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Favorite Asian recipes to try at home

Skip the takeout and make these dishes at home! Explore our collection of easy, Asian-inspired dishes for lunch or dinner.

Peanut butter sesame noodles

Pickles and Tea
Garnish peanut butter sesame noodles with cucumber, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

By Patricia Tanumihardja, Pickels and Tea

Peanut butter sesame noodles
Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 servings for big appetites or 4 for normal ones

8 ounces soba or spaghetti (I like whole wheat but you don’t have to subject yourself to it if you don’t want to), cooked according to package directions
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
Thumb-size piece ginger (about 2-inches), grated or minced (peeling is optional)
1/2 cup peanut butter (preferably a brand that contains only peanuts, i.e. no added oil, sugar or salt)
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
Squirt or two of chili sauce like Sriracha or sambal oelek (optional)

Garnish
1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
2 green onions, chopped
4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

1. After rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water, leave them in a colander in the sink to drain. Stir to separate the strands.

2. Combine the garlic, ginger, peanut butter, brown sugar, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a blender. Blend until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

3. Put the drained noodles in a large bowl and pour half the peanut dressing over. Gently toss with tongs or chopsticks and keep adding the dressing until the noodles are evenly coated with just the right amount for your taste (toss any remaining dressing with greens).

4. Divide the noodles into four bowls and garnish with cucumber, green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds per bowl.

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