Enjoy the Rich Flavors of Asia with a Paleo Twist
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to prepare healthy yet delicious family meals. However, with a little creativity, you can adapt flavorful Chinese and Indian dishes to fit a nourishing Paleo diet.
Paleo Takes on Chinese Orange Chicken
This lighter version of a takeout favorite uses chicken thighs baked in an sweet and tangy orange sauce made with orange juice, vinegar, honey and spices. Serve it alongside broccoli florets or zucchini noodles instead of rice for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Orange juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, vinegar, honey and spices to make sauce.
- Bake chicken thighs in sauce until cooked through.
- Serve chicken with sauce spooned over top alongside veggies.
Spiced Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Chickpeas and cauliflower roast together in the oven until golden brown in this easy vegetarian main dish. Indian spices like curry powder, cumin and turmeric add vibrant flavor. Pile everything on top of leafy greens or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Chickpeas
- Olive oil
- Curry powder
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Toss cauliflower and chickpeas with oil and spices.
- Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, until starting to brown.
- Serve roasted veggie mixture over salad or cauliflower rice.
Paleo Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Crispy baked chicken gets tossed in a rich cashew sauce with carrots, celery, garlic and ginger for a fresh take on lettuce wraps. Stuff them into butter lettuce or Napa cabbage leaves for a fun hand-held meal.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Cashews
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Coconut aminos
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Cook ground chicken in a skillet until no longer pink.
- In a food processor, blend cashews and veggies into sauce.
- Toss chicken in cashew sauce.
- Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaf wraps.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Riced cauliflower makes the perfect base for this lighter take on fried rice, loaded up with carrots, peas, eggs and green onions. A touch of sesame oil adds authentic flavor without excess calories.
Ingredients
- Riced cauliflower
- Eggs
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green onions
- Sesame oil
- Coconut aminos
Instructions
- Scramble eggs in skillet, remove, and set aside.
- Stir fry cauliflower rice and veggies in sesame oil and aminos.
- Add scrambled eggs back to cauliflower fried rice before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paleo healthy for my family?
Yes, the Paleo diet focuses on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables which provides nutrients for optimal health.
What if my kids don’t like vegetables?
Focus on getting creative with preparation by roasting, seasoning or making veggie noodles to increase appeal.
Won’t these exotic dishes be too spicy for kids?
You can adjust the level of spices to suit your family’s tastes – even just a little ginger, garlic or curry makes a flavor impact.
What can I serve with these meals?
Broccoli, cauliflower rice or salad are great paleo-friendly sides to complete the plate.
Can I make any substitutions?
Absolutely! Swap proteins, veggies and spices to accommodate preferences and allergies.
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