AnchorMommy

Easy Asian Pasta

June 9, 2009 by Shannon

This is healthy and full of flavor. If the kids balk at the idea of Asian food, let 'em in on your secret: the noodles are actually spaghetti! Mmm.

Need a quick and easy meal to feed the family? This recipe uses a traditional time saver — spaghetti noodles — but gives ‘em a whole new kick.

This recipe is always a hit in my house, since the kiddo and I are vegetarian, and my husband is a big fan of Asian food. While this is no traditional Asian dish, the flavors will fool you! Plus, you can load it up with veggies, and it’s a great way to clean out the crisper drawer in the fridge. The sauce is made up of stuff you most likely already have in your pantry, and it whips up in a flash. Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you! 

For a little extra flair, serve it in a cabbage leaf. You can also add a side of easy-to-cook edamame beans. The edamame in the picture are dressed with a store-bought ginger and garlic teriyaki sauce. Fast, simple and satisfying.

Easy Asian Pasta

• 8 oz. package spaghetti noodles (I use whole wheat to recreate the look and taste of soba noodles)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped green onions or 1 medium onion, diced
• Your choice of veggies (colored peppers, celery, zucchini, matchstick carrots, peapods, broccoli)
• 1 12 oz. package of extra firm tofu
• 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce and/or tamari
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1. Set a large pot of water on high and bring to a boil. 
2. Chop up veggies while water is heating.
3. When water is boiling, add spaghetti noodles and cook as directed.
4. Heat canola oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Saute garlic for one minute.
5. Add veggies (if using green onions, save this for the last minutes of cooking) and saute for 5-7 minutes.
6. Mix soy sauce and/or tamari, sesame oil, honey, rice wine vinegar and ginger with a whisk. 
7. Add tofu and sauce to veggie skillet. Cover with lid and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Drain spaghetti noodles and mix with veggies and sauce.
9. Serve pasta in a cabbage leaf (optional) and top with sesame seeds.

As written, this is a healthy and delicious dish. For those of you with a penchant for a little heat, add an extra dash of Sriracha sauce. My husband does just that to satisfy his craving for a little extra kick, and the kiddo and I appreciate that we don’t have to burn our own tongues off for his sake. Ahh, thank you Easy Asian Pasta. Peaceful harmony at the dinner table.