Such a flavorful healthy stir-fry I’ve done so many ways!  The cranberries and walnuts give this meaty vegetable dish a different dimension.

Quinoa is a seed that is used as a grain substitute for those avoiding rice.  Most people think that quinoa (keen-wah) is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the reason why they like to eat a lot of fit in place of white rice.  Actually, the carb content per 100 grams of quinoa is higher than the protein content.  But don’t let that scare you!  Quinoa falls under the complex carbohydrate category.  The kind of carb that takes a long time to digest and provides you with a good amount of fiber, keeping you fuller longer.  It’s a great choice if you need sustained energy for any physical activity.

Quinoa is so easy to cook, just like rice!  You can virtually add anything to it.  Turn it into a pilaf or risotto, flavor it with any sauce or dressing and sprinkle on top of a salad or mix it into a stir-fry with loads of vegetables, just like I did!

 

Quinoa Beef and Veggie Stirfry

Yield: 2 servings
prep time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup red quinoa
beef stock (vegetable stock or water is a great option to veganize this dish)
1 Tbsp walnut oil
½ red onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
250 grams beef sirloin, ½ inch cubes
1 Tbsp liquid aminos
1 cup squash, ¼ inch cubes
10 french beans, halved
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
1 Tbsp oyster sauce

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa in beef stock according to package directions.
2. In a pan, sauté onions first then garlic.
3. Add beef cubes and liquid aminos and constantly stir for 3 minutes.
4. Add the squash and after 3 minutes, add the french beans and oyster sauce.
5. When french beans are bright and almost cooked, add quinoa and walnuts.
6. Serve in a bowl topped with cranberries.

Notes

This dish is limitless!  Substitute the beef with chicken or shrimp or skip it altogether and be kind to the earth by enjoying this as a vegetarian dish!  Lowering your consumption of animal products is good for the environment and your body, too!  Start your Meatless Monday habit with quinoa.  You can also use any nut or dried fruit and replace the vegetables with anything from broccoli to cauliflower or carrots!