Tropical Pineapple Cashew Quinoa Stir-Fry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Tropics with this Tropical Pineapple Cashew Quinoa Stir-Fry, a delightful and healthful dish that brings a variety of textures and tastes to your dinner table. This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook, highlights the delicious combination of nutty quinoa, crunchy cashews, and sweet pineapple, infused with aromatic herbs like basil and mint. Preparing the quinoa a day in advance allows for quick weeknight cooking, making this stir-fry not only fun to make but also perfect for those busy evenings. The colorful medley of fresh vegetables and zesty lime will make this dish a favorite for both vegans and non-vegans alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
pineapple juice
1 cup (none)
cold water
1 cup (none)
soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
raw unsalted cashews
4 ounces (toasted)
peanut oil
3 tablespoons (none)
scallions
2 (sliced thinly)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
hot red chili pepper
1 (sliced into rounds)
gingerroot
1/2 inch piece (peeled and minced)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
edamame
1 cup (cooked)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (sliced into shreds)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh pineapple
2 cups (cut into bite-size chunks)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
vegetable stock
3 tablespoons (none)
mirin
1 tablespoon (none)
lime wedge
to garnish (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Pineapple Cashew Quinoa Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant, healthful dish featuring nutty quinoa, crunchy cashews, and sweet pineapple, enhanced with fresh herbs and zesty lime.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and inspired by the Veganomicon cookbook.
How do I prepare the quinoa for this stir-fry?
The quinoa is rinsed and cooked in a mixture of pineapple juice, cold water, and a touch of soy sauce.
Can I make this recipe on a busy weeknight?
Yes, preparing the quinoa a day in advance allows for very quick cooking on busy evenings.
What kind of nuts are used in this dish?
This recipe uses 4 ounces of raw unsalted cashews that are toasted for extra crunch.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
It has a bit of heat from one hot red chili pepper sliced into rounds, though you can adjust this to your preference.
What herbs provide the aromatic flavor?
Fresh basil sliced into shreds and finely chopped fresh mint provide the aromatic profile.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh pineapple cut into chunks for the best flavor and texture.
What oil is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of peanut oil.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 19 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
What liquid is used for the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce components include soy sauce, vegetable stock, and mirin.
Do I need to cook the edamame beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of cooked edamame.
What is the purpose of the lime wedge?
The lime wedge is used as a garnish to add a zesty, bright finish to the dish.
How should the garlic and ginger be prepared?
The garlic should be minced, and the gingerroot should be peeled and minced.
What type of bell pepper is used?
One diced red bell pepper is included for color and sweetness.
What is mirin?
Mirin is a type of rice wine used in Japanese cooking that adds a subtle sweetness to the stir-fry.
Can I substitute the quinoa?
While quinoa is the base, you could technically use rice, though it would change the nutritional profile and texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari instead of standard soy sauce.
What is the role of pineapple juice in the quinoa?
Cooking the quinoa in pineapple juice infuses the grain with a tropical sweetness from the start.
Are the scallions cooked?
Yes, the thinly sliced scallions are typically sautéed with the garlic and ginger.
How do I toast the cashews?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat or in the oven until they are golden and fragrant.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables.
What should the red chili pepper look like?
The recipe calls for the chili pepper to be sliced into rounds.
How much fresh mint is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of stock?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used interchangeably with vegetable stock for the sauce.
What texture does the edamame add?
The edamame adds a pleasant bite and serves as a great source of plant-based protein.
Does this recipe have Mediterranean influences?
While it has a Mediterranean tag, the primary flavor profile is Tropical/Asian-inspired.
How much quinoa do I need?
The recipe uses 1 cup of rinsed quinoa.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly, you can add snap peas or carrots to further increase the vegetable content.
What is the main source of protein in this dish?
The quinoa, cashews, and edamame all provide significant plant-based protein.