Perfect (Asian) Side Dish

When I plan an Asian inspired meal, sometimes the main dish is just the beginning. I want sides that match the "star" of the meal in deliciousness, bite for bite. And sometimes, that is a challenge in itself. Not because I can't find anything to make, but because I find myself making the same things over and over because we enjoy them so much. So when can take something I know we love, like noodles, and switch them up a little bit with a new recipe, I am almost insured a success.

I have never had Thai food, but I've been wanting to try it for quite some time now. And one of the things I hear about over and over in Thai cuisine are "peanut noodles." But usual, those two words are preceded by another which doesn't go well into my vocabulary....spicy. I've shared with you before how Mr. Everyday loves spicy food. In fact the hotter, the better. And yes, Little Everyday definitely inherited the "hot" gene from his Daddy. Which is funny because Adam inherited it from his grandpa, so I guess the tradition lives on. But mama just can't handle it...at all!

So you can understand how excited I was when I found a peanut noodle recipe that in no way included the word spicy, or after looking at the ingredient list, anything that could even be considered spicy! This recipe couldn't be easier. We're talking boiling water, stirring pasta, making a quick sauce and wah-lah...a side dish is born.

If your family loves Asian food, I know they will adore these noodles. Such great flavor, and the perfect compliment to any Asian inspired meal!

Easy Peanut Noodles Adapted from Food Network
12 oz. linguine, cooked and drained
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
2 TBS rice vinegar
3 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS vegetable oil
1 TBS honey
1 TBS grated fresh ginger
4 green onions, chopped on a diagonal, a few left for garnish

While pasta is cooking, add peanut butter to medium glass bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds until soft. Whisk in vinegar, soy, oil, honey and ginger. Mix until well combined. Before draining pasta, add 2 TBS starchy cooking water to peanut sauce. (It should be thick but pourable) Stir well. Add noodles to a large bowl. Add green onions. Pour sauce over. Combine well, coating all noodles with sauce. Garnish with green onions. Serve warm, room temp or cold!
*NOTE* When measuring ingredients, use the same TBS for the oil, and then the honey, it will slide right out!

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Asian at Very Good Recipes
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