Foxtail Millet Fried Rice Recipe
A creative twist on the traditional fried rice, this Millet Fried Rice Recipe uses foxtail millet in place of rice, resulting in a healthy and gluten-free alternative that still boasts the same delicious flavors. Packed with vibrant vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and spring onions, it’s a colorful and satisfying dish perfect for lunch. Stir-fried with a touch of soy sauce and black pepper, it pairs wonderfully with rich gravies and a variety of Sichuan-inspired dishes, making it a versatile and wholesome option.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Foxtail Millet | 1 cup |
Green Beans (French Beans) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
Red, Yellow, or Green Bell Pepper | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
Carrots (Gajjar) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
Celery | 1 stalk, finely chopped |
Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 1 cup (chopped white part) |
Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 stalks, finely chopped |
Soy Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Oil | 2 tablespoons (for cooking) |
Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Cook the Foxtail Millet:
Begin by cooking the foxtail millet. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of foxtail millet with 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the millet is tender but still slightly firm (about 90% cooked). Once done, remove from heat and let it cool completely.Note: Be careful not to overcook the millet. It should retain some bite to keep the texture similar to rice.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped green beans, carrots, bell pepper, celery, ginger, and the white part of the spring onion. Sauté the vegetables on high flame for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Stir continuously to avoid burning. -
Add Millet and Seasonings:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the cooked foxtail millet to the pan. Stir to combine. Pour in the soy sauce, black pepper powder, and season with salt to taste. Mix everything well and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touch:
Turn off the heat and transfer the fried millet rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining chopped green parts of the spring onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Foxtail Millet Fried Rice is best enjoyed as a side dish or main course, accompanied by flavorful gravies such as Chicken Manchurian or paired with crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to this fried rice.
- Vegetarian Option: Keep it fully vegetarian by using plant-based soy sauce and skipping any meat or seafood.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the seasoning by adding chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
This Foxtail Millet Fried Rice offers a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to traditional fried rice while keeping all the familiar flavors of a classic Asian stir-fry. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal, perfect for any day of the week!