Ginger is a plant with yellowish-green flowers and leafy stems, primarily grown in warmer parts of China, Japan, and India. It is being produced more and more in the Middle East for medicinal purposes. Ginger is used fresh, powdered, dried, or as an oil or juice.
Most of us know of ginger as a spice; the ginger spice comes from the plant’s roots. You may have heard it called ginger root, or simply ginger. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. In foods and beverages, ginger is used for flavoring. The distinctive fragrance and flavor of the root come from its natural oils, often used as a fragrance for soaps and cosmetics.
Ginger is commonly used for various stomach problems, including morning sickness, motion and seasickness, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colic, vertigo and nausea. One of the chemicals in ginger is used as an ingredient in antacid, laxative and anti-gas medications.
Because ginger contains chemicals that may reduce inflammation, it is not hard to believe that it effectively reduces muscle pain and exercise-induced muscle soreness. Studies show that taking ginger by mouth works as well for pain in hip and knee osteoarthritis as drugs such as ibuprofen. Some research also shows that applying ginger gel or oil to the knee can relieve osteoarthritis pain.
One last note on ginger’s many benefits – some people pour the fresh juice on their skin to treat burns or apply the ginger extract to the skin to prevent insect bites.
The next time you see that crazy-looking root in your local grocery store, take note! Ginger is not just for cooking anymore. Reap the anti-inflammatory benefits as well!
Some of our customer favorites from our anti-inflammatory meal delivery service, Feed Your Vitality included ginger. Try these recipes and see for yourself how delicious ginger can be!
Gingered Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 ⅓ lbs broccoli
- ½ lb carrots sliced
- ¼ lb onion medium dice
- ¼ lb celery diced
- 2 Tbsp ginger finely minced
- 1 tsp garlic finely minced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos coconut aminos or tamari soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp arrowroot
- 2 green onions 1/2” cut, root removed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a cast-iron skillet, season flank steak with your favorite seasoning and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. Place skillet in the oven and allow steak to cook through to desired doneness.
- Place broccoli and carrots in a steamer basket and steam 5-7 minutes or until cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and drain liquid.
- Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat olive oil with ginger and garlic. Add onion and celery and sauté until onions are translucent. Switch heat to simmer and add remaining ingredients (except green onions) to the medium skillet, until well combined and heated through.
- Slice flank steak into strips or bite-size pieces.
- Pour ingredients from medium skillet over broccoli and carrots and mix to combine. Divide to 4 plates and top with flank steak. Garnish with green onion.
Ginger Turkey Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 ¼ lbs turkey breast
- ¼ lb red cabbage shredded
- 1 ¼ lbs napa cabbage chop bite-size
- ¼ lb carrots shredded
- 24 cucumber slices
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
Ginger Dressing
- 2 Tbsp finely minced yellow onion
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp finely minced ginger
- 2 stalks celery finely minced
- 2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos coconut aminos or tamari soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½ Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
Salad
- Bake turkey breast with your favorite spices. Allow to cool and cut into cubes (or use leftover turkey or chicken).
- Mix red and napa cabbage with olive oil and rice vinegar until cabbage is coated.
- To plate, divide cabbage among 4 plates. Top each salad with 2 oz carrots, 6 cucumber slices and 4 cherry tomatoes.
Ginger Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until wellblended.
- Serve 4 oz of dressing with each salad.
Sesame Ginger Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos coconut aminos or tamari soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½" piece ginger peeled and grated
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- ¼ cup sesame seeds toasted
- 6 green onions thinly sliced
- Red pepper or chili flakes to taste, if you like a kick
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, Liquid Aminos, honey, ginger and garlic until well combined. Add the sesame seeds.
- When chicken wings are ready, transfer them to the large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with the sliced green onion and serve immediately.
Do you need a recipe for the chicken wings? Try this easy anti-inflammatory recipe!
Sesame Ginger Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 20 wing sections or 2 lbs chicken wings tips removed, drummies and flats separated
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Sprinkle with seasonings.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F for 20 minutes. Cook until golden and crispy, turning halfway through cooking time.
- Top with Sesame Ginger Sauce (see recipe) or your favorite wing sauce.
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