Gluten-Free Baked Sesame Chicken and Brown Rice


GIVEAWAY ALERT:

Click the link to receive your free sample of Galeos Dressing: https://glutenfreegalsguide.com/galeos/

*Limited Supply Available


(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

  • 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 c. Gluten-Free Flour (I used Bob Redmill’s 1 to 1)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 c. Galeos Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed Dressing
  • 1/4 c. Sesame Seeds
  • 2 c. Brown Rice
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Cut the chicken into 1 inch chunks.
  3. Add Gluten-Free Flour to a ziplock bag.
  4. Add the chicken to the bag with the flour, seal the bag, and shake the bag until the chicken is fully coated in flour.
  5. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together.
  6. Remove the chicken from the bag and dip in the egg so that each chicken chunk is fully coated.
  7. Place the chicken back into the flour bag, seal, and shake until the chicken is once again fully coated with gluten-free flour.
  8. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  9. Space the chicken out evenly on the cooking sheet, place in the oven, and cook for 18-20 minutes.  (You can check the chicken by cutting one of the chicken pieces in half and making sure the chicken is white on the inside).
  10. While the chicken is baking, cook the brown rice according to the instructions on the packaging.
  11. Once the chicken is done, place a frying pan over a medium heat, and add the Galeos Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed Dressing.  Warm the dressing for about a minute, then add the chicken.
  12. Stir the chicken around so that it is fully coated in the “sauce”, and add the sesame seeds.  Stir the chicken so that it is fully coated in the sauce and seeds, then plate with the the brown rice.
  13. Serve and enjoy!

Galeos Salad Dressing

I first learned about Galeos Dressings from social media and was intrigued by their slogan “one taste and you’re hooked for life”. Upon further investigation, I discovered a line of miso based salad dressings available in a variety of flavors. The company currently offers 6 flavor variations: Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed , Miso Caesar , Miso Dijonnaise, Miso Ginger & Wasabi , Miso & Chia Seed Creamy Ranch, and Miso Spicy Southwest. All of the products are both MSG and Gluten-Free. Additionally, all products are advertised as being multi-use serving as dressings, marinades, and dips.

Unfortunately, Galeos is not available in any of my local grocery stores, but they do offer online ordering through both their website and Amazon. Upon reviewing the product’s website, and communicating my order directly with the company, I was surprised with how quickly my dressings arrived. To start, I tried three varieties, the Miso & Chia Sesame Seed, Miso Ginger & Wasabi, and Miso Spicy Southwest. I was excited to try my new dressings, but was not immediately ready to cook with them, or eat enough salad to give each of them a fair taste. I decided to cut up some vegetables, and used Galeos as a dip, giving each of the three varieties I received a try. I was really impressed with the flavors of each dressing. The Sesame & Chia Seed is sweet, while the Ginger & Wasabi has a strong wasabi flavor that is just right without being overpowering. The Miso Spicy Southwest was exactly as advertised, spicy. I definitely felt the heat in this dressing, but the flavor was good. I typically don’t love spicy things, so while I likely won’t continue to use this flavor as a dip or on salads, I will definitely be incorporating it into future recipes that will balance some of the heat.

After sampling the dressings, I started brainstorming uses, and developed three recipes (found below) which really highlight the versatility of the products.


GIVEAWAY ALERT: 

We have partnered with Galeos to give away free sample pouches of dressing to 30 of our followers.  To enter, click on the following link and complete the necessary shipping information: https://glutenfreegalsguide.com/galeos/


Galeos Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed Dressing

The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Baked Sesame Chicken and Brown Rice

Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed

“Baked Sesame Chicken with Brown Rice”

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

  • 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 c. Gluten-Free Flour (I used Bob Redmill’s 1 to 1)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 c. Galeos Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed Dressing
  • 1/4 c. Sesame Seeds
  • 2 c. Brown Rice
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Cut the chicken into 1 inch chunks.
  3. Add Gluten-Free Flour to a ziplock bag.
  4. Add the chicken to the bag with the flour, seal the bag, and shake the bag until the chicken is fully coated in flour.
  5. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together.
  6. Remove the chicken from the bag and dip in the egg so that each chicken chunk is fully coated.
  7. Place the chicken back into the flour bag, seal, and shake until the chicken is once again fully coated with gluten-free flour.
  8. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  9. Space the chicken out evenly on the cooking sheet, place in the oven, and cook for 18-20 minutes.  (You can check the chicken by cutting one of the chicken pieces in half and making sure the chicken is white on the inside).
  10. While the chicken is baking, cook the brown rice according to the instructions on the packaging.
  11. Once the chicken is done, place a frying pan over a medium heat, and add the Galeos Miso & Chia Seed Sesame Seed Dressing.  Warm the dressing for about a minute, then add the chicken.
  12. Stir the chicken around so that it is fully coated in the “sauce”, and add the sesame seeds.  Stir the chicken so that it is fully coated in the sauce and seeds, then plate with the the brown rice.
  13. Serve and enjoy!

 

Galeos Miso Ginger & Wasabi Dressing

The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Ginger and Wasabi Seared Tuna

Miso Ginger & Wasabi

“Ginger and Wasabi Seared Tuna”

(Serves 1)

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 lb. Tuna Steak
  • 1/4 c. Galeos Miso Ginger & Wasabi Dressing
  • 1 c. Arugula
  • Olive Oil (enough to coat the bottom of your pan)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

  1. Salt and pepper both sides of the tuna steak to preference.
  2. Add the Galeos Miso Ginger & Wasabi Dressing to a ziploc bag.
  3. Add the tuna steak to the bag.
  4. Shake the bag so that the tuna steak is fully coated.
  5. Place the tuna steak in the bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
  6. When ready to cook, add the oil to your frying pan, and let heat over a medium-high flame.
  7. Once the pan is hot, add the tuna steak to the pan, and allow to cook for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds (or until it browns slightly) on each side.
  8. Wash and plate the arugula.
  9. Remove the cooked tuna steak from the pan, plate over the arugula, and dress with additional Galeos Miso Ginger & Wasabi Dressing.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

 

Galeos Miso Spicy Southwest Dressing

The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Open Face Southwest Shrimp Quesadilla

Miso Spicy Southwest

“Open Face Southwest Shrimp Quesadilla”

(Serves 1)

Ingredients:

  • 6 Medium Shrimp
  • 1/4 c. Galeos Miso Spicy Southwest Dressing
  • 1 Gluten-Free Tortilla (I used Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas)
  • 1 1/2 heaping tsp. Onion (finely Chopped)
  • 2 heaping tbsp. Green Bell Pepper (cut into thin 1/4 inch strips)
  • 2 heaping tbsp. Avocado (cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes)
  • 1/4 c. Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tsp. Cilantro (finely chopped)
  • Olive Oil (enough to coat your frying pan)
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray

Directions:

  1. Clean and prep the shrimp.
  2. Cut the shrimp into pieces (I evenly split each shrimp into 3 pieces)
  3. Add the Galeos Miso Spicy Southwest Dressing into a Ziploc bag.
  4. Add the shrimp into the bag with the dressing, and shake so that the shrimp are fully coated in dressing.
  5. Set the bag with the dressing and shrimp in the refrigerator, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Chop the onion, pepper, and avocado.
  7. Add the olive oil to a frying pan, and heat over medium heat.
  8. Once the frying pan and oil are hot, add the onions and peppers.
  9. Sauté the onions and peppers for a few minutes until the peppers soften and the onions turn translucent.  Remove the onions and peppers from the flame and set aside.
  10. Once the shrimp have marinated, add olive oil to a frying pan and heat over a medium-high flame.
  11. Once the oil and frying pan are hot, add the shrimp, stir occasionally, and cook for about 4 minutes, until the shrimp are pink.  Remove the shrimp from the flame and set aside.
  12. Spray a clean frying pan with nonstick cooking spray, and lay a tortilla across the pan.  Evenly spread the onion and pepper mixture, avocado, and shrimp.
  13. Sprinkle the cheese ontop of the tortilla and top with cilantro.  Heat the frying pan over medium heat until the cheese melts.
  14. Remove the quesadilla from the flame.
  15. Serve and enjoy!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: 

We have partnered with Galeos to give away free sample pouches of dressing to 30 of our followers.  To enter, click on the following link and complete the necessary shipping information: https://glutenfreegalsguide.com/galeos/


Galeos Website: https://www.galeoscafe.com

Rosa Mexicano

After becoming gluten-free, I gained a new appreciation for Mexican food.  Not only is the food delicious and often a crowd pleaser, it’s typically a great option for gluten-free dining.  A lot of traditional Mexican dishes, and dishes typically found on a menu are naturally gluten-free.  This has made Mexican a go to option when selecting a place to eat for a group.  

Recently, several friends and I were attending an activity in the city, and wanted to do dinner first.  We decided on Rosa Mexicano.   There are currently 4 locations in New York City, and we ate at the restaurant by Lincoln Center due to it’s proximity to our event.  Not only does Rosa Mexicano have a large menu with tons of options, they label their gluten-free items directly on their menu. 

We started with two gluten-free appetizers for the table: Guacamole En Molcajete and Queso Fundido with Chorizo.  Both were gluten-free, delicious, and great items for sharing across the table. I always order guacamole, but I don’t like really spicy food.  We ordered the guacamole mild, and the flavor was great without being too hot.  The Queso Fundido was fantastic!  It is a small skillet of melted gooey cheese served with corn tortillas.  I had never had it before, but will definitely be reordering it in the future.  

Rosa Mexicano’s Guacamole

Rosa Mexicano’s Queso Fundido

For my main course, I ordered the Suizas Enchiladas.  The enchiladas are described as roasted chicken tinga with creamy tomatillo sauce, cilantro, onion, and melted chihuahua cheese.  I really enjoyed the flavors in this dish.  I had ordered it from Rosa Mexicano before, and every time it’s been great!  

Rosa Mexicano’s Suizas Enchiladas

I will definitely be returning to Rosa Mexicano in the future.  

Rosa Mexicano’s Website: https://rosamexicano.com 

 

Ian’s Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Nuggets

This may seem like an obvious statement, but going gluten-free has completely changed the way I eat.  Yes, I’ve cut out and replaced my favorite breads, pastas, cakes, and cookies, but I’ve also found myself looking to replace other foods that weren’t previously staples in my diet.  One of these foods in chicken nuggets. 

Chicken nuggets used to be a special treat food.  Yet, knowing I can’t eat them has left a small void in my life.  I have tried a few brands, and been heavily disappointed with the consistency of the breading, or the low quality or artificial taste of the chicken.  After spotting Ian’s Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets in the frozen food section of my local Target, I decided to give them a try.  

The box I purchased was a family pack, and came with 7 servings (1 serving is 5 chicken nuggets).  The packaging proudly boasts a product containing no wheat, gluten, milk, casein, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, or soy, making them not just gluten-free, but also very allergy friendly.  In terms of cooking, they were easy to prepare.  I followed the instructions on the box preheating my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, placing the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet, and baking for 14 minutes.  I did line my baking sheet with foil, and spray with my normal nonstick cooking spray.

Ian’s Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Nuggets

Ian’s Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Nuggets

 

What came out of the oven was perfectly cooked chicken nuggets.  Once they cooled enough to eat, I dug in.  The outside breading was crisp, and not soggy like some of the other brands I’ve tried.  There was definitely a corn flavor to the breading, but it paired well with the chicken.  The best part was the chicken inside.  The chicken was real white meat chicken.  There were actual chunks of chicken in the nuggets, and not the processed mush I’ve found in many other products.  

Ian’s Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Nuggets

While chicken nuggets may not have been a staple in my diet before going gluten-free, Ian’s Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets are now a staple in my freezer.  

 

For more product information, check out the company’s website: http://iansnaturalfoods.com/products/gluten-free-chicken-nuggets-family-pack/

Bartaco

It’s “Taco Tuesday” so let’s “taco ‘bout” bartaco.  Okay, I’ve gotten that out of my system, I promise.  What I haven’t gotten out of my system is the almost constant craving for some of bartaco‘s delicious tacos and other food.  The bartaco closest to me opened several years ago, and quickly became a popular spot for dining and drinks.  There is always a crowd, and it’s not unusual to have to wait a few minutes for a table.  The vast menu contains a variety of upscale tacos, making it appealing to the masses.  My favorite part, is that so much of the menu is gluten-free, that bartaco only uses an indicator to identify the few items that contain gluten.

Bartaco is great for groups, with ordering being completed by the table filling out an order card.  The majority of the appetizers and side dishes are easy to share, and margarita pitchers are a fan favorite.  Ordering is easy, and the food comes to the table quickly.  There have been many times when my friends and I decided to go for a second round of tacos, and we were able to order, and continued enjoying our meal without disruption or major delay.  

During my most recent visit, my friends and I started with a large Guac.  The chips are actually large corn tortillas that you break apart to share and dip.  For my main course, I started with 4 tacos.  It’s often a hard choice, but I decided to select 4 different tacos, sampling as much as I could.  I went with the Sesame Ribeye (angus ribeye w/ kimchi) , Glazed Pork Belly (spicy arbol chili sauce), Chicken Pastor (achiote-marinated seared chicken, grilled pineapple, tajin), and Portabello with queso fresco (roasted w/ poblano peppers & garlic) (pictured left to right).  I also ordered a side of fresh pineapple with lime, which was super sweet, and a great compliment to my tacos.  I devoured my meal.  The food is so good, I’m surprised I was able to hold off long enough to take a picture.  

bartaco Large Guac

bartaco Sesame Ribeye, Glazed Pork Belly, Chicken Pastor, Portobello with Queso Fresca

While dining, my friends shared a “rumor” they had heard.  Apparently, an unnamed source had shared that bartaco has a secret taco.  Could it be true, is this real?  We asked our super friendly waitress, and she informed us that yes, there is a secret taco, which regularly changes.  On this particular occasion, the secret taco was a lobster salad over guacamole in a hard taco shell.  As she shared this information with us, all of the eyes at my table lit up, and everyone in my group ordered a secret taco.  It was incredible!  

bartaco Secret Taco

To finish my meal, I ordered the Spiced Chocolate Pudding.  The pudding is served in a jar with a crunchy hazelnut topping.  It was light enough to not make me feel over-full, but still rich in flavor.  The pudding proved to be the perfect ending to a perfect meal.   

bartaco Spcied Chocolate Pudding

bartaco has currently has 18 restaurants across 10 different states.  Check out their website below to find your local establishment: https://bartaco.com

 

Udi’s Three Cheese Ravioli Skillet Meal

Target can be a very dangerous place.  I usually go in for one specific item, and wind up spending hours browsing the aisles, leaving with a full cart of things I never knew I “needed”.  On a recent trip, I once again found myself aimlessly browsing the aisles, when something caught my attention.  The end of one of the grocery aisle had a large sign saying “gluten-free” and right in the middle of the frozen food case I saw something I’ve been looking for for almost a decade, gluten-free ravioli.

After years of searching, I’ve found some really good gluten-free pastas.  However, I still hadn’t found a ravioli I liked.  This Udi’s version is a single skillet meal complete with sauce.  Upon opening the package, I found several frozen large raviolis and cubes of frozen tomato sauce (see the picture below).  The preparation was super simple.  Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the contents of the bag, and cook covered, stirring occassionally.  After 10 minutes, I had a complete, easy to make, and delicious gluten-free meal.

Udi’s Three Cheese Ravioli Skillet Meal

I was concerned the dish would be soggy, but it wasn’t.  The pasta maintained the desired firmness, and the three cheese filling was great.  The sauce provided a nice light coating, and the sweet tomato flavor balanced perfectly with the cheese filling.  The bag contains two servings, but I only ate one during my first tasting.  The remaining ravioli stored well in the fridge, and microwaved nicely when I ate the second portion the next day.

Udi’s Three Cheese Ravioli Skillet Meal

Udi’s has four different options in their skillet meal category: Three Cheese Ravioli, Ziti & Meatballs, Chicken Parm Penne, and Chicken Penne Alfredo. I plan on keeping a bag of ravioli in my freezer for when I need a quick meal, and will be trying the other meals soon.

Udi’s Website: https://udisglutenfree.com/

Inspired by Happiness Gluten-Free Cakes

This gluten-free cake by Inspired by Happiness is by far the best store bought gluten-free cake I’ve had.  TheDreamin’ of Chocolate cake, described as a dark and white chocolate layer cake, was purchased from my local Balducci’s for a recent celebration (Balducci’s added the congratulatory message shown in the picture).  

Inspired by Happiness Dreamin’ of Chocolate Cake

The chocolate layers were delicious!  The cake itself was super moist, which is a term I am not often able to use with gluten-free baked goods.  The white chocolate mousse layers were perfect, and provided a great compliment to the layer cake.  The packaging describes the top layer of the cake as a decadent ganache, and it is just that.  The label also states, “you won’t believe it’s gluten-free!” which was confirmed by everyone around me lucky enough to steal a taste.  It’s not surprising that this cake did not last long in my house before being completely devoured.  I am definitely adding Inspired by Happiness cakes to the top of my shopping list.  

 

UPDATE 7/16/18

After enjoying the Inspired by Happiness’ Dreamin’ of Chocolate cake so much, I was ecstatic to see a different flavor at my local Balducci’s this past weekend.  I always make sure I check the case where they stock the gluten-free cakes, and the red and white cake with a familiar label immediately caught my eye.  The Dreamin’ of Straweberries White Chocolate Shortcake is described by the company as a “Truly delicious and moist shortcake layered with succulent strawberry fruit filling and the finest Belgian white chocolate mousse.  Topped with real whipped cream and white chocolately drizzle- you won’t believe its gluten-free!”

Again, I found myself very impressed, and full.  Just like the Dreamin’ of Chocolate, the cake layers were moist.  The strawberry filling and white chocolate mousse mixed together very well, and balanced perfectly with the cake layers.  The whipped cream topping provided a great finish for the cake.  Once again, the gluten eaters in my house agreed, this cake did not taste gluten-free.

Inspired by Happiness: http://inspired-by-happiness.com