I was thrilled at the chance to participate in this month’s 24×24 with Foodbuzz—particularly since the theme was focused on budget friendly meals. And not only did our meal need to be budget conscience but we had to use items already found in our pantries. Sounds like the making of a good cooking show to me.
I began thinking of things that I ALWAYS have on hand either in my cupboards or fridge and came up with the following things:
- Dried pastas
- Fresh Garlic and Chili (whether chili sauce, paste, or even fresh chili peppers)
- Some type of protein in the freezer (usually shrimp or chicken)
- Canned vegetables
- Condiments (Remember, I’m a condiment monster.)
- Booze (Um……self explanatory.)
With that list, it became a no brainer for me………. I was going to make some type of pasta for this challenge.
I decided to make Ginger Peanut Noodles for lunch with my nieces and served it with some spicy grilled prawns. Stephanie and Nina are always such willing taste testers for my experiments. And don’t let their age fool you, they’ve got quite the refined palettes. Oh—and in case you missed the photo above, Bella was trying to squeeze in on the taste testing, too. She heard “peanut butter” and came running.
I’ve made these Ginger Peanut Noodles on several occasions with just items pulled right out of my pantry. The type of noodle can be substituted with whatever you have on hand as I’ve used spaghetti, fettuccine, and even chow mein—anything goes! For this particular preparation we happened to have some red bell pepper which added great texture and freshness. However, thinly sliced cucumber, zucchini or even bean sprouts would be great in it, too.
Bella is still focused on the fact that I just said “peanut butter”.
As for the protein, I happen to prefer prawns with this but chicken, pork, or even tofu would be just as delicious. Just use the same marinade for whichever you choose.
This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time during the weekends.
Fast? Budget friendly? Yummy?
Now that is a Trifecta of Goodness.
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Spicy Prawns with Ginger Peanut Noodles
Serves approximately 6
Ingredients:
Prawns:
1 Pound Prawns, shelled, deveined with tails on
1 Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
1 Tablespoon Sriracha Chili Sauce, or chili sauce of your choice
1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic, finely minced
1 Tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Sesame Olive Oil
2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
Noodles:
¾ Cup Smooth Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/3 Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
¼ Cup Rice Wine Vinegar
1½ Tablespoons Sesame Oil
1½ Tablespoons Sambal Chili Paste
2 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger, finely minced
1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic, finely minced
1 Teaspoon Lime Zest
½ Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
¼ – ½ Cup Hot Starchy Water (from boiling the pasta)
1 Whole Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
2 Scallions, cut into 1 inch strips
1 Pound Linguine
*Top with ¼ Cup Toasted Sesame Seeds and ½ Cup of Crushed Roasted Peanuts
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine noodles barely over al dente.
Combine the prawns with all of its marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
In a blender, combine the first 10 ingredients of the noodles together. Blend until smooth. Add the starchy liquid from the pasta water until you reach the desired consistency—about ¼ – ½ Cup. Set aside.
Bring a grill pan or a large skillet to medium high heat. Lightly cover with cooking spray and cook prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are opaque and golden. Remove to a clean plate and cover.
When then noodles have cooked, drain well and return to the hot pot. Ladle in a few spoonfuls of the peanut sauce at a time until the noodles have been thoroughly coated. Toss in the scallions and bell pepper slices. Plate with a mound of the peanut noodles, prawns, and sprinkle the tops of each plate with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts.
I MUST try this soon! Your photos are so appetizing. My hubby says we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouths (I think he heard that from someone else).
What breed is your lovely Bella?
Thanks Cheryl! I totally agree about eating with our eyes first. But I admit, when I’m presented with beautifully plated or created food, I hesitate for a moment bc I don’t want to ruin it! But just a moment mind you 🙂
Bella is a puggle—-1/2 pug and 1/2 beagle…..and 100% my little sweetheart! 🙂
that sure beat the cup o noodles i had for lunch that day! no wonder ya’ll didn’t answer your phones! just kidding! good job and great pics!
I tried calling you several times….but you were in crazed lu’au mode and didn’t pick up either. lol.
Awesome!!! I have a food blog like Nina and Stephanie and I’m a kid too. ❤
Hello Maria! I just FW your email to Nina and Stephanie and they should be in touch soon. Cheers!
Hello! I have just spent a good 45 minutes looking at all of your beautiful recipes and photos on your website. You are one talented woman! Keep up with the wonderful recipes…I will be checking your website frequently now….I’m hooked! 🙂
Thanks so much Donna! You are too kind 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time check out my site.
The pasta with the spicy prawns look extremely tempting. A quick and easy dinner idea indeed.
I just made this for lunch with leftover shrimp and soba noodles. It was delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
This looks amazing. I will try it tomorrow. I am tired of the same ole’ shrimp and pasta recipes 🙂
This dish/meal looks so fun and delicious! I see why there are so many happy faces around the table. : )
ギャルとかは皆付けてるから、ってことでそれを誤魔化せるけどな
ヨーロッパ王族・ロスチャイルド・ロックフェラーに生まれたかったです。
友達はそんなに変わらなかったのに・・