Cold Sesame Noodles

This is the complete meal. I know you might not like salmon, but I still encourage you to try the Pan-Roasted Soy-Lacquered Salmon with these noodles. However, Kitten told me that although she hated fish, she would love to try these noodles with some sort of beef dish. Okay, honey, you go to town!

These really are the yummiest noodles. I will say, though, if you make these in the blender, put the liquids in beforehand and gradually add the peanut butter. My blender just couldn't cut it otherwise. If you have a food processor make it in that! Thanks to Tyler for the yummo side dish. If you are reheating, you can have these either hot or cold. I like them cold, Joey likes them hot.

I made the sauce the night before to save time. Tyler never makes a 30-Minute Meal, so cutting any corner is welcome!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red chili sauce (recommended: Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 2 scallions, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Directions

Cook the noodles in large pot of boiling salted water over medium heat until barely tender and still firm. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water until cool. Drain the noodles well and transfer to a wide bowl.

In a blender, add the ginger, garlic, sugar, peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce, sesame oil, and water.

Process until the mixture is smooth. Put the blender jar into the refrigerator and let it chill for about 1/2 hour. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss until well coated. Serve garnished with the scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.

Spicy Pickled Cucumbers

What an amazing accompaniment to the Soy-Lacquered Salmon! There is really nothing else these delicious cucumbers would go with. This reminds me of the tsukemono I used have in Japan, but this is a bit spicier. Okay, I actually over did the spicy part a bit the last time I made this. I couldn't find Thai Chiles so I got Serrano Chiles instead. Not totally bad, but if you don't like SPICY, not a good replacement. If you can't find the Thai Chiles I would go with a Jalapeño or one of those colored chilies they have at the market. My version was so spicy that even Joey could tell. (We will follow up soon with details regarding Joey's inability to taste or smell at the moment.)

This can totally be made the night before and actually it's better that way.

As always, thanks to Tyler Florence for a great dish. Love that man. Love his food!

Ingredients

  • 4 kirby cucumbers or 2 regular cucumbers, sliced thin
  • 2 fresh red Thai chiles, seeded and sliced thin
  • 1 handful fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let sit for at least 1 hour for the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Pan-Roasted Soy-Lacquered Salmon

I am so sorry that I haven't posted for awhile! I had a birthday, then came tax time - BUSY!!!!! Not to worry we are back and back with a bang!

Joey and I love salmon. Not only is it delicious, but it's so good for you. Tyler Florence is one of our favorite chef's of all time. This is from his show Food 911. This recipe goes along with Cold Sesame Noodles and Spicy Pickled Cucumber which will follow tomorrow and Monday.

I make this recipe just as stated. Make sure you have the time to marinate the meat. I usually do so for 2 hours. Also, you are going to need a skillet that can go into the oven. I have my handy cast-iron skillet for just this kind of thing. This is truly one of our favorite salmon recipes, so enjoy!!!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sake
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1 tablespoon light miso
  • 1 head garlic, halved
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled, halved, and smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
  • 4 (6 to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • Cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions

In a bowl large enough to accommodate the salmon, mix the sake, soy sauce, mirin, and miso until the miso has dissolved. Add the garlic, ginger, cilantro, and salmon fillets. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2
hours in the refrigerator.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the oil in an ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon skin side down. Put the pan into the oven and roast until the salmon is cooked medium-rare, about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Serves 4 - 6


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About Sean & Joey

Joey and I are just a couple of guys living in San Francisco. I love cooking and we both like trying new things. Planning our meals is one of our "together" things. I hope you enjoy our blog! - Sean

Dedication

This blog is dedicated to the two most important people in my life - my mom, Ernee Jean O'Brien, and my partner Joey Concepcion. They both have showered me with unconditional support and love and have always encouraged me to be myself. I will always miss my mom and I don't know what I would do without Joey.



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