My Go-to…Quinoa “Fried-Rice” with Egg

What I’m about to show you is kinda personal.

It’s my  not-a-recipe, what’s-for-breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner??, boozy-morning-after, I-need-a-spicy-meal-now meal. In other words, my go-to, or what you’d get on a Sunday morning if you’ve crashed on our couch.

I decided to take a pic and share it here because this one was pretty special. It was topped with asparagus, guys. Baby asparagus.

Swoon.

It’s my take on Korean fried rice (minus the kimchi). The beauty is you can throw in random veggies that need to be consumed in a timely manner,(but if you’ve got it, by all means add some kimchi!)

The key components here are quinoa (or rice), salsa, hot sauce and a gooey fried egg. (I like to have cooked rice or quinoa always on the go in the fridge for quick meals like this).

I cook it at a really high heat to make the quinoa/rice crispy, similar to the effect stone BiBimbap bowls create.

Maddie’s Quinoa “Fried Rice” with Egg 

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (or rice)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for frying)
• 2 or 3 chopped scallions (for frying and some reserved for raw garnish)
• 2 or 3 (heaping) tablespoons salsa (mild, medium or hot)
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 medium onion (1/6th reserved for raw garnish)
• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• hot sauce (to taste)
• veggies (peppers, celery, spinach, or whatever you like)
• fried egg
• Salt and Pepper

1. In oil, fry onions, scallions and veggies until browned in a large frying pan. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant. (Reserve some slivers of raw and green onion for garnish).
2. Next, add rice/quinoa and salsa. Mix well. Then add vinegar, honey, hot sauce, salt, pepper and onion and chili flakes.
3. Spread mixture evenly over surface of the pan and let cook over high heat. Do not mix! Cook about 5-7 minutes until mixture begins to brown and crisp up at the bottom.
4. In separate pan, fry eggs.
5. Remove mixture from pan using large spatula into bowls. Top with fried egg, onions and salt (maybe even asparagus!)
6. Mix and enjoy

WARNING: I like it spicy! Adjust recipe according to your heat preference!

So there we have it, like being seen sans makeup, this is a rather revealing look into a pretty strong kitchen habit of mine. This is what I make in my most relaxed, pajama’d and disheveled state. Some people like Mac n’ Cheese, but this to me is the perfect comfort food.

(Since I’ve shown you so many posts from inside the kitchen, I thought I’d take a shot of the outside view.  So cozy!)

Tell me! What is your favourite go-to meal?