Ahi Poke Bowl & Stack

Ahi Poke Bowl + Stack - 2 fun versions that you can make for a lunch meal prep, refreshing light dinner, or for a crowd! 

I don’t eat out often, but when I do, I get a poke bowl...and I get ALL THE TOPPINGS! Just like a salad, poke bowls are so versatile. You can create so many fun flavor combinations all by the toppings you choose. And for this recipe, it’s the same way! 

So even though I have preferred toppings that were used for this specific meal, feel free to change them out to your liking. 

But for this recipe, I give you my classic, go-to way of creating a poke bowl that can also be transformed into a stack (if you want to be fancy!) 

Ahi tuna is my favorite protein so I created a marinade that is full of Asian flavors, a sauce that is sweet but spicy, and toppings that pair really well with those flavors. 

Since we are searing the tuna, this recipe is great as a meal prep. So if you want to make 4 servings and divide it amongst you and someone else for the next 2 days then you can. It’s also great as a light and refreshing dinner or for a crowd as people can top their bowl or stack however they would like! 

To see how I turn this into a stack version, check out our IG reel here! 

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A post shared by Candace | From the Roots (@fromtherootsblog)

So stop paying $10-$15 for a poke bowl and make it yourself! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Ahi Poke Bowl + Stack - 2 fun versions that you can make for a lunch meal prep, refreshing light dinner, or for a crowd! 

Ingredients

Chili mango sauce

• 1 whole mango (chunks)

• ½ juice of 1 lime + zest

• 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce

Ahi Tuna marinade

• 2 ahi tuna steaks (4-6 oz 1.5” thick each)

• ¼ cup water

• 2 Tbsp white miso paste

• 2 Tbsp low-sodium GF tamari 

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1 knob fresh garlic (minced)

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp chili oil

• ½ juice of 1 lime + zest

Bowl/Stack components (makes 4 servings)

• 1-2 cups sprouted brown rice 

• 2 cups edamame

• Seared ahi tuna steaks

• And top with your favorite poke bowl garnishes like mango chili sauce, English cucumbers, shaved carrots, jalapeno slices, nori sheets, green onion, pickled ginger, avocado slices, and microgreens

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade by combining all ingredients in a shallow bowl or Ziploc bag and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 

2. While your steaks are marinating, prepare the chili mango sauce by simply adding all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Prepare the rest of the ingredients by steaming your rice and chopping veggies. 

4. Sear tuna steaks either on the grill or in a skillet on medium-high heat (4-6 minutes per side). 

5. To make ahi poke stack version: You can use a 4” springform pan or use a greased 1 cup to create your stack mold. Layer starting with brown rice first and ahi tuna at the end if using a springform pan or the opposite sequence if using a measuring cup. 

6. To make ahi poke bowl version: Add all components and garnishes in a bowl and serve! 

7. Divide all ingredients into ¼ in order to make 4 servings! 

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto - The perfect go-to side dish to make for dinner or as a carb source for your weekly lunch meal prep.

I have been making smashed potatoes for years! Why? Because they are just so simple to make! 

Quick little breakdown on how to prepare these bad boys: 

• Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. 

• Make a creamy garlicky pesto that takes less than 5 minutes to make.

• Smash those bad boys with a glass cup, palm of your hand, or a saucepan.

• Drizzle with oil and roast until golden brown and crispy. 

• Spoon that delicious sauce over the potatoes and serve!

Lately, I have been digging planked salmon so for dinner this week, I paired smashed potatoes with planked salmon and a paleo caesar salad using Primal Kitchen Caesar Dressing and added fun uncured bacon bits from Epic. This would also pair well with baked hot chicken, pecan crusted spiced salmon and turkey meatballs. 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto - The perfect go-to side dish to make for dinner or as a carb source for your weekly lunch meal prep.

Ingredients

Smashed Potatoes

• 1 lb (16 oz) baby potatoes

• 1-2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil

• Sea salt & black pepper

Garlic Pesto

• 2 cups packed fresh organic basil

• ¼ cup nutritional yeast

• 5-8 raw almonds

• 3 large cloves garlic (peeled)

• ⅓ cup olive or avocado oil (oil-free version - water or veggie stock)

• Healthy pinch each sea salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Add rinsed potatoes to a large pot with water until potatoes are fully submerged. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes. A knife should be able to slide in and out easily. 

2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. 

3. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the pesto mixture by adding almonds and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add basil, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and turn the setting on low. As the processor is on low, pour the oil through the feed tube gradually. Scrape down the sides and add more if necessary to achieve the desired sauce consistency. (Oil-free version* add water or veggie stock gradually until desired consistency)

4. Taste and adjust taste if necessary, adding more nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, salt for overall flavor, garlic for that “bite” or almonds for a nuttier flavor. Transfer to a small serving dish and set aside. 

5. When the potatoes are soft and tender, place on the baking sheet and smash them down with the bottom of a saucepan, glass cup, or the palm of your hand. For any larger potatoes, cut in half and then smash. 

6. Drizzle smashed potatoes with oil and generously season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. 

7. Spoon the pesto mixture over the potatoes and garnish with additional oil, salt and pepper if desired.

Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Potato Salad

Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Potato Salad - A healthier, less oily, and processed take on salmon patties! Patties are gluten/dairy-free and paleo and the potato salad is dairy-free - a 30-minute quick dinner meal or meal prep recipe! 

Growing up as a kid, salmon patties were my jam! I loved them so much, my mother would make salmon patties, mashed potatoes, and peas as my birthday dinner meal. There just wasn’t anything that could top that meal, haha! 

So in honor of my childhood favorite food, I present to you healthier, less oily, and processed salmon patties! These patties are gluten and dairy-free, paleo, and use clean ingredients that can be made in less than 30 minutes. 
To turn this into meal prep or a full dinner recipe, I have added a simple lemon dill potato salad (dairy-free) and grilled asparagus. Just simply divide all ingredients into 3-4 servings and it’s great to store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

To make this a quick and easy meal prep, I use canned wild salmon, specifically Wild Planet. You can also use leftover salmon if you have it as well. The ingredients are pretty simple and most likely, you will have everything in your pantry or fridge. 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Potato Salad - A healthier, less oily, and processed take on salmon patties! Patties are gluten/dairy-free and paleo and the potato salad is dairy-free - a 30-minute quick dinner meal or meal prep recipe! 

Ingredients

For the Salmon Patties

• 2-(6 oz) cans wild pink salmon (drained)

• 1 egg (beaten)

• ½ red onion (finely diced)

• ½ red bell pepper (finely diced)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 Tbsp mayo

• 2 Tbsp fresh dill

• ½ lemon (juice)

• 1 Tbsp avocado oil + more for pan-frying

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp S&P

For the lemon dill potato salad

• 1 bag (24 oz) unpeeled golden or tri-color baby potatoes

• 2 Tbsp mayo

• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 Tbsp fresh dill

• 1 tsp avocado oil

• ½ lemon (juice)

• S&P to taste

Side

• Asparagus (bunch)

Directions

To make the salmon patties:

1. Add one Tbsp avocado oil to a medium pan and saute the onion, garlic, and red pepper for 6-8 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. To a large mixing bowl, add the cooled onion mixture along with salmon, egg, mayo, dill, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings. Combine all ingredients with your hands until well mixed. 

3. Form the salmon mixture into small patties with your hands and place them to the side (make about 6 patties).

4.  Heat 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil in a large pan on medium heat and cook the salmon patties for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the salmon patties to a paper towel-lined plate. 

To make the potato salad:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, approx 10 minutes. 

2. Drain and let cool.

3. While the potatoes are boiling, combine the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. 

4. Once the potatoes are done and are cooled, cut the potatoes into 2-4 pieces and mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients until all the potatoes are fully coated in the mixture. 

5. Serve with additional salt and pepper to taste along with fresh dill and lemon zest. Serve room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. To turn this into a meal/meal prep, simply add grilled asparagus as the other side. Divide patties, potato salad, and asparagus into 3-4 servings, and enjoy!  

Notes

• I use the following brands for tuna - Wild Planet, mayonnaise - Primal Kitchen

• To make the salmon patties in the oven rather than pan-frying: line a baking sheet or spray avocado oil spray on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes on each side.

• If you would like to make a dipping sauce, simply mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, juice, and zest of half lemon and S&P together until combined and serve!

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef Bulgogi Bowls - A simple and nutritious low carb/high protein lunch meal prep! 

Originally, I created this recipe for Emily Schromm’s April edition of Empress but since most of my followers want more meal prep recipes, you are getting this recipe, too! 

If you are wanting something quick and easy to make on your #sundaymealprep days, then look no further! For this recipe, you are simply creating a marinade with ingredients that most would have in their pantry and allow your protein to marinate as you assemble the add-ins for your bowl!

If you notice in the add-in ingredients, there is hardly any prep to this meal! For example, I like to use pre-washed organic spinach, this brand kimchi, and frozen cauliflower rice! That’s pretty much it!

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Beef Bulgogi Bowls - A simple and nutritious low carb/high protein lunch meal prep! 

Ingredients

Marinade

• 1.5 lb flank steak (can sub skirt or sirloin steak)

• ½ pear 

• ¼ cup coconut aminos

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger knob

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seed oil

• 1 tsp liquid smoke

Add-ins

• 2 heaping cups spinach

• 1 cup carrots (chopped)

For assembling the bowls

• 3 cups cauliflower rice

• 1 cup kimchi

• 4 fried free-range eggs

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. In a blender or processor, add the pear, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, oil, and liquid smoke. Add blended ingredients to a large bowl. *If you do not have a blender, finely chop pear, garlic, and ginger and whisk all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. 

2. Add the sliced beef to the bowl with the marinade and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate the beef for a minimum of two hours and up to overnight.

3. When you are ready to cook the steak, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef strips and chopped carrots into the skillet. Pour in any remaining marinade also. Cook the beef and carrots, stirring occasionally until all of the marinade juices thicken and begin to caramelize. The beef will be coated with the sauce and will absorb all of the sauce flavors. 

4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or once the sauce has cooked down enough so it is just coating the meat pieces and the carrots are soft. For the last five minutes, add the spinach.

5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice among four serving bowls and top it with the beef bulgogi. Top each bowl with a fried egg (optional), a portion of kimchi, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. 

Notes

• If you are strictly paleo, you can sub out the sesame seed oil for avocado oil. 

• This recipe is great for meal prep - if you are wanting to add an egg to your meal, simply fry an egg in the morning or boil an egg beforehand for an easier way to pack your lunch!

Tropical Papaya Chia Pudding

Tropical Papaya Chia Pudding - A simple and nutritious breakfast escape! Meal prep, blood sugar stabilizer, and healthy fat friendly!

During the summertime, I want to eat all the tropical fruits - mango, dragon fruit, coconut, guava, pineapple, you name it!

But one of my favorite tropical fruits that I can’t seem to get enough of these days are papayas! Now, I have noticed that people don’t typically put papaya in their grocery cart. They either have no clue what to do with them or they don’t want to buy a large semi-expensive fruit and worry if they will like the taste or not. Well, I am here to give you the low down on this sweet tropical “nectar of the gods” fruit while providing my favorite go-to breakfast recipe!

Before I unpack the nutritional value, papaya - when eating ripe, is sweet and has a flavor comparable to a melon. If you pick unripe papaya, you may have little to no flavor at all. 

Tip: Papaya is fully ripe when it is bright yellow so look for papayas that are mostly yellow and a little green to fully ripen at home from the grocery store! Also look for firm, smooth skin, and heavy for their size. 

Now that you know how to pick ripe papayas, here are the nutrition facts:

• Immune system booster as it contains an absorbent amount of vitamin C.

• When eating a balanced amount, papaya has a hypoglycemic effect on the body which decreases blood glucose levels. 

• Plays a major role in fighting inflammation as it contains the enzyme, papain, which is a group of proteins that help regulate inflammation. 

• Bloating or constipation issues? The high fiber and water content help to improve digestion by reducing bloating and easing constipation while encouraging regular bowel activity. 

So now that we have established that papayas are pretty amazing, let’s dive into my go-to breakfast recipe - chia pudding! Even though we know that papaya is a fruit, it still contains an adequate amount of natural sugar. So to make sure we are balancing our blood sugar for the morning, we are pairing this fruit with protein and healthy fats that come from the chia pudding mixture. You can use any chia pudding recipe as the base for this recipe, but I like to #levelup with canned coconut milk, vanilla extract, and fresh ginger! The ginger is my favorite part if you like a more Thai inspired dish but if you don’t, that’s okay! Keep it simple with just vanilla extract. 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Tropical Papaya Chia Pudding - A simple and nutritious breakfast escape! Meal prep, blood sugar stabilizer, and healthy fat friendly!

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp chia seeds

• ½ cup of canned coconut milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)

• ½ cup papayas (diced)

Garnish

Shredded coconut flakes, fresh lime, bee pollen, raspberries, honey

Directions 

1. Soak the chia seeds with minced ginger (optional), vanilla, and milk for at least an hour or overnight - stirring occasionally until a gel forms. You can make your chia seed pudding thicker or thinner by reducing/adding liquid. You can also use your favorite plant-based milk for this recipe as well! 

2. Pour the chia seed pudding into 2 serving glasses, top with diced papayas and top with the garnishes. 

3. Store in the fridge as a leftover, enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack! 

Notes

• Don’t have papaya? That’s okay! Use whatever tropical fruit that pairs well with ginger like mangoes, pineapple, kiwi. This recipe is very versatile and any fruit/topping combination will work as long as you have the chia pudding ratio right! 

• Need more protein? Add a scoop of collagen peptides to the mixture and add ¼ cup more milk to the mixture. You can also drizzle nut butter over chia pudding when ready to eat.