Zesty Orange Cauliflower (/chicken)
Folks, I am aware that I overdo the cauliflower. However, I have attempted several [unsuccessful] times to make low protein chicken or meat substitutes that are starch based. This does not cut it. Let's not try to copy the original and just work with that we've got and that is...
cauliflower
jackfruit
mushrooms
any other ideas?
These veggies are delicious, nutritious, and low in phe. I have yet to find anything that replaces meat or chicken dishes with better texture and absorption of flavor.
Cooking with various flavors is the key to a delicious low protein diet. I am constantly experimenting with different sauces and seasonings (some for better and some for worse). I have been in a rut since my soup kick and the traditional teriyaki sauce has felt bland lately (mostly because I have been using it multiple times a week).
Enter, orange chicken sauce.
This was a fantastic dish in the instant pot with chicken for the high protein option (recipe below). I had to increase the cook time so what I have listed is only my suggestion. The instant pot has certainly proven itself so far. It is a much easier way to prep two meals at once for those of you have have to prepare both low pro and high protein options.
For the low pro option, I sauteed one half a head of cauliflower florets in oil until browned. I felt this better than roasted as I desired a crunchy texture rather than crispy (like you would get when roasting).
At that point I dumped half of the sauce ingredients into the pan. It was super easy because I did not have to modify the sauce for the low protein dish. Chop garlic and split it in half, measure OJ, split it in half, et cetera.
Once this cooks down, you are left with perfectly coated cauliflower florets. Toss in the pasta and you may add more sauce depending on taste. Throw a few green onions on top and you've got a meal!
Sauce Recipe:
1 cup orange juice no sugar added
1 tablespoon ginger grated
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon rice wine
1/2 cup tomato sauce optional
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup lite soy sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
zest from 1 orange
I am only cooking to serve one low pro dish and one high protein dish as our wolfpack only consists of two (and a puppy). Therefore, I split this sauce recipe into two. If you are cooking more than two chicken breasts I would use this entire amount of sauce for just the chicken so go ahead and double this recipe. Especially if cooking in the instant pot because liquid is key.
Instant pot chicken recipe:
https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/instant-pot-orange-chicken/
Only modification was increasing the cook time to 7 minutes on manual.
Enjoy!