Pork and Quinoa Stir-Fry

Start by thoroughly washing quinoa under cold running water for approximately 1 minute, making sure to remove any impurities. Next, carefully pour the rinsed quinoa into a saucepan and cover it with 1 1/2 cups of ice-cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gradually reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat source and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the quinoa to absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, use a fork to gently fluff and separate the cooked quinoa.

In a large skillet, heat a moderate amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced ham, sliced bell pepper, and the white portions of a green onion; cook until the ham begins to develop a rich brown color, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic to the skillet and immediately remove it from the heat source. Stir the mixture until the aroma of garlic becomes pronounced, taking about 1 to 2 minutes.

Now, stir in the fluffed quinoa and return it to the skillet over medium-low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is warmed through and heated to a comfortable temperature, taking about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat source and add a splash of vinegar, soy sauce, chile-garlic sauce, and sesame seeds to the mixture. Finally, garnish with the dark green parts of a green onion.