Embark on a culinary adventure with this vibrant and flavorful Chicken and Vegetable Cauliflower ‘Rice’ Bowl. This dish takes inspiration from Asian cuisine and transforms traditional rice into a healthier alternative by using cauliflower and broccolini. The combination of tender chicken, crispy fried eggs, and an array of fresh vegetables creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. With a drizzle of savory kecap manis and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts, this dish is a celebration of Asian-inspired ingredients that promises a satisfying and nutritious meal.
PREP 30 MINS
COOK 20 MINS
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 bunches broccolini, roughly chopped
- 600g cauliflower florets (about ½ large cauliflower)
- ¼ cup peanut oil
- 4 free-range eggs, at room temperature
- 4 long red chillies (leave whole)
- 400g chicken tenderloins, trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces
- 3 green onions (shallots), trimmed and thinly sliced, plus extra to serve
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 150g green beans, cut into 3cm lengths
- 2 tbs kecap manis, plus extra to serve
- 1 cup trimmed bean sprouts
- ½ cup coriander leaves
- Chopped roasted peanuts, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 100°C fan-forced. Use a food processor to pulse broccolini and cauliflower in batches until they resemble rice. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbs oil in a wok over high heat. Fry eggs one at a time until they have crisp edges and set whites. Transfer to a tray and keep warm in the oven. Add another 1 tbs oil to the wok and fry chillies for 1-2 minutes until crisp. Transfer to the tray and keep warm in the oven.
- Heat the remaining 1 tbs oil in the wok over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until white and sealed. Transfer to a plate. Add green onions, garlic, and beans to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute. Toss through broccolini and cauliflower ‘rice’ and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drizzle with kecap manis and toss to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg and a fried chilli. Sprinkle with bean sprouts, coriander, extra green onions, and chopped roasted peanuts. Serve with extra kecap manis for added flavor.
TIPS AND HINTS:
- Ensure the broccolini and cauliflower florets are pulsed in batches until they resemble rice. This step provides a rice-like texture that’s perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish.
- Preheating the oven to 100°C fan-forced is essential for keeping the cooked eggs and fried chillies warm while you prepare the other components of the dish.
- Fry the eggs one at a time to ensure they cook evenly and develop crisp edges. Keeping them warm in the oven prevents them from cooling down while you finish cooking the other elements.
- When frying the long red chillies, keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking and burning. The goal is to achieve a crisp texture with a mild spice.
- Use high heat when stir-frying the chicken to seal in its juices and achieve a nice browning on the surface. Remove the chicken promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry the green onions, garlic, and beans for just the right amount of time to maintain their vibrant colors and crispness.
- Drizzling kecap manis over the stir-fried vegetables and ‘rice’ adds a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Presentation matters! Spoon the flavorful mixture into serving bowls and top each with a crispy fried egg and a fried chilli for visual appeal.
- A sprinkle of fresh bean sprouts, coriander leaves, extra green onions, and chopped roasted peanuts adds layers of freshness, crunch, and nuttiness to the dish.
- To customize the level of sweetness in the dish, you can adjust the amount of kecap manis according to your taste preferences.
Elevate your culinary journey with the Chicken and Vegetable Cauliflower ‘Rice’ Bowl – a fusion of textures and flavors that pays homage to Asian cuisine. This dish offers a balance of protein, veggies, and aromatic elements, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option.
