Garlic Sesame Noodles with Chicken

This is my favorite kind of recipe. It's really a concept and then you can really experiment with different versions. I am obsessed with Asian cuisine and 10 times out of 10 when the Hubbs asks..."What do you feel like eating?" I always say some sort of Asian....or Indian. Indian is good too. I digress...Ok. Back to these noodles. I saw lna Garten (aka my bff..that's a whole different post) make a similar version using peanut butter years ago but her recipe intimidated me because of all the ingredients. It has been in my head ever since.

 

This version is made with Tahini (sesame paste). Think sesame butter. It could be easily swapped out for PB. I'm constantly changing up recipes and trying different variations. It's part of the fun! I had leftover Lemon Roasted Chicken so I used that in lieu of the store bought chicken. This is the perfect time for a store bought rotisserie chicken though. The sauce is everything so make sure you taste it and tweak and adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Garlic Sesame Noodles with Chicken

1 Rotisserie Chicken

1 lb. linguine

1 1/2 TBS sesame oil

1/2 c. Tahini (sesame paste)

4 tsp. chili oil

6 TBS soy sauce

2 limes

4 TBS red wine vinegar

1/2 c. peanut or canola oil

2-3 TBS finely minced garlic

 (raw in the sauce so if raw garlic is too intense for you...use less.)

6 scallions

cilantro, chopped

kosher salt and pepper

extra limes for garnish

Pick off the meat on the chicken setting breast meat aside and save the rest for another time...or snackage. Bring a lg pot of water to a boil for pasta. Follow pasta instructions for al dente pasta. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients except cilantro and scallions...whisk really well. Check for seasoning. Remember that chicken snackage?... grab a chunk of that and dip it in and see if you need more lime, salt, pepper...like it hot? Add more chili oil... The flavor should knock your socks off...remember...it's going to flavor a whole pound of pasta! Speaking of pasta..this would be fantastic with any kind of pasta... whole wheat, buckwheat, thick rice noodles.. think pad thai... oh... I love Pad Thai...ok...proceed..

Once the pasta is done, drain and place in large bowl. Pour sauce over hot pasta. Toss. Add chicken and cilantro. Toss. Add scallions reserving a little bit to garnish the top of this glorious mound of happiness. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. A squeeze of lime...another pinch or two of salt and pepper....You'll know it's right when you smile at your genius...I'm just sayin'... Whatever you do...don't look at the huge mess you've made in the kitchen...it'll all be worth it...FOCUS.. You're at the home stretch. Top with remaining scallions. Serve with lime wedges. Wait for applause...it will come.

 

 

Happy Cooking!