Stir fried Ginger Shrimp and Vegetable with Quinoa

What is Quinoa? Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah)is a whole grain that is both high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of iron and magnesium. It is also gluten-free, so it is easier to digest. It cooks faster than other whole grains. Quinoa is usually used in salad or soup. This time I used it as a substitute for rice.




Quinoa
Ingredients
* 1 cup quinoa
* 2 cups water
* Pinch salt

Preparation
1) Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the naturally occurring bitter resin which coats the grain. Add 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of boiling water and salt. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is all absorbed. Let cool completely.


Stir fried Ginger Shrimp and Vegetable
Ingredients
* 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 teaspoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Dash of white pepper
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine) or rice wine
* 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon chile paste with garlic
* 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
* 1 cup thinly vertically sliced onion
* 4 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 cups cabbage

Preparation
1. Place shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with ginger, salt, and pepper; toss well. Let stand 5 minutes.

2. Combine 1/2 cup water and next 6 ingredients (through chile paste) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

3. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp mixture to pan; stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove shrimp mixture from pan; set aside. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry 1 minute. Add cabbage; stir-fry 1 minute. Return shrimp mixture to pan; stir-fry 1 minute or until shrimp are done.

4. Add water mixture to pan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Serve immediately with cooked quinoa on the side.