All Photos © Christine Elise McCarthy 2019
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Click the image above to watch the video.
This is yet another easy one. It comes together in ten minutes & it is really flavorful.
I used jarred ginger & this chili oil below is available at Asian markets but also at most large supermarkets in the Asian food aisle. Fresh ginger is available in most stores, too, if you can’t find this very convenient jarred stuff. The real key here is the Thai basil as it packs a real flavor punch & tastes distinctly different from regular basil – but regular basil will do if it is all you have access to.
Spicy Thai Basil Noodles with Sesame and Garlic
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1 pound noodles (even spaghetti works)
2 TBS sesame oil
4 TBS ginger
8 garlic cloves – minced
4 TBS soy sauce or tamari
4 TBS balsamic vinegar
2 TBS agave nectar (or sugar)
1 TBS chili oil (or another TBS of sesame oil & 2 tsp crushed red pepper)
1 cup Thai basil – chopped
2 scallions – sliced
A handful of crushed nuts ( I used almonds – peanuts are more traditional) – optional
Vegetables are optional but I added 1 carrot cut into matchsticks & a dozen or so sugar snap peas. Other options: broccoli, red bell pepper, zucchini, edamame, bok choy, or any veggies you fancy.
DIRECTIONS
Heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat & saute the ginger & garlic for one minute. BEWARE OF SPLATTERING OIL! If you are using sesame oil & crushed red pepper rather than chili oil – add them to the pan, too. Stir & whisk in the soy sauce, balsamic, agave, and chili oil.
If using regular pasta – add the vegetables you are using in the final 1-3 minutes of the noodle cooking time – depending on the density of the veggies. Drain & toss with the sesame oil mixture.
You can let these sit for an hour & really soak up the flavors & serve at room temperature – or eat them warm. When you are ready to eat – toss in the basil & scallions & stir well. Add nuts & you are good to go!
