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Savory Ginger Garlic Quinoa Stir-Fry

Fragrant ginger and garlic infuse this fluffy quinoa dish with savory umami depth.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

Quinoa, often lauded as a superfood, transcends its health-halo to become a truly versatile ingredient in this vibrant stir-fry. Inspired by Asian flavors, this dish elevates quinoa beyond a simple side, transforming it into a satisfying and flavorful main course or a hearty addition to any meal. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delicious base, complemented by colorful vegetables and your choice of protein for a balanced and complete meal.

  • •Aromatic Infusion - The ginger and garlic are bloom in the sesame oil, creating a foundation of deep, savory flavor that permeates every grain of quinoa.
  • •Protein Powerhouse - Quinoa itself is a complete protein, and you can easily add tofu, edamame, or other protein sources to make it even more satisfying.
  • •Adaptable Veggies - Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas all work beautifully.
  • •Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal - This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • •Nutrient-Rich Goodness - Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this quinoa stir-fry is a healthy and delicious choice.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 2 Green Onions (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
  • 2 cups Vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, chopped)
  • 1 cup Protein (Tofu, edamame, or your choice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Rinsing removes the saponin coating, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, ensuring a milder flavor.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Using vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory depth to the quinoa, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

    ~1 min

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Keeping the pot covered allows the quinoa to steam evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked, fluffy grains.

    ~15 min

  4. 4

    While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables and protein. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the stir-frying process.

    ~5 min

  5. 5

    Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside. Fluffing the quinoa separates the grains, preventing them from sticking together and creating a lighter, more appealing texture.

    ~1 min

  6. 6

    Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sesame oil has a high smoke point and a distinct nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stir-fry.

    ~1 min

  7. 7

    Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of ginger and garlic is a key indicator of when they are ready.

    ~1 min

  8. 8

    Add the prepared vegetables and protein to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir-frying ensures that the vegetables cook quickly and evenly, retaining their vibrant color and texture.

    ~6 min

  9. 9

    Pour the soy sauce over the vegetables and protein and stir to combine. Soy sauce adds a salty and umami-rich flavor that ties all the ingredients together. Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

    ~1 min

  10. 10

    Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through. This allows the quinoa to absorb the flavors of the sauce and vegetables, creating a cohesive and delicious dish.

    ~2 min

  11. 11

    Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.

    ~1 min

  12. 12

    Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the quinoa stir-fry. Enjoy!

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The quinoa is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the grains are fluffy and slightly translucent. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, retaining some of their bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for quinoa, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than quinoa.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Savory Ginger Garlic Quinoa Stir-Fry as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!