Category: Asian Inspired

Hoisin Pork Fried Rice

One of the things I miss most since my Celiac diagnosis is Chinese takeout.  Oh, how I loved those noodles, veggies and fried rice!

At first glance you might think that many of these dishes are gluten free, but did you know that soy sauce contains gluten?  It’s true, traditional soy sauce is fermented with wheat so it is off limits on the gluten free diet.

Fortunately for us, there is a gluten free alternative called Tamari.  Since I started using it in my Asian inspired dishes, I have come to like Tamari even more than soy sauce.  Use it like regular soy sauce, as much or as little as you prefer.

Another favorite condiment, Hoisin Sauce can also be found in the Asian aisle in most markets.  It’s sweeter and much thicker than soy sauce and can be used for glazing and dipping.  In this recipe I use both Hoisin sauce and Tamari for a sweet and savory flavor profile.

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Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp. chive seasoning
  • 1/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup carrot, diced
  • 1/4 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1/4 cup mushroom, diced
  • 2 tbsp. red bell pepper, small dice
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 lb. boneless pork
  • gluten free Hoisin sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • sesame oil
  • cooking spray
  • gluten free soy sauce or Tamari
  • garlic powder
  • ginger powder
  • fresh scallions or chives for garnish

Preparation:

Cook the rice according to package directions.  I did mine in a rice cooker with 1 cup gluten free chicken broth, 1 cup water and 1/2 tsp. chive seasoning.  This step can be done ahead, in fact the rice works better in this recipe if it has been cooked in advance and refrigerated.

While the rice cooks, prep all the vegetables.  You should have about 2 cups of diced veggies, total.  Dice the pork and toss it with 1 tbsp. Hoisin sauce.  Sprinkle with garlic and ginger.

With the prep work done, the rest of the dish comes together quickly.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low and mist with cooking spray (I like Bertolli because it doesn’t damage my nonstick pans).  Whisk the egg with 1 tbsp. water and scramble.  Crumble the egg and set aside.

Next, add 2 tsp. sesame oil to the skillet and cook the pork.

Transfer the pork to a clean bowl and drizzle with more Hoisin sauce.  Wipe the skillet clean and cook the veggies in 2 tsp. sesame oil, about 5 minutes.  Sprinkle with garlic and ginger and drizzle with Tamari.

Add the cooked rice and egg back to the skillet with more Tamari.

Top with the pork, more Tamari and toss to heat through.

Garnish with fresh scallions or chives and plate.

I just loved this dish, all the flavors that I have been missing!

Notes ♪♫ I love San J brand Tamari and Hoisin sauce.  Both are clearly labeled gluten free and can be found in markets and online.

Originally posted 10/21/2019           Updated 12/13/2023

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Shrimp Fried Rice

I love Asian inspired meals.  This dish satisfies my craving for takeout, which is usually off limits because of the gluten in soy sauce.  Easy to prepare at home, the measurements are approximate, and the recipe is very forgiving.  Substitute chicken, pork or beef for the shrimp and use veggies that you have on hand.  You can also save time by making the rice a day ahead, it’s actually better this way.

3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice (use white rice or brown rice)
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 8 oz. raw shrimp (about 12 large or 6 colossal) peeled and deveined
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. water
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • olive oil
  • toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup carrot, diced
  • 1/4 cup each sweet onion, celery, mushrooms, broccoli, peas
  • 2 tbsp. mirin
  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. ginger powder
  • 1/8 tsp. ground pepper
  • gluten free coconut aminos
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • fresh chives for garnish

Preparation:

Combine the rice with 1 tsp. melted butter in a small saucepan, stirring to coat.  Add the water and salt, cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook according to package directions, about 15 minutes for white rice or 35 minutes for brown.  Chill the rice while you get the rest of the dish ready.

While the rice cooks, chop the veggies into small dice.  Whisk together the mirin, garlic and ginger powders.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet and cut the chives on the diagonal into 1/2″ pieces.

Peel and devein the shrimp, and sprinkle with coconut aminos.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low and add 2 tsp. sesame oil.  Cook the shrimp in a single layer just until they turn pink, turning once.  Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Wipe the skillet clean and add 1 tsp. of butter.  Whisk the egg with 1 tsp. of water and add to the skillet, turning to cook through.  Use a spatula to break the egg into small pieces, then transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

Next, add 2 tbsp. olive oil with 2 tsp. sesame oil to the skillet and cook the veggies.  Give the carrots a few minutes head start, followed by the onion and celery.  Soft veggies like broccoli, peas and mushrooms go in last.  Season with ground pepper, and sprinkle with coconut aminos.

When the veggies are ready, it’s time to put everything together.  Stir in the mirin mixture, then add back the shrimp and egg.

Finally, add the rice and drizzle with 2 tsp. sesame oil and a little more coconut aminos.  Use 2 spatulas to stir and toss everything together until well blended and heated through.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the chives and toasted sesame seeds.

This is a delicious gluten free meal to add to your weeknight rotation.  Forget takeout!  With endless substitutions to keep it fresh, this will become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Notes ♪♫ I used Coconut Aminos in this recipe instead of gluten free soy sauce.  We are a low sodium household, and coconut aminos have about a 10th the sodium of regular soy sauce.  If salt is not an issue, you can use gluten free soy sauce or tamari.  Remember, regular soy sauce is fermented in wheat and is not safe for those with Celiac disease.

Originally posted 06/22/2018                     Updated 07/10/2023

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Ginger Bok Choy Egg Drop Soup

This Asian inspired soup is just the thing for a light dinner or first course.  If you love Egg Drop Soup, you will love this adaptation that combines the best of Egg Drop and Ginger Bok Choy.  Only a few ingredients are needed, and since it does not require all day simmering you can throw it together after work.  Stir in a beaten egg and rice noodles just before serving and it’s ready to eat!

Since this was a bit different than my usual soups, I wondered how it would turn out, but when Mr. Cucina tasted it and said, “this is great!” I knew the recipe was a keeper!

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4 servings

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Heat 1 tsp. sesame oil and 1 tsp. olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven.  Mince the garlic and ginger (I used an electric chopper) and add to the pot.  Cook for 30 seconds then add the sliced mushrooms.

Stir until the mushrooms release their liquid, then add the bone broth, 2 tsp. of tamari and 1 tsp. sesame oil (or more, to taste).  Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Trim away the tough, lower part of the Bok choy, then rinse and halve the leaves.  Stir them into the soup to wilt and lower the heat to keep warm.

Cook the rice noodles in a separate pan according to package directions.  Just prior to serving, drizzle the beaten egg into the soup and swirl it around with a whisk.  Add the cooked rice noodles.

Ladle into bowls and serve with Chow Mein noodles for texture (optional), or a simple garnish of green onions if you want to keep it simple.

Notes ♪♫ I love these extra wide rice noodles from A Taste of Thai.  I was able to find them locally, but if not available in your area you can get them here at Amazon.  I use Coconut Aminos in my Asian recipes, but if you are not limiting salt, try Gluten Free Tamari.

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Gluten Free Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a traditional Philippine dish made with pantry staples.  Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves are used to create a marinade.  The chicken is marinated, then simmered in the same marinade on the stove top until the meat is cooked through.

Is Chicken Adobo gluten free?

The only gluten containing ingredient in a traditional Adobo marinade is the soy sauce.  By replacing it with either Tamari or Coconut Aminos, the dish is completely gluten free.

4 Servings (can be doubled)

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. coconut aminos
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed and skins removed
  • 1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 pcs. chicken legs or thighs (about 1 lb.)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar

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Preparation:

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients, vinegar through bay leaves.  Add the chicken, cover and marinate 1 hour at room temperature, turning every 15 minutes.

Add olive oil to a deep skillet or Sauteuse pan over medium heat.  Brown the chicken on all sides.

Stir in the water and reserved marinade.  Cover and simmer on lowest heat, 60-90 minutes depending on size, turning every 20 minutes.  When done, the chicken should easily pull away from the bone.

Take the lid off during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.  Serve with rice.

Notes ♪♫ There are so many variations of this classic dish.  I used red wine vinegar, but many recipes say to use white vinegar.  It’s just a matter of taste.  I used Coconut Aminos, because it is much lower in sodium than Tamari.  If you are not limiting salt, then gluten free Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce in gluten free recipes.

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Gluten Free Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein, that most popular of takeout meals was my first introduction to Chinese American cuisine.

As a kid, my “go-to” takeout order was a combination dinner of Chow Mein, fried rice and an egg roll.  I ordered it every time!  While I have recreated many of my favorite takeout recipes, I can’t even remember the last time I had Chicken Chow Mein.  So why has this one remained on the back burner?

The noodles. 

How could I replicate the crunchy, restaurant style fried noodles that go with Chow Mein?  Traditional Chow Mein noodles are made with wheat.  And while I am a big believer in make from scratch, I just didn’t want to make my own noodles.

Then I discovered this!

I found these Gluten Free Chow Mein Noodles on Amazon, and they were spot on!  Get yours here!

For the connoisseurs out there, this is the East Coast version of Chow Mein, where the stir-fry is served over crispy fried noodles.

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Ingredients:

Veggies

  • 1/2 sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ slices
  • 6 celery stalks, cut into 1/4″ slices
  • 1 carrot, coarsely grated
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cups bean sprouts

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp. gluten free oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp. gluten free soy sauce (tamari)
  • 2 tsp. corn starch
  • 1 tsp. sugar

Chicken

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast
  • olive oil
  • sesame oil
  • gluten free chow mein noodles

Preparation:

Let’s break down the recipe into four easy steps.  Ready?

  1. Prep the veggies
  2. Marinate the chicken
  3. Make the sauce
  4. Stir fry the chicken and veggies

First, prep the veggies.  I used a mandoline to slice the onion, cabbage and celery.  A coarse grater was perfect for shredding the carrot.

Next mix together the marinade ingredients.  I used an electric chopper to mince the garlic and ginger.

Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and toss with the marinade.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium low heat.  Add the chicken and quickly brown on all sides.  It does not have to be cooked through.

Remove the chicken to a bowl and keep warm.  Wipe the skillet clean and add another tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil.

Add the onion first and stir fry until translucent.

Add the carrot and celery.  Continue cooking for several minutes.

Add the cabbage and toss well to combine.  Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add back the chicken and stir into the veggies.  Make a well in the center and pour in the sauce.

Add the bean sprouts and continue tossing and stirring as the liquid thickens.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle a few noodles over the top!

Serve over Chow Mein noodles with a side of white rice.

Notes ♪♫ My gluten eating family loved this meal!  The Chow Mein noodles are the bomb, and they are great with salads too!  I will definitely be adding this meal to our dinner rotation.

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Gluten Free Moo Shu Pork

Gluten Free Moo Shu Pork

Moo Shu Pork!  Today was my first time making this popular Chinese-American dish, and it’s a keeper!  The flavor and texture of the marinated pork and crisp veggies was just incredible.  And how about those little Mandarin pancakes?

What makes this dish gluten free?

There are a few ingredients you will need to be cautious about in this dish.  While the pork and veggies are naturally gluten free, you need to read the labels on those Asian condiments!  Hoisin Sauce, Plum Sauce, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce all may contain wheat.  You can find gluten free condiments, just read the labels carefully!

I thought I would be getting out of my comfort zone with the Mandarin pancakes, but they were really easy to make!  Surprisingly, they have just 3 ingredients and require no special equipment!  That’s right, no stand mixer, no food processor, just a rolling pin!

Mise en Place

As with all stir-fry recipes, you need to have your ingredients prepped and organized before you begin the cooking.  I was well into the process when I realized I did not have enough Hoisin sauce for the recipe.  Don’t be like me (spoiler alert, I was able to improvise, and it came out great)!!!

4 Servings

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Ingredients:

Marinade Ingredients:

Stir-Fry Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium)
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 scallions, bottoms and reserve greens sliced on diagonal for garnish
  • toasted sesame oil

Mandarin Pancake Ingredients:

  • 125 g. (about 3/4 cup) gluten free all-purpose flour (I used and recommend Better Batter Original Blend)
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • toasted sesame oil

Preparation:

The first thing I did was whisk together the marinade ingredients.  This allows the flavors to meld a bit before you begin cooking.  Divide the marinade into 2 portions, use one for the meat and reserve one to drizzle on the finished dish.   Remember I said that I didn’t have enough Hoisin sauce for this recipe?  Well, I used what I had and topped it off with a little Plum sauce, so delicious!

Next, I prepped the veggies.  I used a coarse grater for the carrots and a mandoline to shred the cabbage.

Now for the pancakes!  You are going to be surprised at how easy they come together.  First whisk together the flour and salt.

Add the water, stirring in a little at a time to form a dry, shaggy dough.  The dough should hold together when you give it a squeeze.  Shape the dough into a log.

Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes to hydrate.  While the dough is resting, cut the pork tenderloin into thin strips (I used kitchen shears).  Place the strips into a bowl with half of the marinade and stir to coat.

Use a bench knife to divide the dough log into 8 equal pieces.

I used 6″ wax paper squares to help roll out the dough.  Brush the paper with toasted sesame oil (so it doesn’t stick), place one section of dough between two sheets and roll it out to about 5″ diameter and 1/8″ thickness.

Continue with the remaining sections of dough and stack them between sheets of oiled wax paper.

Now we are ready to finish the dish.  Heat 2 nonstick skillets, a larger one for the stir fry and a smaller one for the pancakes.  In the large skillet, begin cooking the pork.  Discard any marinade remaining in the bowl.

Use tongs to turn each piece to quickly brown both sides.  The pork does not have to be cooked through at this point; it will finish cooking with the veggies.

Add all of the vegetables to the skillet.

Stir fry the veggies for several minutes, turning frequently to wilt the cabbage.

When the veggies are crisp tender, turn down the heat.  Brush the smaller skillet with sesame oil.  Remove 2 of the Mandarin pancakes from the wax paper, stack one over the other and place in the skillet.  Cook for 30 seconds, flip and cook another 30 seconds.  Then, carefully separate the 2 layers and transfer to a plate.

Note ♪ Cooking the pancakes two at a time allows them to heat through on the outside and steam in the middle.  As long as they are well oiled, you should have no problem peeling the layers apart.

Continue with the remaining pancakes and arrange on a serving platter or individual plates.  Spoon the Moo Shu Pork onto each pancake.  Drizzle the reserved marinade over each and garnish with scallion greens.

If you have leftovers, they will keep well for a few days in the fridge.  I stored the Mandarin pancakes in a zip lock bag, with a sheet of wax paper between each and they remained soft and pliable.  Reheat the Moo Shu Pork in the microwave and spoon over a pancake, no need to heat the pancakes as they will warm through from the heat of the pork.

Notes ♪♫ Mandarin pancakes are a thin, unleavened flatbread, similar to a tortilla.  They came out great and reminded me of the wheat wraps I used to buy.  I used (and recommend) Better Batter Original gluten free flour for this recipe.  Even my gluten eating husband thought the Mandarin pancakes were delicious!  I have not tested the recipe with other flour blends, so be aware that if you decide to use a different brand your results may vary.  In general, I find that Better Batter is superior to other gluten free flours for recipes that require rolling and shaping of dough.  CLICK HERE for 30% off any non-sale item.

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Gluten Free Chicken Lo Mein

Back in the day we would often order Chinese takeout and it was such a treat.  I really miss being able to do that since being gluten free.  There are few places in our area that offer gluten free Chinese food, and cross contact is always a big concern.  I have since learned to make gluten free alternatives of our favorites, like this Lo Mein.  It is gluten free and lower in sodium than takeout, so I would call that a success.  Although a true Lo Mein would be made with egg noodles, I used Annie Chun’s Brown Rice Noodles in this recipe and they were a great stand in.  I use their noodles in many of my Asian stir fry meals.

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Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

For the Lo Mein:

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 1/2 cup celery
  • 3/4 cup carrots
  • 3/4 cup onion
  • 3/4 cup mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper
  • 3/4 cup snow peas
  • sesame oil
  • olive oil
  • coconut aminos
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
  • 4 oz. gluten free rice noodles

Preparation:

This is one of those recipes where you need to get organized before you begin cooking.  Prep the veggies, cut the chicken into cubes and have all other ingredients lined up and ready.

Begin by whisking the sauce ingredients together and set aside.

Set up a pot of salted water for the rice noodles and bring to a boil.  Heat a large nonstick skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil.  Cook the chicken, turning to brown on all sides.  When the chicken is almost cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside.

Wipe the pan clean and add 1 tsp. sesame oil.  Begin cooking the carrots, peppers and snow peas for several minutes until crisp tender.  Next add the mushrooms and garlic with an additional tsp. of sesame oil.  Cook for 1 minute.

Add the rice noodles to the boiling water, and at the same time return the chicken to the skillet.  Pour half the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Drain the pasta after 3 minutes, add it to the skillet and top with the remaining sauce.  Toss well and stir to combine it all, cook for another minute.

Transfer to a platter and serve.

Notes ♪♫  Have you ever purchased a large piece of gingerroot for a recipe, only to use a small amount and have the rest go bad in the refrigerator?  Here’s a trick I learned this past winter, you can cut fresh ginger into smaller pieces and freeze them for later use.  It is so easy to grate gingerroot right out of the freezer.  Perfect for recipes like this one, where fresh ginger is a key flavor in the sauce.

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Maple Sesame Salmon Bowls

This fast and easy dinner for two is made with simple, naturally gluten free ingredients.  One of the first meals I made after the New Year, it was a nice change of pace after all the holiday cooking.  The marinade gives the salmon just a hint of an Asian flair, pairing nicely with the jasmine rice, steamed broccoli and fresh mango.  Once you prep the ingredients, this meal comes together in 15 minutes!

Dinner for 2

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Whisk together the sesame oil, maple syrup and coconut aminos in a non-reactive baking dish.

Place the salmon skin side up in the marinade for 20-30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan and set aside for garnish.

Combine the rice, water and salt in a small saucepan and simmer covered for 15 minutes.  Peel and slice the mango.  Cut the broccoli into florets and steam for about 10 minutes or until crisp tender.

Cook the salmon for 10 minutes in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.  Start the filets skin side up for the first 5 minutes.  To caramelize the sugars and get that nice crust, don’t move the salmon around in the pan.

As soon as you remove the salmon from the marinade, pour that marinade into a small sauce pan and simmer (important, to kill any bacteria you must bring it to a boil).

After 5 minutes turn the salmon and finish cooking 5 minutes longer.

To assemble the bowls, arrange the rice on one side, followed by the broccoli.  Add one salmon filet and finish out the bowl with mango slices.  Garnish it all with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of the marinade.

Notes ♪♫  Salmon is a heart healthy fish that is rich in protein and omega-3 fats.  It is widely available both fresh and in the freezer section.  I like to buy family packs of individually portioned fillets so that I can take out one or more at a time as needed.  For more ways to prepare salmon, check out my Oven Baked Salmon with Almonds and Pecans, or my Gluten Free Salmon Burgers.

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Gluten Free Hoisin Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are an easy and economical main course.  They are a favorite for family dinners, as you can adjust the quantity to feed one, two or a crowd.  They make great leftovers too!  Chicken thighs are so versatile, and can be adapted to many cuisines, from this simple Chicken Thighs with Andouille Sausage, to my Tex-Mex Chicken Thighs.  In today’s recipe, I’m giving them a fun Asian twist with just a brush of Hoisin Sauce and a side of fried rice.

4 Servings

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Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic granules
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
  • cooking spray
  • 4 tbsp. gluten free Hoisin sauce
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish, optional
  • chopped fresh chives for garnish, optional
  • Fried Rice for serving (get the recipe here!)

Preparation:

If you haven’t made fried rice before, check out my easy, basic recipe here.  You can pair it with seafood, pork, poultry or jazz it up with bean sprouts or more veggies.

Rinse the chicken thighs and pat dry.  Trim excess fat and sprinkle the thighs with garlic and ginger powder.  Mist a cast iron braising pan or Dutch oven with cooking spray.  Arrange the thighs in the pan, cover and bake for 75 minutes at 350º.

Liberally brush the thighs with hoisin sauce and cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.

While the chicken was cooking, I made my fried rice.  You can get the basic recipe here.  I plated the chicken over the rice for a nice presentation.

For an extra garnish, you can sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh chives.

For more recipes with fried rice, check out my Shrimp Fried Rice, Hoisin Pork Fried Rice, or Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice!

Notes ♪♫ Hoisin sauce is a staple in Asian cooking.  Not all brands are gluten free, so be sure to check the label.  I used Sunluck Hoisin Sauce in this recipe, available in the Asian aisle at your grocer or you can get it online.

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Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lo Mein

This Asian inspired meal checks so many of my boxes!  Healthy fresh ingredients, color, flavor, texture and of course it’s gluten free!  A nice change of pace from my usual stir fries that are made with noodles or rice, this grain free dish won’t leave you feeling stuffed!

We have spaghetti squash quite often, but usually I make an Italian dish like this  Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash.  Who knew this humble veggie could also stand in for Chinese noodles!

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ingredients:

“Lo Mein” Squash Noodles:

  • 1 small spaghetti squash
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • cooking spray

For the stir fry:

  • 12 oz. chicken breast, cubed
  • olive oil spray
  • toasted sesame oil
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms (white button or baby bella), thin sliced
  • 1/4 cup scallions, divided use

For the Sauce:

Preparation:

This is a basic preparation for spaghetti squash that you can use as a starting point for so many recipes.  First, cut the squash in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.  Brush each side with 1 tbsp. of olive oil.  I am not salting the squash at this point, because this recipe is already heavy on sodium.  You can certainly season it if you like!

Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Place the squash cut side down and roast for 1 hour at 400º.

Use tongs to carefully turn the squash over, and let it cool for a few minutes.

Use 2 forks to shred the spaghetti squash.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Now that we have our lo mein “noodles” we can move on with the rest of the recipe.

Mise En Place

Organization is the key to stir fry recipes!  Before you cook, be sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go – “everything in its place”.  That means chopping the veggies, dicing the chicken and stirring the sauce ingredients together.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray and add 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil.  Begin browning the chicken, do it in batches if needed so you don’t crowd the pan.  You want to get a little color on the outside of the chicken at this point, but it does not have to be cooked through.  We’ll finish it at the end of the recipe.

When all sides have been browned set the chicken aside in a bowl.  Add the carrots, peppers and snow peas to the skillet with 1 tsp. sesame oil.  Stir fry for several minutes until crisp tender.  Next add the mushrooms, garlic and 1/2 of the scallions along with another tsp. of sesame oil.  Cook 1 minute longer.

Now add back the chicken and toss well with the veggies.  Using tongs, add the spaghetti squash to the skillet in 1/4 cup portions so that it is well distributed.  Whisk the sauce and pour it over everything, and stir-fry one minute longer to thicken and meld the flavors.

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining scallions.

Can you guess how it tasted?  It was delicious!  And I will definitely be experimenting with spaghetti squash in more of my Asian inspired recipes!

Notes ♪♫  I am a big fan of using Coconut Aminos in place of gluten free Soy Sauce.  That’s because it has significantly less sodium, which is important in our household.  If you are not limiting salt in your diet, try using Tamari for a rich, umami flavor.

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