Quinoa Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry With Plantain |
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Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This is a recipe that I invented while exploring new ways to use quinoa as a rice substitute. I feel plantain is a natural and safe way to sweeten a dish without using processed foods or going crazy on calories. Broccoli complements shrimp and quinoa well IMO and gives such a vibrant green when not over-cooked. Plantain can be found in most supermarkets and looks like a big banana. This recipe calls for ripe plantain - not green but yellow skinned, yet a little firm to the touch. Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa |
1 cup boiled jumbo shrimp (i use frozen cooked cocktail shrimp) |
1 medium plantain |
1 head broccoli (handful or 2 of florets) |
1/4 yellow onion (chopped or sliced) |
2 teaspoons olive oil |
1 teaspoon salt |
2 -4 fresh garlic cloves, smashed (or 1 teaspoon minced garlic) |
2 cups water |
1/2 handful fresh basil leaf (mint or parsley will work too) |
all purpose seasoning (like season-all) |
cooking spray |
Directions:
1. Cut the plantain horizontally into 2 halves. Cook the 2 halves in boiling water for 10-15 minutes (until color changes to deeper orange). Alternatively, cook in microwave with no water, for about 7 minutes.
2. Cut plantain into cubes. Easiest way is to cut the 2 halves long-ways by making a cross cut (just like the plus sign) on each half and then cutting 1 inch slices all the way through.
3. In a skillet, apply medium heat and spray in just enough cooking spray to cover the bottom of the pan. Add all of the plantain cubes and stir around for 5 minutes or until a bit browned. Remove the plantain (can transfer onto a paper-towel to pat down and get rid of any excess oil).
4. Place quinoa in a bowl, rinse if needed. Drain well.
5. In the skillet, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook by stirring for a minute. Add quinoa and cook, stirring for 10 minutes or until golden. Stir in 2 cups of water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook over medium low heat for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
6. (Skip this step if using pre-cooked shrimp but make sure to thaw out the shrimp if frozen) Boil shrimp for approximately 3 minutes in microwave, or in boiling water on stove. Do not cook all the way through.
7. Stir in the broccoli florets, onion and shrimp into the skillet with the quinoa. Season to taste and add the other teaspoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat for 2-5 minutes
8. Stir in half of the cooked plantain cubes for 2 minutes along with basil leaves.
9. Serve the other half of the plantain cubes as a side to the main dish. Enjoy!
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