Copycat P.F Chang's Mongolian Beef

One of the only good things about my sports injury is that it means I have plenty of time to cook a nice dinner once I arrive home from school.  On an average day, I’m typically torn between working out and making dinner, mostly because I love to do both!  I know that I always could do both, but I hate to eat after 8:00 p.m., mostly because I feel that it’s too close to my bed time.  Yes, that’s right, I go to bed early, but in all fairness, I do get up at 3:00 a.m.

So last night, seeing I’ve been eating Paleo, (which means that Jeff has sort of been fending for himself) I decided to make a special dinner.  Jeff’s always been a fan of steak; therefore I decided to surprise him with a copycat recipe of P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef.  It must have been pretty good too, because he literally ate the entire dish.  I did cut back on the steak portion though, but next time I’ll definitely be using the entire pound.

My Paleo Dinner: Chicken and Ham Spinach Salad

2 cups baby spinach
4 oz. shredded chicken
1 oz. cubed ham
½ avocado
4 snap peas (cut in pieces)
2 Tbsp. fresh salsa

P.F. Chang’s Copycat Mongolian Beef
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Ingredients:

2 tsp. vegetable oil
½ tsp. ginger, minced
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
½ cup water
¾ cup dark brown sugar
Vegetable oil for frying (about ¾ cup)
1 lb. Flank steak
¼ cup cornstarch
2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, over a medium-low temperature, heat the 2 tsp. vegetable oil. (make sure not to make it too hot!)  Add in the ginger and garlic, and then quickly pour in the soy sauce, plus, water so that the ingredients don’t burn.  Place the dark brown sugar into the liquid and allow to dissolve, you may need to stir around a bit.  Now, increase the heat to medium and boil the ingredients for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.  Remove from the heat and set aside.

Beef:

Begin by cutting the steak into about ¼” bite-size slices.  Once the slices are ready dip them into the cornstarch, making sure that each side is lightly coated.  Let the beef slices sit for about 10 minutes allowing the cornstarch to sink in. 

While you’re waiting for the beef to finish, heat up the ¾ cup vegetable oil in a wok set over a medium heat.  It should be nice and hot, but not boiling.  Once ready, add the beef to the wok and sauté the slices until nice and brown.  Make sure to stir the beef around during this process to ensure that it cooks evenly.  When it’s down cooking, remove the slices from the oil and place on a plate with paper towel, in order to absorb the extra oil and then pat dry.

Add the beef slices to the sauce, and stir together.  Place the saucepan back on the stove, over a medium/low heat.  Add the chopped green onions and allow to simmer until warm.

Remove the pan from the heat, and serve.

Source: Six Sister Stuff

30 Day Paleo Challenge: Day 18 (Caulifower Chicken Fried Rice)

Even though I absolutely love to travel, it's always a nice feeling when I arrive home and can get back into my routine.  I'd definitely consider myself a person who follows a routine too, which is just another reason I hate the fact I'm not healed from my tendon strain yet. 

However, here's what my daily routine looked like before my injury and what it will look like again as soon as I heal.
Routine:  up at 3 a.m. to workout on my treadmill, at 5:20 head to the gym at my husband's office, then at 7:15 head into school.  After school, at 4:45, to help me unwind from my day, either go for a walk on my treadmill or go outside for a relaxing run. 
I know that some of you who are reading this might be shaking your head at this point, because I've been told by some before that is a little excessive, but I honestly don't care.  I absolutely love to exercise and it makes me happy.  If I didn't enjoy to workout, then I wouldn't do it.

As of right now, my 30 day Paleo Challenge continues to be a huge success.  I even had time to try a new and delicious recipe tonight that I feel the need to share.  It's a recipe I've been wanting to try for awhile now, but have never been too motivated, due to all the healthy ingredients.  However, since I changed my eating habits, it actually works out perfectly and when I came across it again, I knew that I needed to make it.  The meal is Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice and it is utterly fantastic!  Instead of using rice, I placed some cauliflower into the food processor to rice it, and honestly if I didn't know it was cauliflower, I wouldn't know the difference.  My husband, Jeff, even ate it, which says a lot because there is no way I could ever just get him to take a bite of cauliflower, it's too healthy.

Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice

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Ingredients:

3 cups riced cauliflower
2 cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
¾ cup frozen peas and carrots
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
½ Tbsp. olive oil
4 egg whites, scrambled
3 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce

Directions:

In a large wok or skillet, set over a medium/high heat, and coated with the olive oil, sauté together the garlic and onions.  Continue to sauté until the onions become transparent.  This process should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add in the peas and carrots and continue to cook until they’re heated through and appear soft in texture.  Once they’re ready, add in the chicken and stir around.  Lastly, add in the cauliflower, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce.  Continue to cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, making sure to stir together frequently, which will ensure that everything is well combined.

Serve warm, and garnish with any other healthy choice toppings you might enjoy!

Source: Inspired by and adapted from Family Fresh Meals

30 Day Paleo Challange: Day 15

I can't believe that today already marks the 15th day of my challenge, which leads me to wonder, where's the time gone?  Truthfully, it really seems like just yesterday that I began eating Paleo.  Overall though, I'd have to say that things are going well!  Not only am I constantly feeling healthy and full, but I've actually managed to lose a few inches (without exercise), and haven't been craving junk food.  I even went grocery shopping today and had no problems buying certain food items for Jeff, that I knew I wouldn't be able to eat myself.

I feel it's important to point out though, that when eating Paleo, as with any other diet for that matter, it really does become easier once you make it over the initial hump and your body has a chance to detox and reset itself.  The first few days are definitely the worst, especially when it comes to food cravings.  However, if you plan to stick with it and don't cave, I know that you can and will succeed. 

 

Failure is a choice, it doesn't just happen, so decide right now that you're not going to.

Random side note:  I'm so happy to be home again, because now I can go back to creating and eating from a set menu and share some new recipes, although it's very difficult to believe spring break 2013 is already over.  As with any break from work, it went by too incredibly fast.  I guess that means the countdown to summer can commence!

30 Day Paleo Challenge: Day 12 and 13

I can't believe that I'm almost halfway through my challenge and still going strong.  To be honest, I really thought that I'd have had a minor slip by now, but I haven't (not even a small bite, or sip of anything that I shouldn't).  Yesterday was awfully tempting too, because I chose to go out to eat with some girlfriends and each of them ordered an afternoon drink (Hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere).  One ordered a scrumptious looking mudslide (my favorite) and the other one ordered a refreshing looking mango margarita.  Yum!  I can't lie either; I definitely wanted a sip, but I knew that if I had one sip it would eventually lead me to wanting another, and then it'd just go completely down hill from there. 

Over time I've slowly discovered that when it comes to my eating habits, that's my biggest problem.  I tell myself that I'll just have a single bite, or take a tiny sip of something small, and then, before I know it, a whole bag of chocolate, (dark Dove is my favorite) or a large beverage, of some sort, is completely gone.  I'm very well aware that I can lose self-control sometimes, but at least I can admit it, and am currently working on addressing the issue in order to ensure that it won't happen again.

As far as my food intake over the last few days is concerned, I've 100% stuck to the Paleo lifestyle.  I'd really like to be able to share some new recipes today, but once again, with me being on spring break and being away from home, I've not really been able to cook or stick to a specific daily menu.  Here's a list of some foods I've been eating though and incorporating into my meals:

Breakfast Items:
Chicken bites (just cooked in a skillet)
Omelet (with cubed ham and spinach)
1/2 an avocado

Lunch Items:
Chicken brat
Salad (chicken, ham, spinach, zucchini)
Red and Green Peppers

Snacks:
Almonds                   Strawberries              Zucchini
Walnuts                     Blueberries
Beef Jerky                 Apples
Snow Peas                Gum

Dinner Items:
Salad (spinach, avocado, chicken, pear)
Rotisserie chicken
Fruit salad (pear, oranges, grapes, kiwi)
Turkey
Oriental turkey lettuce wraps

I'm positive that I've left a couple food items off this list, but I really can't remember what they are.  Thinking back over the last few days too, and looking at the lists, I really need to cut back on my fruit intake.  I know that it's good for you, but I feel that I've had too much of it this week, especially seeing I still cannot work out.  In fact, my injury seems to be hurting a little more then it was.  I really just need to take it easy for a few days and slow down when I walk (walking fast seems to make it worse) but I just hate to walk slow.  I'm determined to get better though.  

30 Day Paleo Challenge: Day 11

Let me start by saying that there's no recipe following today's post.  Mostly this is due to the fact that I'm on my spring break, and haven't been doing much cooking.  Well, actually I have, but nothing too fancy, and I don't have my camera with me to take photos. 

I can't believe that I'm already on day 11 of this challenge!  Time seems to be flying by, and I'm honestly feeling great and continue to resist so many temptations!  It's all about will power, and each day it becomes easier.  I actually even got out my tape measure this morning, to record my inches, and noticed that I've gone down a little bit; not much, but some.  I was really somewhat surprised by this too, mostly because I haven't been moving around much; less than 3,000 steps a day actually.  This is due to the fact that the tendon in my leg has started to act up again (apparently I've been making too many quick movements, no exercising though).  Due to this I'm definitely taking it easy, mostly because I really, really, really, want to get back to working out.  It's something that I greatly miss and feel incomplete when I'm not able to do so.  Most people I'm surrounded by, who also enjoy to exercise, know and completely understand where I'm coming from and they're constantly encouraging me that it'll get better soon.  For the time being though, it's very frustrating; mostly because it's out of my control and I don't like it.

This is why the Paleo challenge has been so helpful.  I know that I can be somewhat of a control freak and I love a good challenge!  It has definitely been keeping me distracted and has also made not being able to workout somewhat easier. When I get home on Saturday, I'll be making a new menu, and will get back to posting recipes.  Recently I've found so many delicious looking Paleo ones that I can't wait to try out.  I'll keep you posted (Yes, pun intended)!

30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 6-10

I feel bad that I haven't been able to post for the last few days of my challenge, but unfortunately I haven't had Internet access until just now, (thank you Starbucks) and with it being Easter weekend, things became slightly busy.

I'm happy to report now however, that I successfully made it through the holiday weekend without slipping!  Truthfully, I was a little worried that I might not be able to, but thankfully I have friends and family that are very supportive.  This positive reinforcement gives me the confidence to say, "there's no stopping me now!", especially when I'm surrounded by so many delicious looking, and sweet temptations.  Honestly though, the challenge is actually becoming easier and easier, and I'm happy to report that I'm no longer craving anything sweet.  Sure, there are moments when I glance around at the food I'm surrounded by, and think, 'yum' (oreos, Hersey's chocolate, snickers bars, etc.) but I don't really think about eating any of it, which is just so unlike the old me.  Less then 10 days ago, if I happened to be sitting next to one of those bags/packages, they would be taunting and teasing me to just go over and taste them.

As far as my meals go, I wish that I could write down an official menu for the last few days, like I've been doing, but unfortunately I've been on the go, and therefore didn't have a specific plan.  I've just been sticking to what I know and have been eating my lean protein (chicken, eggs, turkey), vegetables, some fruits, and almonds.

Due to my lack of a specific meal plan for the past few days, I'll just share some previous recipes that would work for this challenge.
Former recipes that would work for the Paleo Challenge:

Guacamole

 



The Skinniest Turkey Pasta

 



Black Bean Soup with a Kick

 

Turkey Stuffed Red Peppers

(Just make without the cheese)

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 5

I'll start this post by saying that yes, I did stick to my Paleo challenge today, but once again I'm going to post something that is not a part of the diet. 

Exactly one year ago today, I lost a very dear friend, almost like a sister, to lung cancer.  Erinn was only 35 years old when she passed away and never smoked a single cigarette in her whole life.  She ended up fighting a long and difficult battle, and was the type of person that remained strong and positive until the very end.  I miss her tons!

Our friendship started to blossom when we moved in next door to Erinn and her family.  Even though she was not very much older than my two sisters and I, she eventually started to babysit us almost every weekend.  Erinn also started taking family trips with us to Cedar Point, would go to movies with us, take us to political events (I met president Bush because of her), go out to eat with us, etc.  Over time, Erinn really became more than just a friend, she became more like a member of the family and someone I always made sure to visit whenever I traveled back to Michigan.  She even came down to visit me, and had another trip planned but unfortunately that was the beginning of her sickness and she was never able to make it. 

One thing that I loved most is that Erinn, other than her comic and caring personality, was her passion for baking.  It's something we had in common.  Unfortunately with her living in Michigan though, whenever I went back to visit, we always just talked about one day baking together; but sadly never got around to it. 

Therefore, today's cupcake recipe is in memory of my friend Erinn, mostly because I know it's something she would have enjoyed!

Menu for Day 5:

Breakfast: 2 eggs, 2 egg whites (scrambled), and 4 slices Canadian bacon
Lunch: Turkey Burger Salad - 1 1/2 cups - 2 cups spinach, 1 turkey burger patty cut in pieces, 1/2 avocado, 1/4 cup green pepper, a dash of balsamic vinegar
Snack: 7 slices, deli ham (Oscar Meyer), 6 macademia nuts
Dinner: 4 oz. chicken pieces, 2 eggs, 2 egg whites (scrambled), a handful of spinach (I mixed everything together)

Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes with a Strawberry Butter Cream Frosting
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Ingredients:

Cupcakes: (makes around 24)
2 sticks butter, softened
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups cake flour
1 TBSP. baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ¾ cups sugar
4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup milk
¼ cup strawberry margarita mix

Frosting: (I needed a double batch, so just double the ingredients.  We like frosting)

1 cup (two sticks) butter, softened
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2-3 TBSP. strawberry margarita mix

Directions:

For the cupcakes:

Line a cupcake/muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, on a medium-high speed, beat together the butter and sugar, until light in color and fluffy.  Stop to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.  Slowly blend in the vanilla and the tequila.  Set the mixer to a low speed, and slowly add in the flour mixture, in 3 separate increments, alternating with the milk and margarita mix.  Beat each addition, until just blended.  Do not over mix.  (It may appear thick in texture)

Scoop the cupcake mixture into the prepared pan, filling about ¾ the way full.  Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until you are able to insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.  Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.  Remove the cupcakes from the pan, and allow to cool completely.  Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

For the Frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter on a medium-high speed, until light and creamy.  Add in the vanilla and combine with the butter.  Slowly beat in the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time, until well combined with the butter and scraping down the sides of the bowl, as needed.  Once the confectioner’s is blended together, add in the 2-3 TBSP. of margarita mix and beat on medium-high, until light and fluffy.

Frost the cupcakes as desired!

 

 

Source: Bowl of Creativity Original