Pork Fried Quinoa
Made with quinoa and pork, this dish is surprisingly decadent and satisfying. It's made with only one tablespoon of vegetable oil and a handful of very lean smoked ham. Those tiny quinoa seeds really are sponges for flavor!
quinoa
1
cup
cold water
1 ½
cups
salt to taste
vegetable oil
1
tablespoon
cubed fully cooked ham
1
cup
diced red bell pepper
½
cup
chopped green onion, white and green parts separated and divided
½
cup
garlic, minced
3
cloves
rice vinegar
1
tablespoon
soy sauce, or to taste
1
tablespoon
chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha), or more to taste (Optional)
1
teaspoon
sesame seeds, or to taste (Optional)
1
teaspoon
 Rinse quinoa under cold water for about 1 minute; drain well.
  Place quinoa into a saucepan and cover with 1 1/2 cups cold water. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ham, bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onion; cook until ham begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and remove from heat; stir until garlic becomes aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes.
  Stir in fluffed quinoa and return to the stove over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add vinegar, soy sauce, chile-garlic sauce, and sesame seeds. Garnish with the dark green parts of the green onion.
