This better-than-takeout dish — from The Paleo Diabetes Diet Solution: Manage Your Blood Sugar with 125 Recipes Plus a 30-Day Meal Plan, by Jill Hillhouse and Lisa Cantkier — is also quick and easy.
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Thai Basil Beef
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp organic gluten-free tamari or coconut amino acids
- 1 tbsp fish sauce see tip below
- 1 tbsp filtered water
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground white pepper
- 3 tbsp coconut oil approx., divided
- 1 lb grass-fed beef flank steak cut into thin strips
- 4 baby bok choy leaves pulled apart and hearts halved
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 large onion halved and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine tamari, fish sauce, water and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) coconut oil over medium heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness. Transfer beef and any drippings to the bowl with the tamari mixture and stir to combine.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining coconut oil. Add baby bok choy, garlic, red pepper, yellow pepper and onion; cook, stirring often and adding more coconut oil if needed, for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
- Add beef mixture and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until beef is heated through. Turn off heat, add basil and cook, stirring, until basil is wilted.
Notes
Nutrition Tip
Eugenol is a compound found in the volatile oils of basil and other herbs. It has been well studied because it can block the activity of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is what many over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do. Basil is therefore classified as an anti-inflammatory food that may help with conditions like arthritis. Tips
Make sure the fish sauce has only three ingredients: fish, salt and water. Steer clear of non-paleo ingredients such as sugar and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
To make slicing raw meat easier, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes first.
You can use an equal amount of the fat of your choice in place of the coconut oil.
Eugenol is a compound found in the volatile oils of basil and other herbs. It has been well studied because it can block the activity of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is what many over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do. Basil is therefore classified as an anti-inflammatory food that may help with conditions like arthritis. Tips
Make sure the fish sauce has only three ingredients: fish, salt and water. Steer clear of non-paleo ingredients such as sugar and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
To make slicing raw meat easier, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes first.
You can use an equal amount of the fat of your choice in place of the coconut oil.
Fried Cauliflower Rice
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower about 2 lbs/1 kg, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chopped cremini or button mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 large free-range eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp organic gluten-free tamari or coconut amino acids
Instructions
- In food processor, pulse half the cauliflower to the consistency of rice. Pour into a large bowl and repeat with the remaining cauliflower (see tip, page 154).
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrot; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add red pepper, yellow pepper and green onions; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in cauliflower rice until well combined. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir rice well and push it to one side of the skillet. Pour eggs onto the empty side and cook, stirring and scraping from the bottom of the pan, until well scrambled. Mix the entire mixture together until well combined. Sprinkle with tamari and mix well. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Tip
Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which have been well studied for their role in detoxification and cancer prevention. Consumption of cauliflower has been linked to prevention of bladder, ovarian, colon, prostate and breast cancers. By including other nutritious vegetables, this recipe builds on the antioxidant power of the cauliflower, making it the healthiest “fried rice” you’ve ever had.
Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which have been well studied for their role in detoxification and cancer prevention. Consumption of cauliflower has been linked to prevention of bladder, ovarian, colon, prostate and breast cancers. By including other nutritious vegetables, this recipe builds on the antioxidant power of the cauliflower, making it the healthiest “fried rice” you’ve ever had.
Courtesy of The Paleo Diabetes Diet Solution by Jill Hillhouse and Lisa Cantkier © 2016 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.
Image credit: Tango Photography