Warm Tamarind Chicken Bowl with Turmeric Rice, Roasted Cauliflower, and Cucumber Sesame Cream
An original, balanced lunch bowl featuring chicken glazed with mild tamarind, aromatic turmeric rice, roasted cauliflower, and a fresh cucumber sesame cream. Each bite balances tangy, toasty, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- 600 g diced chicken breast (skinless)
- 200 g jasmine rice (enjuagado)
- 500 g cauliflower florets (cut en trozos medium)
- 200 g cucumber (grated and escurrido lightly)
- 240 g plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
- 45 g tamarind paste (without semillas)
- 30 ml honey (for the glaseado)
- 30 ml soy sauce (baja en sodio if preferred)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 10 ml sesame oil (for the cream)
- 18 g sesame seeds (tostadas, for terminar)
- 12 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 10 g fresh ginger (grated)
- 4 g ground turmeric (for the arroz)
- 2 g ground cumin (for the coliflor)
- 2 g sweet paprika (for the coliflor)
- 480 ml water (for cocer the arroz)
- 30 g scallion (sliced finas)
- 1 unit lemon (zest and 2 tbsp of juice divided)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. On a sheet pan, toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.
- 2
Meanwhile, place the chicken in a bowl and mix it with the tamarind paste, honey, soy sauce, ginger, half of the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest.
- 3
For the rice, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the jasmine rice and turmeric for 1 minute, then add the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Let rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- 4
Make the cream by mixing the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, sesame oil, lemon zest, scallion, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Keep chilled until serving.
- 5
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken with its marinade and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze turns shiny and slightly thickened. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 74°C / 165°F.
- 6
Divide the turmeric rice among 4 bowls. Top with the roasted cauliflower and tamarind chicken. Finish with spoonfuls of cucumber cream, the remaining sesame seeds, and extra scallion if desired. Serve warm.
- 7
If you prefer a looser texture, add 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water to the rice before serving and mix gently.
Chef tips
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen their flavor. Lightly squeeze the cucumber so the cream stays thick and not watery.
Substitutions
You can substitute jasmine rice with basmati rice. Chicken breast can be replaced with boneless chicken thighs, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time. If you do not have honey, use the same amount of maple syrup, though the flavor will be less floral.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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