Edamame Quinoa stir-fry for a Kick of Protein
Let me tell you something. Edamame quinoa stir-fry for the win. It’s filling, it’s healthful, and it’s brimming with flavor — everything you’re looking for in a meal, only without any guilt that it brings.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a plant-based meal that satisfies as much as it fuels, this is the one.
This stir-fry serves up 8-17 grams of protein per serving (woah) so it’s a great pick for those looking increase their plant-based protein consumption.
Plus, it’s packed with fiber, potassium, calcium and iron. Believe me, your taste buds (and your body) will be grateful.
Why Edamame Quinoa stir-fry Is a Must-Try
A Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse
I’ll get right to the point. This recipe is not only delicious — it is a nutritional powerhouse.
Quinoa and edamame together provide a complete protein — all nine essential amino acids are accounted for.
Throw in some colorful vegetables, herbs and a punchy dressing, and you have a meal as nourishing as it is deliriously delicious.
Vegan, vegetarian, eat more plants — if any of those sound familiar, then you’ll want to try this stir-fry.
It’s easy to make, adaptable and full of nutritional value from the potassium, calcium and iron. Let’s unpack why this dish should have a place in the rotation.
Protein Power in Every Bite
How Much Protein Are We Talking About?
Let’s talk numbers. Edamame quinoa stir-fry contains 8-17 grams of protein, depending on the recipe.
By comparison, one large egg contains roughly 6 grams of protein.
So yeah, this dish means business when it comes to what it does for your body.
I tend to be the one who loves plant-based meals but doesn’t want to skimp on protein, so I was always-going to be excited about a dish like this.
Quinoa and edamame come together to form a complete protein, which will keep you feeling full and aid muscle recovery.
Perfect for recovery after a hard workout, or just a good dinner.
Carbs and Fiber
Breaking Down the Carbohydrates
Here’s the deal: this stir fry clocks in at 21–53 carbs per serving. But don’t be intimidated by that number. Its high fiber content (3.5-9.5 grams per serving) has a lot to do with that.
Fiber is your friend. It slows digestion, steadies blood sugar, keeps you feeling full, longer.
This is good news for you, if you are tracking macros or are on a low-carb diet.
These carbs are derived from complex sources, such as quinoa and vegetables, so they’re slow-burning and nutrient-dense.
Fat Content
How Fatty Is This Dish?
The vast majority of recipes are in the middle of the range in terms of fat content (6-19 grams per serving). The fats in this recipe are mostly derived from health-promoting sources including olive oil, sesame oil, and avocado oil. Saturated fat content is low, generally ranging from 1- 3 grams per serving.
I personally love the depth that a drizzle of sesame oil brings to the dish.
It adds flavor without dumping on fat. If you’re looking to cut back on fat, you can scale back the oil or choose a lighter dressing.
Sodium Levels
Watching the Salt
Now, let’s talk about sodium. Some recipes simmer at around 20 milligrams per serving, while other spike to 470 milligrams when heavily seasoned or plated with salty sauces such as tamari or soy sauce. Yikes.
If you’re watching your salt, stick to homemade varieties where you can control the seasoning.
I, however, prefer to use fresh herbs and spices as opposed to sodium laden mixes. Balance is key.
Potassium, Calcium, and Iron: Supporting Your Body from Within
More Than Just Protein
The Showiest Part of This Dish The other great thing about this dish? Its micronutrient profile. Here’s what you get in an average serving:
- Potassium: 2,300 milligrams (or about 49 percent of your daily value). A good source of heart-healthy and muscle-regulating potassium.
- Calcium: 103 milligrams (10% DV). Great for bone health.
- Iron: 4 milligrams (22% DV). Critical for carrying oxygen and energy production.
It is a true superfood and comes packed with the nutrients and benefits of edamame and quinoa.
You’re not just having a meal — you’re giving your body nourishment.
Macronutrient Breakdown: What’s Really in Your Stir Fry?
A Closer Look at Nutrition
To put things into perspective, let’s break down the macronutrient profile of a recipe serving from the national kidney foundation for comparison:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) |
| Calories | 411 | – |
| Protein | 16.9g | ~34% |
| Carbohydrates | 47.2g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9g | 32% |
| Total Fat | 18.9g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7g | 14% |
| Sodium | 178mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 935mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 103mg | 10% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
This combo of protein, fiber, and good fat content makes edamame quinoa stir-fry a satiating and nutrient-dense choice.
You’re not simply taking dinner — you’re feeding your body.
Ingredients Overview: What Goes Into This Stir Fry?
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
There is something so magical about simple recipes like this. Here’s what you’re likely to see in a recipe:
- Quinoa: The delicious complete protein that is the backbone of this dish.
- Edamame: Shelled soybeans, crunchy and with a dose of added protein.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, corn and other brightly colored veggies are full of flavor and good nutrition.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley bring freshness.
- Dressing: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil A savoury combo there.
You can tailor it any way you please. Trade in the veggies, play with the spices, experiment with other dressings. We could do the impossible things.
Preparation Time
Weeknight-Friendly Dinners
Life gets hectic—I get it. That’s why I appreciate how simple this stir-fry is to put together.
Prep is about 10 minutes, plus 20 minutes of cooking. Not a bad total for a do-it-yourself meal, eh?
The best part? Ingredients can be prepped in advance.
Cook your quinoa, chop your veggies and store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight — or a lazy weekend.
Versatility
Seasoning Ideas to Try
That edamame quinoa stir-fry is less about veggies and more of a blank canvas. You can flavor it with almost any spice rub you’re in the mood for. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Asian-Inspired: Ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, maybe a little honey.
- Mediterranean: Lemon juice, oregano, thyme, a little feta.
- Spicy: Chili flakes, cayenne and hot sauce.
- Herby: A little fresh basil, mint and parsley to freshen things up a bit.
Top it with things like avocado slices, toasted nuts, or a swirl of yogurt if you want to mix up the flavors even more. Believe me, you will never be bored.
Cooking Tips
Secrets to the Best Stir Fry
What sets this dish apart? Its texture. To make for tender quinoa and the perfect crisp tender veggie, follow these tips:
- Get Your Quinoa Clean: We all know to rinse rice after you measure it out, but would you think to rinse quinoa?
- Cook the Vegetables Separate: This is so the veggie can cook evenly, while still being crunchy.
- Toss With Dressing Last: Toss the stir-fry with dressing at the end, this keeps the flavors fresh and the stir-fry isn’t soggy.
You can also toast your quinoa in a dry pan for extra flavor before cooking it. It gives the whole dish a nutty scent that no one can resist.
Nutrition Comparison Table
In order to guide you on which recipe to try first, I’ve broken down some common edamame quinoa stir-fry options:
| Source / Dish Type | Serving Size (g) | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Potassium (mg) | Calcium (mg) | Iron (mg) |
| National Kidney Foundation | ~235 | 411 | 16.9 | 47.2 | 8.9 | 18.9 | 2.7 | 178 | 935 | 103 | 4 |
| Eat This Much | 1 serving | 214 | ~10 | ~23 | ~5 | ~9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SnapCalorie | 235 | 294 | 12 | 41 | 5.9 | 9.4 | 1.2 | 353 | 353 | 47 | 2.4 |
| PCC Deli Sesame Quinoa | 1 serving | 190 | 8 | 21 | 3.5 | 9 | 1 | 280 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Amazon Kitchen | 1 container | 330 | 11 | 33 | 7 | 16 | 3 | 160 | 2350 | 78 | 3 |
| Indian-style Spiced Quinoa | 1 cup cooked | N/A | 8 | N/A | 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Quinoa & Vegetable Stir-Fry | ~235 | 265–294 | 9.4–10 | 44–53 | 7–9.5 | 6–8.2 | ~1.2 | 20–470 | 588–750 | 58–67 | 2.9–3.5 |
As you can see, there are plenty of choices to accommodate various preferences and dietary aims.
Whether you’re counting macros or just want some new story ideas, these are the ones for you.
Final Thoughts
This edamame quinoa stir-fry is a tasty healthy recipe that is packed with protein, fiber and important vitamins and minerals.
It’s fast to make, infinitely customizable and absolutely ideal for plant-based diets.
Make it once and you may find you’re turning to it as your new go-to dish for busy evenings or lazy weekends.

I’m Kai, a fitness fiend and wellness geek from Vancouver. I love helping people find small, sustainable ways to feel better every day. From workouts, to good mental health, to smoothie recipes, I keep it real. Perfection is not my thing — progress is. When I’m not at the gym, I’m likely to be hiking or sampling a new meditation app
