Category: Gluten Free Skillet Dinners

Braised Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks are slowly braised with aromatic veggies in this perfect dinner for two that can be enjoyed in any season.  The recipe fits right into my busy day.  After some initial prep, the meal is mostly hands off until dinner time.  It’s easy, and the entire dish can be cooked in one pan, so cleanup is a snap!

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White beans are a traditional accompaniment to this dish.  I opted for canned beans to save time.

Choose lamb shanks weighing about 10-12 oz. each, they will shrink during cooking.  Use a deep, oven safe skillet or braising pan with a cover.  A Dutch oven would also work well.

2 Servings

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Place 1/4 cup rice flour in a food safe plastic bag, add the lamb shanks and shake to coat.  Discard any excess flour.

Heat a deep, oven safe skillet or braising pan with olive oil and brown the shanks on all sides.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add 1/4 cup white wine to the skillet.  Simmer on low heat until reduced by half.  Season again with salt, pepper and thyme.

Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, along with the onions and the carrots.

Cover and place in the oven for 2 hours at 300°, turning once.  See how the shanks have cooked down?

Drain and rinse the beans, and add them to the skillet with an additional 1/4 cup chicken broth.  Cover and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes.

Doesn’t that look delicious?  The meat was so moist and tender, the beans full of flavor from the braising liquid.  This meal was SO good, I must make it more often!

Notes ♪♫ Use plain white rice flour to coat the lamb shanks, it works well for browning meat.  Save your expensive, gluten free all purpose blends for another recipe.

Originally posted 04/08/2019                                Updated 05/29/2022

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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.  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 with my Code MGFC30.

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Gluten Free Cavatelli with Sausage, Mushrooms and Peas

Cavatelli are a small, indented pasta popular throughout Southern Italy.  Similar to gnocchi, they are among the easiest types of hand formed pasta to make from scratch.  Cavatelli were a favorite of my Dad, who was definitely not a pasta lover but I remember he liked the “cavati” from the Italian market.  Perhaps they brought back a long ago memory of pasta being made in the home.

Traditional cavatelli are made with semolina flour.  They are shaped on a smooth surface, with the cavity formed by pressing fingers into the dough, or by using a knife.  To make them gluten free, the semolina was replaced with a gluten free flour blend and the addition of eggs (again not traditional) helped form a smooth stretchy dough.

I served the cavatelli with an easy pan preparation of Italian Chicken Sausage, mushrooms and peas.  It was so good!  A simple, satisfying meal that was just the right amount for the two of us.  If you have bigger appetites or want leftovers just double the recipe!

Dinner for two.

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Ingredients:

For the pasta

Finish the dish

  • 6 oz. (2 links) gluten free Italian Chicken Sausage
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil + more for finishing
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • splash (~ 1/4 cup) of white wine
  • 1 tbsp. of butter
  • grated cheese
  • Italian parsley

Preparation:

Combine the pasta ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat 3-4 minutes with the paddle attachment.

Gather the dough into a ball and dust with flour.  Cover with plastic wrap and rest 15 minutes.

Generously flour a cutting board.  Use a bench knife to divide the dough into 4 sections.  Working with one section at a time, roll the dough into a 1/2″ rope.

Cut the rope into 1/2″ pieces, then use a small paring knife to gently press and drag the pieces toward you to form the center indentation and curled edges.

Place the formed pasta on a floured tray and refrigerate until ready to cook.

To finish the dish cut the sausage links in half lengthwise and then slice into half moons.

Heat a braising pan or heavy skillet on the lowest setting and add 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and gently warm them to infuse the oil.  Heat a large pan of salted water for the pasta.

Add the sausage to the pan, cook for 1 minute then add the peas and the mushrooms.

Turn up the heat and cook, stirring frequently until most of the liquid evaporates.

Cook the pasta for 3 minutes.  It’s done when it floats to the top.

Add a little more olive oil, splash of white wine and a pat of butter to the skillet.  Drain the pasta and toss with the sausage mixture.  Cook for 1-2 more minutes to incorporate the flavors.

Drizzle with olive oil, then top with grated cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes ♪♫  As you probably know, I am a huge fan of Better Batter brand gluten free flours (not sponsored).  Both their Original Blend and Artisan Flour Blend are wonderful for making fresh pasta, either by hand or machine.  Check out some of my other made from scratch pasta dishes, like this Gluten Free Trofie and Gluten Free Pappardelle.

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Gluten Free Chicken Lo Mein

Back in the day ordering Chinese takeout 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, but cross contact is always a concern.

That’s why I learned to make gluten free alternatives at home, like this Lo Mein.  The recipe is gluten free and lower in sodium than takeout, so I would call that a success!

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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.

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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Gluten Free Gnocchi with Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower

Look at this beautiful tray of gnocchi!  Would you believe it’s gluten free?  It is so good to know that we can still enjoy some of our favorite meals, minus the gluten!  This dish features fresh homemade gnocchi, one of my favorite pasta shapes, tossed in a flavorful skillet of chicken, sausage and cauliflower.

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4 servings

For the gnocchi:

When you shop Better Batter and use my (affiliate) code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

CLICK HERE to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to try the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

OR

For the skillet:

Preparation:

To make the pasta, whisk together the dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Beat together the eggs and olive oil and add to the flour mixture.  With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms (about 1 minute).

Press the dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap.  Let it rest 10 minutes.

Lightly flour your work surface and gnocchi board.  Use a bench knife to divide the dough into 4 even pieces.  Work with one piece at a time and keep the rest covered so that it doesn’t dry out.  Roll each piece of dough into a long rope about 3/4″ wide.

Use the bench knife to cut the rope into 1/2″ pieces.

To form the ridges, roll each piece over the gnocchi board using your thumb, a butter knife or bench knife.  Keep the board and your fingers floured to prevent the gnocchi from sticking.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and flour lightly.  Place the finished gnocchi on the baking sheet.  If not using right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

*Always follow food safety guidelines, pasta made with fresh eggs should be refrigerated within 1 hour.

Now it’s time to finish the dish!  Cut the chicken into 1.5″ cubes and toss with 3 tbsp. rice flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.  Let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.

Dice the onion, zucchini and cauliflower.  Slice the sausage into coins.  Toss the veggies and sausage with olive oil and Italian seasoning.  Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes at 400º.  Roasting the veggies adds so much flavor to the dish, don’t skip this step!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.  Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium low heat.  Begin browning the floured chicken in a little olive oil.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning several times to get good color on all sides.

When the chicken is almost done, cook the pasta.  Cover the pot if needed, to keep the water at a boil.  Remember fresh pasta cooks quickly, 3-4 minutes is all it takes!  It will float to the top when done.

Add the roasted sausage and veggies to the skillet with a little chicken broth, folding gently with a spatula as the liquid begins to thicken.

Use a spider strainer to gently lift the cooked pasta out of the water and add it to the skillet.  If too dry, add a bit more chicken broth or a ladle of the pasta water.  Toss gently and continue cooking 1-2 more minutes to get a little browning on the gnocchi.

Transfer to a serving platter and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, grated cheese and Italian parsley.

Just look at this amazing pasta dinner, all from scratch and its gluten free!  It is SO delicious and leftovers are just as good!

Notes ♪♫ This post, first published in 2018 was long overdue for an update.  My original pasta dough was made with brown rice flour and tapioca starch.  I’ve since found that a good all-purpose gluten free flour can work just as well.  I have made this recipe several times with Better Batter Original Blend.  If you use a different brand, be sure that your flour contains xanthan gum.  If not, you will need to add it to help your dough hold together without crumbling or tearing.

Original post 06/17/2018                                                    Updated 01/20/2022

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Gluten Free Shrimp, Fennel and Farfalle

This skillet dinner has all the requirements of an easy weeknight meal.  With just a little prep, a few pantry ingredients and only 2 pans to clean, what’s not to love?

Have you tried fennel?  It’s a common ingredient in many Italian dishes, both in raw and cooked form.  Raw fennel has a pronounced flavor that becomes milder when cooked.

I used a small amount of fennel as an accent flavor in this dish, but you can adjust to your taste.  It is the perfect complement to the shrimp, garlic and tomatoes!

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Before you get started, toast the pignoli in a dry skillet until lightly browned and fragrant.  Set aside for garnish.  Heat a pot of salted water for the pasta.

If your shrimp are frozen, rinse them under cool water to thaw.  Peel and devein the shrimp, pat dry and toss with 1 tbsp. white rice flour.

Mince the garlic and chop the fennel into 1/2″ dice.  Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet.

Add the diced fennel and cook for one minute, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.  Stir in the diced tomatoes, peas, wine and seasoning.  Simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions.  Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for a few minutes more, just until the shrimp turn pink.  You can add a small amount of the pasta water if needed.

Drain the pasta, add to the skillet and toss well.

Transfer to a serving platter and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.  Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted pignoli.

Notes ♪♫  When you have a well stocked pantry you can always pull a meal together in a hurry.  I always have frozen shrimp, bags of frozen peas and canned tomatoes on hand.  I am Italian, so you know I have a six month supply of gluten free pasta!  Parsley and garlic are also pantry staples, so I really just had to buy the fennel to make this dish.  I hope you will try the recipe!

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Italian Skirt Steak Rolls

This is another bucket list recipe that I have had on the back burner.  It’s one of those dishes that is so easy to prepare but looks like you fussed for hours.  The little bundles of steak, prosciutto and cheese are amazing!

The Lazy Gastronome

 

Skirt Steak Rolls may remind you of another bundled meat dish, Bracciole.  But while Bracciole is simmered in tomato sauce for hours on low heat, these Skirt Steak Rolls are cooked very quickly over high heat.

Was it difficult to make this recipe gluten free?  NO, because the ingredients have always been gluten free! 

When starting the gluten free diet, you may be tempted to throw away all your old cookbooks- don’t!  There are so many recipes that you have eaten all your life that were always gluten free, or just need a change of one or two ingredients.  In time you will realize there are so many meals you can enjoy that are gluten free with no crazy ingredients to purchase!

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For this recipe I used an oven safe grill pan, to sear the steak rolls on the stove top and finish them in the oven.  One pan for easy cleanup!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. skirt steak
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 oz. prosciutto
  • 2 oz. sliced provolone cheese cut into strips
  • ground pepper to taste

Preparation:

First gather your ingredients.  Mince the garlic and parsley and combine with 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Leave a few sprigs of parsley for garnish.

Lay the steak out on a cutting board covered with plastic wrap and trim away any white membrane or visible fat.

Cover the meat with another sheet of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4″ thickness.

Cut the steak into strips, 6-8″ long.

Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the steak.

Layer the steak with prosciutto slices and top with cheese.

Now roll each piece into a bundle and secure with toothpicks.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350º and season the meat bundles with fresh ground pepper.  I don’t add salt, because the cheese and prosciutto have plenty of sodium.

Coat an oven safe grill pan with olive oil spray and heat to medium (you can also do this step on an outdoor grill).  Begin cooking the steak rolls in the hot pan, about 1 minute per side.

When you have some good color on the outside, transfer the pan into the oven to finish cooking.

Remove them when the internal temperature reaches 135º for medium (use a thermometer).  Tent with foil and rest 5 minutes before serving (temperature should reach 140º after resting 5 minutes).  The key to this recipe is not to overcook the meat.  A quick sear in a hot pan then finish it off in the oven, done.

Garnish with fresh parsley, and dinner is served.  I made a side of peas and a simple risotto.

Notes ♪♫  When choosing cold cuts, I look for gluten free brands like Boar’s Head or Primo Taglio.  When just a small amount of prosciutto is called for in a recipe like this one, it can be convenient (and safer) to purchase in a sealed 3 oz. package rather than having it sliced at the deli.

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Gluten Free Seafood Paella

Today I’m making Paella, the amazing Valencian rice dish infused with aromatic saffron.  There are several variations of Paella, that may include chicken, pork, or seafood.  It can also be made vegetarian, or a blend of the above.

This paella is all about the seafood.  I used shrimp and scallops from my freezer pantry and fresh mussels that I purchased the same day.  I did add a link of Andouille sausage, because I love the heat it brings to this recipe.

You don’t need a paella pan to make this dish.  A large, nonstick skillet with a cover works just as well.  You can find reasonably priced pans on Amazon (like THIS ONE) that will get the job done.  If you don’t have a universal lid, you will want to get a pan with a lid.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2-1/2 cups gluten free chicken stock, room temperature
  • big pinch of saffron
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
  • ——————————————–
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1 link gluten free Andouille sausage, cut into thin coins
  • sprinkle of paprika
  • ——————————————–
  • 8 large raw shrimp, defrosted
  • 8 large sea scallops, defrosted
  • 1 lb. mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
  • fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cool water.  Discard any that are cracked or remain open after rinsing.  Defrost the shrimp and scallops.  Peel and devein the shrimp.

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet.  Stir in the shallots and cook gently for 1 minute.

Add the rice, stirring to coat with the oil and butter.  After 30 seconds add 1/2 cup of white wine.

Stir constantly, allowing the wine to evaporate.  When most of the liquid has been absorbed, begin adding the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time.  With the first addition of broth, add the saffron, bay leaves, thyme and turmeric.

Continue adding the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time.  Stir frequently, and when most of the liquid has been absorbed add the next 1/2 cup.

After 20 minutes the rice should be nearly done.  Add the garlic, Andouille sausage, and all of the veggies.  Sprinkle with paprika and cook for 5-10 minutes.

Don’t add broth after this point, as the veggies and seafood will release their own liquid.

Add the shrimp and scallops at the very end of the cook time, when the rice is done, and veggies are tender.

Stir together and cook for one minute, then add all of the mussels.  Cover and cook for 6 minutes or until the mussels open.

(Important: If any mussels do not open, discard them).

To serve, ladle the paella into wide bowls and garnish with parsley.

Notes ♪♫ Saffron is considered the most important spice in a traditional paella.  It gives the rice a beautiful golden color and distinctive flavor.  Although expensive, I always keep some on hand and use it sparingly in recipes like this one.  If you are looking for a more budget friendly alternative, try using turmeric instead of, or in addition to the saffron as I’ve done in this recipe.

 

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Gluten Free BBQ Beef Tips

Beef Tips are a year round favorite that can be served in so many ways.  I got 2 big family packs on sale earlier this summer and broke them down into 6 portions for the freezer.  Since then I have made Grilled Beef Kabobs, Asian Beef and Broccoli, and today I made the easiest BBQ Beef Tips.  This simple dish can be prepared stovetop or on the grill.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Combine the sirloin tips with 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1/2 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning.  Cover and marinate 45 minutes at room temperature.

Heat a stainless-steel skillet on medium, brush the pan with butter and the remaining tbsp. of olive oil.  Add the sirloin tips and cook for 6 minutes, turning once.

Don’t crowd the pan, cook in batches if needed.

To finish, add 2 tbsp. gluten free BBQ sauce and toss to coat.

Cook for 1-2 more minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chives.  Serve with more BBQ sauce for dipping.  BBQ Beef Tips can be served over rice or try my yummy Corn Cakes or BBQ Baked Beans!

Notes ♪♫ When I began my gluten free journey, I experimented with making my own BBQ sauce.  It is delicious, but very high in sugar.  So, when my husband was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes, I started looking for a gluten free BBQ sauce with less carbs.  Stubbs checks all my boxes, and they have several flavors to choose from.  They even have a reduced sugar option!  Check it out!

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Gluten Free Chicken Broccoli Casserole

The thought of preparing gluten free meals from scratch can be overwhelming.  It took a while for me to realize that there were meals I had been making for years that were naturally gluten free.  From there, I started looking at other favorite recipes that only required a swap of one or two ingredients to be gluten free.  My repertoire began to grow and now I have added many of my old favorites back to the dinner rotation.

My Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a good example.  Here’s how to make it!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Rice flour for dusting
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • White wine, divided use
  • ½ large sweet onion, diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 large broccoli crown, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • ½ tsp. basil
  • ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz. gluten free penne
  • Cooking spray
  • gluten free seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350º.  Set up a pan of salted water for the pasta, and bring to a boil.

Cut the chicken breast into 1-1/2″ chunks.  Dust with rice flour and season with salt and pepper.  Begin browning the chicken in a little olive oil, about 3 minutes per side.  Don’t crowd the pan, use a large skillet or do it in 2 batches.

When the chicken has browned on all sides, add a splash (1/4 cup) of white wine to the pan and toss until the liquid evaporates.  Remove from the pan and set aside.

Wipe the skillet clean.  Add a little more olive oil and begin browning the onions.

When they have a little color, add the broccoli, garlic and diced tomatoes.  Add another splash of white wine, then season with salt and pepper, basil and Italian seasoning.  Cover and cook 10 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp tender.

While the vegetables are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water.  Use your favorite (Jovial Brown Rice Penne is one of mine) and be sure to cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions.  Drain and add to the skillet, along with the reserved chicken.  Toss well.

Mist a casserole dish with cooking spray and transfer contents from the skillet in an even layer.  Drizzle with olive oil, then top it off with breadcrumbs and grated cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes.

I like to finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the topping.  Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

This is a real family favorite.  I hadn’t made it in a very long time, but now with just a couple of adaptations we can all enjoy this comfort food meal again.

Notes ♪♫ Always check prepared ingredients for hidden gluten.  In this recipe, pasta and breadcrumbs must of course be gluten free.  Less obvious but important, use rice flour for coating and thickening, make sure canned tomatoes and seasoning mixes are gluten free.  I always grate my own cheese, but if you are using a pre-grated cheese always check for additives that may contain gluten.

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