Tacos are a traditional Mexican food that consists of a hard or soft-shell usually made from corn maize topped with a filling consisting of meat and vegetables.
The shell of the taco is then folded in half and eaten by hand.
Although tacos are incredibly mouthwatering and enjoyable, they aren’t suitable for those who can’t or choose not to eat grains.
The shells can be made with either corn or wheat which can cause allergic reactions in some.
In this article, we are going to show you how to make the perfect grain-free taco bowls that are super healthy.
What Are Grains?
Grains refer to a food group in which foods are made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or any other type of cereal grain.
Common food products that are made from these grains include popcorn, cereal, bread, and tortilla wraps.
Gain-Free Taco Bowls
For those that can’t eat grains or are just looking for a lighter meal, there are so many ways to replace grains with other delicious ingredients.
Adopting a grain-free diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on yummy meals.
Start With Meat Or Alternative Protein Source
All meals need to have a protein source, these help to bulk out the meal so we aren’t super hungry after and are essential for our health.
Protein helps us build muscle, repair muscles and bones, as well as provide us with energy.
Depending on your dietary preferences, this protein source could be meat such as chicken or beef. Why not try this shredded Mexican chicken recipe?
Vegetarians and vegans may choose a tofu or plant-based protein source instead.
No matter the protein source, it’s all about the flavors when making tacos. If you need some inspiration on how to flavor your tacos, then take a look at this seasoning recipe.
Fry the proteins and vegetables together with the seasoning to make the perfect filling.
Add Some Vegetables
Vegetables are a key component of a taco bowl, they provide nutrients and fiber which are key for immune function and digestion.
Typical vegetables in tacos include bell peppers and onions. Any vegetable you like can be added, but these are just a guideline.
Roasted sweet potatoes, eggplant rounds, or pan-fried broccoli are also good options to consider. Stir fry vegetables where possible to soak up the flavors of the oils from the pan and the taco seasoning.
Mix In Some Legumes
Black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and they can be found in many of their traditional dishes.
Not only can they be used to replace meat in a dish, but they are also packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants. So you can be assured they are super healthy.
When we don’t have grains in our food, it’s easy to feel unsatisfied with our meals. Adding beans to your taco bowls will help you feel fuller and more satiated.
For an authentic taste of Mexico, try a refried bean recipe in which the beans are smashed and seasoned.
Grain-Free Alternatives
If you can’t have grains in your taco bowl, that’s absolutely fine. We have a fantastic alternative that you might have heard of before, cauliflower rice. Yes, you can turn the humble cauliflower into rice!
This rice alternative can be found in well-stocked grocery stores, but it’s also handy to know how to make your own. You’ll only need the head of a cauliflower and some reasoning to recreate this side.
Lightly cook processed cauliflower in seasoning to take away the bite.
If cauliflower isn’t really your thing, there are a number of other rice alternatives on the market. Broccoli can also be used to make a ‘rice’ alternative, both of these are low-carb and a great source of nutrients.
Depending on your reasoning for not consuming grains, quinoa might be a welcome alternative to extra vegetables.
Although often thought of as a grain, quinoa is technically a seed. Most grain-free diets will permit small amounts of quinoa.
Considered a superfood, quinoa has an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties and is high in fiber and protein which makes it so good for you.
Pick A Saucy Side
Every meal needs some kind of sauce, paste, jus, or topping to pull it together. The extra texture and creaminess also perfectly compliments a lot of foods.
There are so many options when it comes to the sauce, it can be difficult to choose.
The sauces that will best compliment the meal are things like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
It’s easy to whip these up fresh whilst you’re waiting for your other ingredients to cook but store-bought is great for saving time.
Garnish The Bowl
Adding a garnish to a dish isn’t essential but it can help to finish it off and pack a little something extra into your meal. For a taco bowl, fresh cilantro is a great garnish to use but it’s not for everyone.
Assembling The Taco Bowl
If you like to eat with your eyes or you’re impressing company, then we suggest assembling your taco bowl in a certain way to make it look visually appealing.
Rather than just chuck spoonfuls onto plates, try making sure similar colors and textures aren’t touching each other.
When we have a ‘rainbow plate’ or a plate that has every major color on it, we are more inclined to eat it. This is also a great way of telling that a meal is healthy.
Place the rice and the shredded chicken or protein opposite each other and fill in the gaps with vegetables and sauces. Sprinkle some cilantro on top and serve with a lemon wedge to finish it all off.
The Bottom Line
Taco bowls are full of flavor and nutrients, they are the perfect lunch or dinner time treat for any day of the week.
Making these grain-free dishes is super easy and you won’t even realize that they are missing! Taco bowl Tuesdays sound like a great new tradition.
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