recipes here.