Gluten-free Quinoa Bowls w/ Walleye & Coleslaw
gluten-free | grain-free | nut free | egg free
by Alexa Lehr | The Pioneer Chicks | June 8, 2023
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These gluten-free quinoa bowls with grilled walleye are full of flavor and nutrition! I love making these quinoa bowls because they are so simple to put together and they contain wholesome ingredients. They are a filling, healthy meal that my whole family loves! Quinoa can sometimes be boring and lack flavor…. but not in these bowls. Flavored with herbs and spices, the quinoa is then topped with the best fish you will ever have and flavor-packed veggies like homemade coleslaw and steamed snow peas!
Modern Pioneer Recipe
These gluten-free quinoa bowls are a modern pioneer recipe. Rice and beans would have been more common in the early pioneer days than quinoa, but as a modern pioneer, quinoa is a healthier option that is less likely to cause inflammation or be an allergen.
But… these quinoa bowls are also chucked full of other homestead-sourced ingredients! Try using home-harvested fish, homegrown herbs, and homegrown veggies for the rest of the quinoa bowl ingredients. I like lake fishing on small inland lakes for perch and rockbass. But I also like going out on the big lakes (Lake Erie and Lake Michigan) to go fishing for larger fish like walleye and salmon.
The herbs for flavoring the quinoa, the cabbage and carrots for the coleslaw, and the snow peas for steaming can all be grown in the homestead garden! I have carrots and snow peas planted right now and I can’t wait to enjoy a fresh harvest and make these quinoa bowls with fresh ingredients!
Not only are the ingredients in these quinoa bowls sustainable, but they are also allergy-friendly! These quinoa bowls are…
- gluten-free
- grain-free
- nut free
- soy free
- corn free
- sugar free
- egg free
And if you are looking for other ways to incorporate fish into your homestead menu, make sure you check out this grain-free breaded walleye recipe or these pan-fried perch fillets!
Benefits of Quinoa
It’s a grain…. it’s a seed…. it’s quinoa! But really, what is quinoa? Quinoa is botanically a seed but it is often called a grain by nutritionists. That is because quinoa is not a true grain. Quinoa is a seed that comes from a plant that is in a similar family as spinach, beets, and chard. It is not a cereal grain, instead, it is called a pseudo-cereal grain, just like buckwheat and amaranth.
Quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are all seeds that are often eaten and prepared like grains. That being said, quinoa has many health benefits!
Here are just a few benefits of eating quinoa:
- Complete Protein– Quinoa is one of the only plant-based protein sources that can be considered a complete-protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids.
- High in Fiber– Just like other true grains, quinoa is high in fiber. In fact, it is higher in fiber than many cereal grains! Fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Antioxidants– Just like other seeds, quinoa also contains a good level of antioxidants! It is especially high in quercetin, which helps control inflammation.
- Vitamins & Minerals– Quinoa is a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including manganese, iron, lysine, magnesium, and B-2 vitamin!
- Gluten-free & Grain-free– Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and grain-free!
For more delicious ways to enjoy quinoa, check out these gluten-free carne asada venison bowls or this gluten-free venison stew soup recipe!
How to Make a Healthy Quinoa Bowl
The components of a quinoa bowl can be as simple or as complex as you want! These gluten-free quinoa bowls contain fluffy herbed quinoa, buttery grilled walleye, homemade coleslaw, and steamed snow peas. Plus they are garnished with a sprinkle of salt and some homemade ranch dressing!
The flavor combination of all these ingredients is amazing! I especially love the burst of flavor the homemade ranch dressing gives the bowl. Snow peas are one my new favorite veggies, so of course, I had to include them in the bowl. And you can’t go wrong with homemade coleslaw when it comes to adding more summery-flavor to any meal!
But, there are also endless other options for building a healthy quinoa bowl. Here are some other toppings you can add to your quinoa bowl:
- avocado
- olives
- onion
- peppers
- sweet potatoes
- cucumber
- Brussel sprouts
- lettuce or kale
- salsa
To keep your quinoa bowls healthy, try to source your ingredients from your homestead or other local farms in your area. Look for labels like, organic, sustainably sourced, or locally grown.
About the Ingredients
I’ve already mentioned how nutritious and healthy these quinoa bowls are, and it’s all because of their wholesome ingredients! These quinoa bowls contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that will give you energy and sustenance.
Here is a just a little bit about the main ingredients in these bowls:
- Walleye- Walleye contains about 21 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving and little to no fat or carbs. It is also high in omega-3’s which promote good brain health, fight inflammation, and are mood boosters.
- Quinoa- I have already mentioned all the amazing things about quinoa, but in these bowls it is especially noted for being grain-free and high in fiber and vitamins
- Herbs– The herbs for flavoring the quinoa include dill and parsley. Dill helps boost the immune system while parsley is chucked full of vitamins and minerals.
- Snow Peas- Snow peas are naturally anti-inflammatory and are a good source of vitmain C and fiber.
- Cabbage– Like snow peas, cabbage also provides a good source of vitamin C as well as being anti-inflammatory and promoting good gut health.
- Homemade Dressing– Using homemade ranch dressing (or the dressing of your choice) is healthier than store-bought options that often contain corn-products, sugar, and unhealthy oils.
To add more healthy grilling recipes to your homestead menu this summer, make sure you check out this grilled chicken salad or these grilled venison steak kabobs with grilled veggies!
Quinoa Bowl Recipe Tips
While these quinoa bowls are super simple to make, there are a few key steps that you don’t want to miss! Keep your quinoa fluffy, your walleye flakey, and your peas firm! Here are a few tips:
- Prepping the Walleye– I like to cut my walleye fillets into chunks that are about 3-4″ long. Some parts of the fillet may be thinner or thicker than others, but that’s okay because walleye has a pretty flexible grill time.
- How to Tell if Walleye is Done– The walleye is cooked through when the fillets easily flake apart with a fork and the internal temperature reads 145°F.
- Quinoa Rinse– Rinse your quinoa before boiling it in the water. The quinoa seed has a natural bitter coating that is usually removed before being sold, however, rinsing it before using it will ensure that no bitter aftertaste remains!
- Fluffy Quinoa– Let the quinoa steam for a few minutes after it has cooked. This will ensure that your quinoa stays fluffy.
- Steaming w/o a Steamer Basket– Simmer your peas in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. This will help keep the peas firm and allow them to retain most of their nutrition.
- Coleslaw Ingredients– You can use purple cabbage or green cabbage for your coleslaw. I like to use Chosen Foods mayo in my homemade coleslaw since it is made with avocado oil.
Gluten-free quinoa bowls are loaded with anti-oxidant rich ingredients, plant and meat-based sources of protein, and nutrient dense veggies! The perfect healthy meal that is quick and easy! I love making these quinoa bowls and they are the perfect summer addition to the homestead menu.
Gluten-free Quinoa Bowls w/ Walleye & Coleslaw
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup gluten-free white quinoa pearls
- 2 cups water
- pinch of sea salt
- 3 T. fresh lemon juice
- 1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 T. fresh dill, chopped
Grilled Walleye
- 1 lb. walleye (skinned & deboned)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 T. organic, pasture-raised butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Coleslaw
- 1/2 small organic purple cabbage
- 1 medium organic carrot, washed & peeled
- 1-2 T. paleo mayo
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 T. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
- pinch of mustard seed powder
Steamed Snow Peas
- 2 cups organic snow peas, washed
- water
Instructions
Quinoa
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer. Combine the washed quinoa and water in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook the quinoa uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until all of the water has been absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and allow the quinoa to set covered for 5-6 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Grilled Walleye
- Preheat the grill to 350°F.
- Place the walleye on a buttered cast iron fish pan. Season the walleye with the crushed garlic and salt & pepper to taste. Cut the butter into teaspoon size chunks and place them sporadically over the fish.
- Grill the fish for 10-15 minutes. The butter will prevent the fish from sticking to the pan so there is no need to flip or turn the fish while it's cooking. The fish is done when it easily flakes apart with a fork.
Coleslaw
- Use a food processor with a fine shredding blade to shred the cabbage and carrot. Place the shredded cabbage and carrot in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining coleslaw ingredients and stir until everything is combined. Add more or less mayo as you desire.
Steamed Peas & Assembling
- While the walleye is grilling and the quinoa is cooking, steam the snow peas. Fill a small saucepan with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the washed snow peas.
- Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and steam the peas for 10-15 minutes. If you like super soft peas, steam them for closer to 20 minutes.
- To assemble the bowls: Divide the quinoa into four bowls. Place a walleye fillet into each bowl. Add a scoop of coleslaw and some steamed snow peas to each bowl alonside the walleye. Serve with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing! Enjoy!
Where to Find the Ingredients
- Anthony’s gluten-free white quinoa
- Chosen Foods mayo
- Redmond sea salt
- Bragg’s apple cider vinegar
- Organic lemon juice
- Simply Organic mustard powder
- Supplies: large saucepan, small saucepan, cast iron fish pan, Cuisinart food processor
These gluten-free quinoa bowls with grilled walleye are pretty, delicious, and nutritious! They contain a grain-free seed that is a substitute for rice, flakey walleye fillets which provides protein, and sweet snow peas which add flavor and nutrition. When topped with a homemade coleslaw, a sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing…. these bowls can’t get any better!
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