Pad Thai Noodles with Sesame-Ginger Almond Butter Dressing

This Pad Thai noodle dish is coated in a flavorsome sesame-ginger dressing made from an almond butter base with hints of lime and garlic, plus red chili flakes for a powerful kick. Edamame beans are added to this dish to provide a great source of plant-based protein. This recipe makes about 4 servings. Enjoy!

Ingredients for noodles:

• 8 oz of pad thai noodles (I used 1 whole packet of Lotus Foods black rice noodles)
• 1 Tbsp of sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups of red cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups of shredded or spiralized carrots
• 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
• 1 cup of edamame beans
• 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
• sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredients for dressing:

• 1 Tbsp of sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp of honey
• 2 heaping Tbsp of almond butter
• 2 Tbsp of soy sauce
• 1″ piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tsp of red chili flakes (use more or less depending on spice preference)
• 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
• juice of 1/2 a lime
• dash of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and set aside.
3. Heat the 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a wok. Sauté the red bell pepper, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions for 5-6 minutes on medium-high heat until the veggies become soft and cooked through.
4. Add the edamame beans and cilantro and continue to stir the veggies around the wok for 2-3 minutes.
5. Turn the heat to low-medium. Add the noodles and sauce to the wok. Continue stirring the noodles so that everything is evenly combined and heated through.
6. Serve the noodles in bowls. Top with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Edamame beans are high in protein, helps lower cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and prevents migraines.

-Cabbage boosts the immune system, fights inflammation and arthritis, reduces osteoporosis risk, and promotes a healthy gut.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

 

 

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

This fried rice dish is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Feel free to throw in your favorite protein source, such as chickpeas. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice
• 1 1/2 cups of diced onion
• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of chopped fresh green beans
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onion
• 1 tsp of fresh minced ginger
• 3 Tbsp of olive oil (divided)
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/3 cup of chopped cashews
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 1/2 cups of chopped pineapple
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice in 2 cups of water and prepare according to package. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl and let it cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
2. Prepare all of the veggies- wash and chop everything and have them ready for stir frying.
3. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large wok. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until lightly browned. Next, add the carrots, red pepper, green beans, green onion, and ginger to the wok. Sauté for about 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the chilled basmati rice to the wok along with 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of olive oil to prevent the rice from sticking.
5. Stir in the 1 tsp of curry powder, 1/4 tsp of pepper, 1 Tbsp of lime juice and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro. Keep the wok on low for 3-4 minutes so that the rice can absorb all of the flavors. If the rice starts to stick to the bottom, add a little bit of water.
6. Finally, add the pineapple, cashews, and sesame seeds to the wok and stir until thoroughly mixed.
7. Serve up and enjoy!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Pineapple boosts immune system, improves digestion, improves fertility, supports heart health, helps mental health, reduces inflammation, and prevents asthma.

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Green beans can help control diabetes, boosts immunity, helps improve bone health, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

-Bell pepper can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, supports healthy eyes, improves immunity, helps maintain good mental health, and keeps your skin glowing and healthy.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com, http://www.organicfacts.com and http://www.realfoodforlife.com

Fruity & Fresh Thai Summer Salad

This salad is inspired by the tasty flavors of Thai cuisine. The fresh mango and pineapple make this dish refreshing and juicy. Enjoy this salad as a perfect light dinner for a warm summer’s night.

Preparation + Cook Time: 40 minutes

Makes about 6-7 servings

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 C Uncooked Quinoa
• 3 C Red Cabbage, shredded
• 3 C Chinese Cabbage, shredded
• 1 C Carrots, shredded
• 1 can of Organic Corn
• 1 C Fresh Diced Pineapple
• 1 C Fresh Diced Mango
• 1/3 C Roasted Cashews, chopped
• 2 tsp Finely Grated Lemongrass
• 1/4 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 C Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
• 1/2 C Mint Leaves, chopped
• 2 Green Onions, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 T Olive Oil
• 3 T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 T Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 2 T Honey
• 2 t Fresh Ginger, grated
• 1 T Orange Juice
• 1/4 t Black Pepper
• 1/4 t Galic, minced

Instructions:

1. Cook the 1 C of quinoa in 2 C of water. Bring to a boil. Turn to a simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked. Let it cool and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the “salad ingredients” and stir until evenly mixed.
3. In a separate container, mix all of the “dressing ingredients” with a whisk. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix evenly with a wooden spoon. Serve up!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Quinoa is loaded with Potassium and Magnesium which supports a healthy heart. Eating quinoa also supports bone health, a healthy digestive system, and contains disease-fighting antioxidants.

-Cabbage boosts the immune system, fights inflammation and arthritis, reduces osteoporosis risk, and promotes a healthy gut.

-Mango lowers cholesterol, clears the skin, helps eye health, alkalizes the whole body, helps with diabetes, boosts immune system and improves digestion.

-Pineapple boosts immune system, improves digestion, improves fertility, supports heart health, helps mental health, reduces inflammation, and prevents asthma.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com and http://www.realfoodforlife.com