As we step into the new year, I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite go-to healthy meals- Buddha Bowls! Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.
What is a Buddha bowl?
A Buddha bowl, also known as a grain bowl or nourish bowl, is a vibrant and balanced meal typically served in a single bowl. It typically consists of a variety of vegetables, grains, protein, and flavorful sauces or dressings. The key elements include a base of grains (such as rice or quinoa), a variety of colorful vegetables, a protein source (like tofu, chicken, or beans), and a tasty sauce to bring it all together. The term "Buddha bowl" is thought to arise from the bowl's rounded shape, resembling the belly of Buddha. These bowls are not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making them a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and aesthetically pleasing meal. The best part is they are totally customizable, so the flavor combinations are endless! Today I'm sharing my Orange Pineapple Chicken version.
Recipe: Pineapple Orange Chicken Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Red cabbage, thinly sliced
- Shredded carrots
- Red pepper, sliced
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Kale, destemmed and chopped
- Green onions, finely chopped
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into one inch cubes
- Toasted sesame oil
Orange Chicken Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions:
1. Sauté Chicken: Heat toasted sesame oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Pat dry chicken and add to pan, sautéing until chicken is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Orange Chicken Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add sauce mixture to the same pan you used to cook your chicken. On medium heat, bring sauce mixture to a boil. Stir frequently, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent the sauce from burning. Once the sauce has thickened, after about 15 minutes, add the chicken back to the pan and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Assemble the Buddha Bowl: Arrange a generous serving of jasmine rice in the center of your bowl. Surround it with portions of red cabbage, shredded carrots, red pepper, pineapple, and kale. Top with chicken and garnish with green onions.
Tips for a Gourmet and Healthy Culinary Journey
1. Play with Textures: The key to a gourmet experience is a variety of textures. Here, the crispiness of cabbage, the crunch of carrots, and the juiciness of pineapple come together for a delightful sensation. Feel free to add whatever veggies you like. Broccoli, edamame, green beans, sesame seeds, and bean sprouts would all be great additions to this Asian fusion style bowl.
2. Mindful Portions: While our Buddha bowl is customizable, keeping portions in check ensures a balanced and nutritious meal. This mindful approach is the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Allow veggies to take up at least half your meal. Packed with fiber and nutrients, they will help to keep you full longer.
3. Experiment with Proteins: Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to add a gourmet twist and cater to different dietary preferences.
4. Fresh Ingredients Matter: While you can get away with using garlic powder or ground ginger, it's not the same as using fresh ingredients. Whenever possible use real, fresh ingredients. The flavor will be miles better and the nutritional value can't be beat.
There you have it – This healthy orange chicken recipe loaded with juicy pineapple and crunchy veggies will be your new favorite meal prep recipe. I look forward to sharing more healthy and exciting recipes to inspire your passion for health and cooking
cooking.
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