Sriracha Fried Rice

Sriracha Fried Rice by Chef Charles Chen

Every now and then we have a bunch of left overs from the day before. Don't toss away the ingredients! This is the perfect time to make some fried rice! Left over rice is the perfect consistency for YUMMY fried rice. Here is my Sriracha fried rice left over from the night before. Hope you ENJOY, feel free to swap any ingredients below. I used what I had available.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 3 Cups of Left Over Rice ( Brown or Regular)
• 3/4 Cup of Mushrooms 
• 3/4 Cup of Asparagus 
• 3/4 Cup of Shredded Cabbage
• 2 Tablespoon of Kimchi (Korean Fermented Vegetables)
• Handful of Mung Bean Sprouts 
• 1 Shallot (Diced)
• 3/4 Cup of Tofu
• 1 Garlic Clove (Diced)
• 1/2 Bell Pepper (Chopped)
• 1 Tsp of Black Garlic Sauce 
• 1 Tsp of Fried Shallots & Black Sesame Seeds to Top
• 1 Tsp of Coconut Oil  
• 1 Tbsp of Rice Vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Stir Fry Onions and Garlic, add in veggies, and rice! Top with Shallots & Garlic ENJOY!

Spirulina Smoothie

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, this blue-green microalgae is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet's atmosphere that billions of years ago allowed the planet's originating life forms to develop. Spirulina has between 55 and 70% protein (more than beef, chicken, and soybeans), 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids, as well as high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beta-carotene, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, a pigment-protein complex that is found only in blue-green algae. 

Western diets lack sea minerals, it is important to supplement on sea vegetables as they contain essential minerals not found in everyday food, plus a great source of iodine to support our thyroid health. Some benefits of Spirulina include Vitamin K, Vitamin A, B-12, Iron, Manganese, Supports Immune Health, Brain Health, and Supports Cell Health. Here is my Energizing Spirulina Smoothie! 

MORNING GREEN DETOX SMOOTHIE

• 3 Cups of Vanilla Almond Milk (Sweetend)
• 1 Ripe Banana
• 3/4 Cup of Organic Frozen Pineapple
• 1 Tsp of Chia Seeds
• 1 Tsp of Nutrex Spirulina Powder
• Handful of Pre-Washed Spinach

Japanese Soba Noodles

I LOVE a good plate of soba noodles! If you have never heard of Soba noodles, they derive from Japanese cuisine. Soba are buckwheat noodles and a Japanese staple that can be served both hot or cold. I love to add a bunch of veggies with mine, it's a perfect light spring entree that will hit the spot, and provide lots of nutrition as well. TRY THIS RECIPE OUT!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz buckwheat noodles
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of edamame
• handful of cilantro (optional)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, sliced

DRESSING:

• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon honey or coconut nectar (optional)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
• ¼ cup grape seed oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil the buckwheat noodles according to package directions, for about 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Prepare the dressing while the noodles are cooking. In small bowl whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and sugar until sugar is melted. Slowly whisk in the  oil and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, toss all the vegetables until it's all combined together. Then add the buckwheat noodles and salad dressing and toss together.

Simple Morning Smoothie

A Simple Healthy SMOOTHIE to get your WEEK started! Had the pleasure of sharing my TRANSFORMATION and recipe on Healthy Lifestyle with Eraldo! Too much FUN :) The Smoothie DANCE Revolution BEGINS! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Vanilla Almond Milk (Unsweetened)
• Handful of Kale
• Handful of Fresh Berries
• 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds
• 1/2 Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS: BLEND & GLOW!

Spring Seaweed Salad

I LOVE Seaweed! Many people are afraid to add this into their diet, but If you want to speed up your metabolism, have thicker beautiful hair, skin and get your omegas try some delicious seaweed. In eastern culture we have been eating seaweed for thousands of years, and have reaped so many nutritional benefits. Try my simple & delicious spring seaweed salad and let me know what you think! :)
 

INGREDIENTS:
( 2-3 Servings)
1 (6 oz.) package seaweed mix
1 green onion chopped
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar or ponzu sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp of your favorite sweetener (optional) honey, or coconut nectar
½ tsp red chili flakes
gluten free soy sauce
 

INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse the seaweed and if you have time, let it soak for a while. Soaking is obviously a must if you’re using dried seaweed. They need to be rehydrated before you can make a salad.  Mix wet ingredients & best served chilled

Quinoa Crusted Tilapia Tacos

Everyone knows I love my mexican food, there's nothing like a great fish TACO! Here is my yummy quinoa crusted tilapia tacos SO FREAKING AMAZE!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tilapia fillets - cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup ground flaxmeal / flaxseeds
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• Salt and pepper to taste

MANGO SALSA

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/3 cup diced mango
• 1/3 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1 diced shallot
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Serves 3.

DIRECTIONS:

1. First, dip your tilapia fillet (both sides) in the ground flaxmeal. Next, dip it quickly into the whisked eggs, and then into the cooked quinoa. Make sure the quinoa is room temperature. Press the quinoa into the tilapia to make sure it sticks. 
2. Heat your coconut oil on the stove, and once it's hot and liquidy, add the tilapia to the pan at medium-high heat. You should get a nice sizzle when you start cooking it. 
3. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You'll know when to flip the tilapia when the quinoa looks browned and crispy. 
4. Since all fillets vary in size, you can cut into the center of the tilapia to see if it is ready; it should be nice and flaky inside. 
5. Add salt and pepper to each side of fillets. Remove from pan and add your mango-avocado salsa right on top.

Easter Dipped Strawberries

HAPPY EASY SUNDAY Foodies! Today is all about CELEBRATION, FAMILY, FRIENDS, and GOOD VIBES! Here is a perfect dessert snack to share with your friends & family. Here are my Beet & Matcha Dipped Almond Coconut Strawberries. ENJOY

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup of Almond Butter or Cashew Butter
• 3 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil (Melted)
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tsp of Lemon Extract
• 1 Tablespoon of Beet Juice or Matcha Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup or Stevia
• Your Favorite Toppings ( I used Coconut, Cacao Nibs, Hemp Seeds)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix ingredients, dip strawberries, top with favorite topping, and keep refrigerated before serving.

Neocell Strawberry Wontons

These Strawberry Banana Basil Wontons are the perfect spring appetizer. Super easy to make, but they look super fancy, so all your friends think you are a master chef! Sharing is caring, ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS: 

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen powder
• 1 mashed ripe banana (Use Fork)
• 24 2-inch round wonton wrappers
• 1/4 cup crumbled high quality macadamia nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup basil leaves finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil a 24-cup mini muffin tin or coat with nonstick spray.
• In a large bowl, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar and mashed banana & collagen; set aside.
• Fit a wonton wrapper into each of the 24 muffin tins, pressing carefully to make sure there is an opening in the center.
• Place into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Fill each wonton with strawberry mixture. Sprinkle with macadamia nuts.
• Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.

I'm on Morning News!

Cooking with a BUSY schedule can sometimes be difficult. I share my secrets on healthy QUICK & simple meal options with American Heart Association & LA18 . As promised here's my Zucchini Pasta Recipe! For the full exclusive weight loss transformation interview See Below!

I had such a pleasure being on Halo Halo with Kat Iniba

American Heart Association

Cilantro Cream Zucchini Pasta

Cilantro Cream Zucchini Pasta by Charles Chen 

I love pasta, but not the carbs that come with it. I want to feel more energy after eating so this healthy switch is perfect! Zucchini pasta is a great way to get in more veggies and save on the extra calories, plus you get the added nutrition from the phytonutrients found in raw zucchini! 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Zucchini (Spiralized)
• 1 1/2 Cup of Almonds
• 2 Cups of Almond Milk (No Sugar Added)
• 1/2 Cup of Nutritional Yeast
• 3/4 Cut Cherry Tomatos 
• Bunch of Fresh Cut Basil 
• 1 Tablespoon of Hemp Seeds
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper 
• 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar 

INSTRUCTIONS: Spiralize Zucchini, Blend Sauce, Top with Hemp Seeds. ENJOY!

Dragonfruit Beauty Smoothie

Dragonfruit Smoothie by Chef Charles Chen 

If any of you know me well, one of my favorite fruits is Dragonfruit. Every time I travel back to Asia I stock up on these babies. Not only is the color so beautiful, they are pack filled with b vitamins. Here is one of my favorite dragronfruit smoothie recipes. ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Packet of Frozen Dragonfruit or 1/2 Fresh Dragonfruit
• 3/4 Cup Frozen Pineapples 
• 3/4 Cup Frozen Strawberries
• 1/2 of Lemon Juice 
• 1 Tablespoon of Organic Chia Seeds
• 2 Tablespoon of Organic Goji Berries
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder

INSTRUCTIONS: BLEND & GLOW!

Heart Healthy Salad

Avocado Cucumber Salad by Chef Charles Chen 

Want something refreshing and absolutely delicious. I've got just the thing! This is my HEART healthy recipe shared recently on LA 18 Local News in collaboration with American Heart Association.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup Chopped Cucumbers
• 1/2 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup of Organic Non-GMO Corn
• Handful of Fresh Chopped Basil 
• Pinch of Sea Salt & Cayenne Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Grapeseed Oil 
• 1 Whole Avocado Diced 

INSTRUCTIONS:

MIX & ENJOY!

Matcha Energy Truffles

Matcha Truffles by Charles Chen

My favorite time is dessert time! Some people feel like you can't have your cake and eat it too, I'm going to show you how! These are my yummy peanut butter matcha energy truffles!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Tbspoon of Peanut Butter
• 1 Cup of Almond Flour
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder

Matcha Dip

• 1/2 Cup of Melted Coconut Oil
• 3 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder 
• 2 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup or Coconut Nectar
• 1 Tablespoon of Cashew Butter

INSTRUCTIONS:  

Mix peanut butter and almond flour, form bite size balls. Mix matcha dip with melted coconut oil. Dip balls into matcha dip and freeze for 5 min. Top with your favorite toppings. ENJOY!

Collagen Mac & Cheese

Who doesn't LOVE Mac & Cheese?  Here is my HEALTHY switch! Made with Cashew Cheese and Gluten Free! So tasty #NomNom

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Cashews
• 4 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 Cup Almond Milk 
• 1 Tablespoon of Butternut Squash Puree
• Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt 
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Gluten Free Soy Sauce
• 1/2 Lemon Juice
• Brown Rice Pasta
• Chili Flakes (Optional)

Instructions: 

Blend Sauce, Cook and Strain Pasta, Mix Sauce Into Pasta. Top with Panko and Hemp Seeds (Optional) Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and serve.

Neocell Collagen
http://Neocell.com

Strawberry Collagen Smoothie!

Superfood Smoothie By Charles Chen

It's Nutrition Month! WOhooo I have teamed up with American Heart Association to share some of my favorite healthy YUMMY recipes. Here's a great way to start your mornings with pack full of nutrition. This is my Strawberry Neocell Collagen Smoothie! Benefits include lots of energy, healthy skin, and heart health! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Coconut Water
• 1 Cup of Mixed Berries ( Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry)
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell's Super Collagen Powder
• Handful of Goji Berries
• 1 Banana 
• 1/2 of Apple 
• 1/2 Lemon Juice 
• 1 Tsp of Chia Seeds

INSTRUCTIONS: 

BLEND & GLOW!

Blueberry Almond Chia Blaster

Blueberry Chia Smoothie by Charles Chen

Here's a NEW yummy way to start your mornings! I always say start your day with something to be proud of, by eating or drinking something healthy first thing in the morning we set our palettes up for success. Meaning our bodies will crave what we repeatedly put into our mouths, so if we put good in, you will keep craving whole foods nutrition. Try this baby out, I promise it's super nourishing plus scrumptious! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Almond Milk
• 1/2 Cup of Blueberries
• 2 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon of Almond Butter (Optional)
• 1 Banana
• 1 Tablespoon of Flax Seeds
• Pinch of Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: 

BLEND & ENJOY!

Coconut Bacon Bites!

Coconut Bacon by Charles Chen

Who doesn't LOVE Bacon! But it's super high in sodium and saturated fats! Not a problem, I found a HEALTHY SWITCH! Omg WARNING these can be super addicting, but at least they are way healthier. These Coconut Bacon a great to top off salads, and make a healthy snack. (KIDS love em' too!)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons Braggs Liquid Amino’s or gluten free soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups large flaked coconut 
• Pinch of pink himalayan sea salt 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl add coconut flakes, drizzle the wet mixture over top and gently toss making sure to coat each flake well, about 45 seconds or so.

Scoop seasoned coconut flakes and place onto a lightly greased, or parchment paper lined, cookie sheet/s.

Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove when coconut has a nice browned and caramelized color. Let cool, it will get crispy as it cools.

Charcoal Lemonade

Charcoal Lemonade by Charles Chen

If you have never tried Activated Charcoal you are in for a treat! This will help you detoxify and get rid all impurities in your body! Taste delicious too, don't let the color fool you! Next level stuff here. My friend recently had food poisoning, this recipe worked like a charm if you ever have any stomach issues. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 16oz Water
• 1 Organic Lemon Juice
• 1-2 Capsule of Activated Charcoal
• 1-2 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix, Drink, Share!

Chili Orange Chocolate Mangos

Chili Orange Chocolate Mangos

Perfect for valentines day! These will make your loved ones go crazy for you! Not to mention these are super aphrodisiac snacks that will help keep the blood following. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup of Melted Coconut Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Raw Cacao Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Stevia or Coconut Nectar
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Bean Extract or Vanilla Bean Powder
• Dried Organic Mangos
• Toppings: Goji Berries, Orange Zest, Cayenne Pepper 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix wet ingredients, dip mangos, and top. Freeze in freezer then bring out to set and SHARE!

Top Favorite Healthy Snacks

These are my absolute TOP Favorite Healthy Snacks! Great especially when traveling or if you have a busy schedule. I believe if you always PLAN ahead, you will be able to stay eating HEALTHY anytime! 10% OFF EVERYTHING use Discount Code: "charles" Code will End of Today Don't Miss Out! ENJOY

 http://tinyurl.com/HealthySuperfoodSnacks