Shrimp and Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl

I've been trying to make healthier choices in my meals. I keep getting in ruts, where I make the same things over and over again. Recently, I've been replacing all of my rice or noodles, with quinoa. Some of the mixes haven't turned out that great, but using it in my Asian dishes is wonderful! You can use almost any veggie, teriyaki or peanut sauce, and quinoa. The main thing for me is using less quinoa than I think; it tastes better when I focus on the veggies in the meal.

This particular bowl was on a night that I hadn't been to the grocery store in awhile. I simply mixed shrimp, broccoli, cabbage, egg, teriyaki sauce, and quinoa. Sometimes I make my own sauces, but I always have some on hand for quick dinners. This took me about 10 minutes to make. The longest part was cooking the quinoa. I sauteed the shrimp, broccoli, and cabbage at the same time in the teriyaki sauce, then added the egg when they were almost cooked. It was quick, easy, and delicious.

Blueberry Oatmeal Quinoa Breakfast

This is a great healthy start to your day, and its extremely filling. I've been trying to eat a lot healthier lately, and it feels like I am constantly hungry. I know it's supposed to be better to eat 6 small meals a day, but I often don't have time to do it or the energy to cook that much. This has been my healthy solution to a feeling breakfast.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup uncooked Oats (I use steal cut oats)

1/4 cup uncooked Quinoa

1-2 T Chia Seeds

Large Handful of Blueberries

2-3 T Low Fat Greek Yogurt

Milk

If you need to make it a little sweeter add honey or brown sugar, but the blueberries and Greek yogurt sweeten it up enough for me.

I often cook a big pot of quinoa at the beginning of the week to add to my food during the week. If not, I start by cooking the quinoa for a few minutes first, then add in the oats. Once they are cooked thoroughly I add my chosen amount of each ingredient. I sprinkle chia seeds on top, and then add one big scoop of Greek yogurt with my regular spoon. I don't add much milk, just enough to make it creamy. Sometimes I even cook the quinoa and oats with milk instead of water.

This breakfast can obviously be made lots of ways. I get bored eating the same thing everyday so I try to make simple twists on everyday foods. This is a mix I really enjoyed.

Greek Quinoa Salad

I made this the other day for a BBQ. It's healthy, delicious, and super easy to make. I had all of the ingredients on hand making it even easier. It's a delicious way to spice up quinoa, and make a traditional pasta salad better for you.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)

1 cucumber

1/4 Red Onion

1 large tomato or 2 small

1 red pepper

1 green pepper

Feta or Mozzerella Cheese

Olive Oil

Red Wine Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Garlic

Cut all of the vegatables up into small bite size chunks. Add Salt and Pepper to taste. Add cooked Quinoa. Mix in about 1/4-1/2 cup feta cheese. I used both feta and mozzerella. Both work great. I diced the mozzerella up into small pieces. Then add a little oil and vinegar to taste. I use a small amount of balsamic vinegar and then a lot of red wine. It turns out quite tasty! 

Mexican Quinoa Bowl

This is one of the best go to healthy meals. It's quick, easy, and I usually have the items on hand. I add different items depending on what is in my fridge. If it could go in a burrito, throw it in the bowl!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 red pepper

1/2 onion 

1 Lime

2 Chicken Breasts 

Cheese

1 avocado

1/2 jalapeño

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 

This serves 3-4 people

DIRECTIONS

1.    Begin by cooking the quinoa. The rule is 2:1. Cook 2 cups liquid with 1 cup quinoa. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the quinoa, about 2 minutes, then cook it how you would normally cook rice. I like using 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup water, but you can use all broth or all water and it turns out nicely either way.

2.    I flavor my chicken with a little olive oil, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic salt and black pepper. However you choose will work fine.

3.    Cut the chicken and red pepper into bite size pieces, and chop the jalapeño and onion. Cook all of these items in a separate pan with a little olive oil.

4.    When the quinoa is finished cooking, drain the corn and beans, and add the rest to the pot of quinoa. It will still be warm so it will heat up the corn and beans for you.

5.    Then add your cooked chicken, red pepper, jalapeño, and onion to the mixture.

6.    After you have added portions to a bowl for serving, sprinkle on a little chedder or feta cheese. Top with sliced avocado, and squeeze a little lime across the top.

7.    Eat and enjoy!