Article content
This recipe is a spin on a family favourite called Chinese spaghetti.
Article content
It evolved one evening when my family couldn’t decide between Italian or Chinese for dinner.
So, I used Italian spaghetti noodles and made a sauce with Asian ingredients. It was a hit.
My recipe has more of a Thai focus by using fish sauce, peanuts and even peanut butter. It’s such an easy dish to prepare and I love the versatility in the variety of vegetables you can use.
Article content
If you have leftovers, add a bit more sesame oil and enjoy it as a cold noodle salad.
Easy Asian Pasta
(Serves 6)
1 lb. (500 g) spaghettini (thin spaghetti)
1/4 c. (50 ml) smooth peanut butter
3 tbsp. (45 ml) soy sauce
2 tbsp. (25 ml) sesame oil
1 tbsp. (15 ml) brown sugar
*1 tbsp. (15 ml) fish sauce
juice of 1 large lime
1 large clove of garlic, finely minced
2 tsp. (10 ml) chili paste or 3/4 tsp. (4 ml) hot red pepper flakes
3 c. (750 ml) broccoli florets
1 large carrot, julienned
1 sweet red pepper cored and cut into thin strips
4 green onions sliced thin
1/3 c. (75 ml) chopped cilantro
1/2 c. chopped peanuts
lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt when boiling.
2. While the water is coming to a boil, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic and chili paste in a large shallow pasta bowl. Whisk to combine.
3. When the water has come to a boil, add the spaghettini. Cook, stirring occasionally.
4. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli and carrots to the pasta water and continue cooking, until the pasta is just tender (Reserve 1/2 c. (100 ml) of the pasta water) Toss in the red pepper strips for 30 seconds and drain all.
4. Add the pasta water to the bowl and whisk. Add the pasta and vegetables and toss well until all the sauce is absorbed.
5. Add the sliced green onions and cilantro, half of the peanuts and toss again.
6. Garnish with remaining peanuts and serve.
Note: If fish sauce is not to your liking, substitute with soy sauce.
Share this article in your social network
