Last night I made Pineapple Shrimp “Fried Rice”. Instead of using rice, I used quinoa. It was my first time eating quinoa, so I didn’t know what to expect. I actually really like it! The consistency/taste is like a mixture of brown rice and pasta…I don’t know if that even comes close to a good description, but it was yummy! It kind of had a nutty taste if that makes any sense.

Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and pasta because it has many health benefits. I didn’t know this before, but from reading the package I learned that it is one of the most protein rich foods! It also contains much more fiber than other grains, which helps with constipation (don’t act like it doesn’t happen to you), helps prevent heart disease, and lowers cholesterol. For people like me who have an iron deficiency, quinoa is loaded with iron! It has many other benefits, but the last one I want to mention is magnesium. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which in return alleviates migraines! I often get headaches (which lead to migraines) and I know that my roomie does too, so that’s just an added bonus!

The recipe called for shrimp, canned pineapple, red onions, garlic, sesame oil, egg, low-sodium soy sauce, and chili powder. There was no need to add any salt because the soy sauce takes care of that for you. This was definitely another quick and easy recipe. Definitely making it again, for sure!

P.S. I also just learned that it helps with weight loss because it makes you feel full for longer and has fewer calories for the same amount of food. Yay!

{Here’s what you’ll need:}

3/4 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 red onion, diced

1/2 tsp chili powder (you can add more if you want it spicier)

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1/2 tbsp sesame oil

1 egg, mixed up in a bowl

1/2 lb shrimp (I like to use fresh/raw)

1 cup uncooked quinoa

{How to cook:}

Cook quinoa following instructions on package (I used the rice cooker). It’s usually 2 cups water for every 1 cup. I would say wait until the quinoa is done to move on the next steps. If you buy raw shrimp, make sure you peel and de-vein them! Heat oil on medium heat in large non-stick pan and add the garlic and onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until garlic is a golden brown color, then add the shrimp and chili powder. When the shrimp is fully cooked, add the egg, pineapple, and quinoa. Stir everything together for 3 minutes, adding the soy sauce towards the end.

Makes 3-4 servings.