Sunday Rewind: Maggie Monday – Speed Dating in the Kitchen

Speed cooking. Like speed dating, but probably a lot better. I work full time at a university and have a 30 mile commute home each night. After kid pick up, I feel great if I get in the door by 6 pm. For one likes to cook, weeknight meals can be a challenge when we add in after school events, homework, and the time needed to plan, prepare, enjoy, then clean up after a meal. Ahhh. The pressure.

So, if your life is anything like mine, try these noodles. 17 minutes from pantry to table. Not kidding. I have the pics to prove it! These are not fancy or amazing, but are tasty and quick for those nights that you just need both of those things in your life.

Sesame Ginger Noodles

What you need:

12 oz spaghetti, soba or other asian noodles. I used soba.

2 T sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Sauce

4 whole scallions, finely chopped

¼ cup chopped cilantro

2 T minced ginger (can use ground ginger too)

2 cloves minced garlic

3 T sesame oil

1 t hot chili oil (more if you want a bigger kick)

4 T soy sauce

2 T rice wine vinegar

2 T honey

1 t black pepper

salt if you need it (soy sauce may preclude need for more salt)

What you do:

Prepare noodles as directed on package. Prepare sauce while waiting for water to boil. Let sauce sit while noodles cook so flavors can mingle a bit. Drain noodles, then toss to coat with sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. If you’d like, you can add thinly sliced julienned cucumbers, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Mmmmmm. Even the clean up is easy! Really in a hurry? Make the sauce the night before, but reserve the scallions and cilantro. You can probably shave the time down to 10-12 minutes!