Thai Chicken with Basil & Cauliflower Fried Rice - Low Carb
Salty, spicy, tangy, sweet, and with a punch of fresh basil - this low carb recipe has all the flavors of your favorite Thai takeout without the sugar and carbs! Keto and Paleo friendly.
Salty, spicy, tangy, sweet, and with a punch of fresh basil - this low carb recipe has all the flavors of your favorite Thai takeout without the sugar and carbs! Keto and Paleo friendly.
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 tbsp avocado (or other lightly flavored) oil
- 2 tsp fresh garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 4 cups finely chopped (riced) cauliflower
- 2 tbsp sugar free fish sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chilis minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp granulated sugar substitute (i used this brand)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
- fried eggs to serve (optional)
- 2 cups chopped raw, chicken breast
- Carbohydrate 15.664395012256 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.26011000010102 g
- Fiber 0.175849996461147 g
- Protein 2.85829500266936 g
- Saturated Fat 0.182727000018144 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (99g)
- Sodium 705.522501418048 mg
- Sugar 15.4885450157949 g
- Trans Fat 0.0884125000289687 g
- Calories 80 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the sesame and avocado (or other) oil in a large heavy bottomed (cast iron if you have it) saute pan.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about one minute or until fragrant.
- Add the cauliflower and fry over high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Add the fish sauce and stir well, cooking for another 3 minutes. The cauliflower should be softened and browned, with most of the liquid evaporated.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the cauliflower rice to a serving dish.
- Heat the avocado (or other) oil in the same pan as you cooked the cauliflower rice.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and chilis and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and sizzling.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir occasionally - cook for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the fish sauce, sweetener, and fresh basil - stir and cook until the chicken is coated and the basil is wilted - about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and serve over the cauliflower rice. Fried egg is optional but recommended.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Thai Chicken with Cauliflower Fried Rice
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, healthy, and satisfying – a tall order, right? That's why I've become obsessed with recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This Thai Chicken with Basil & Cauliflower Fried Rice is my absolute hero in that department. It's ready in under 30 minutes, packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, and surprisingly low-carb friendly – a win-win-win for my family and my waistline!
Forget those sugar-laden takeout options! This recipe lets you recreate the magic of your favorite Thai restaurant at home. It’s incredibly versatile, too. I often adjust the spice level depending on my kids’ preferences (sometimes they get a milder version, while my husband and I enjoy the extra kick). The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the cooking process is so straightforward even a novice cook can master it.
What I love most: The satisfying crunch of the cauliflower rice, the fragrant basil, and the perfectly tender chicken. It's a complete meal in itself, providing a delicious balance of protein and vegetables. On busy weeknights, I often skip the optional fried egg, but when I have a little extra time, that runny yolk adds a luxurious touch and extra richness.
Tips and Tricks from My Kitchen:
- Prepping ahead: I often chop my vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before, making weeknight cooking a breeze. This saves significant time and reduces stress levels when I'm already juggling a million things.
- Cauliflower Rice: You can buy pre-riced cauliflower, but I find it cheaper and more satisfying to rice it myself using a food processor or the grating attachment on my box grater. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the riced cauliflower to avoid a watery dish.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of chili to your liking. For a milder version, use only a teaspoon or less. If you prefer a fiery kick, add more!
- Protein Swap: Feeling adventurous? Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different flavor profile. The recipe remains just as delicious!
- Leftovers are a Blessing: This dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option for lunches.
This Thai Chicken with Basil & Cauliflower Fried Rice isn't just a quick and easy meal; it's a journey to flavor country. It's a recipe that brings a touch of exotic flair to my everyday life, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to be amazed by this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It's more than just a meal; it's a delicious escape from the ordinary, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe also speaks to a philosophy I've embraced in my own life: finding balance and efficiency. It demonstrates that healthy eating and delicious food aren't mutually exclusive concepts. With a little planning and creativity, we can create meals that nourish both our bodies and our souls without sacrificing our precious time. And let's be honest, who doesn't need a little more of that in their life?
