Taste of Asia

Cold Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. smooth peanut butter
2-1/2 Tbs. dark sesame oil
1-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce
2 large garlic cloves
2 Tbs. fresh ginger
2 Tbs. rice vinegar
1 Tbs. sugar
1/4 Tbs. chili paste
pinch of salt
1/4 cup water

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Drizzle on top of noodles that have been cooked al dente. Use Asian noodles, spaghetti or linguini.

Ingredients for Garnish:

3 Tbs. scallions
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Preparation:

Toss atop the finished dish.

Coriander Flank Steak

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. crushed coriander seeds (Coriander seeds are from the cilantro plant.)
1 lb. flank steak
1-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce
2 Tbs. packed brown sugar
2 Tbs. peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation:

Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray, then preheat the broiler. Cook steak for five to six minutes on each side. Slice against the grain (figure A) and serve on a bed of sliced cucumbers (figure B).

Prepare cucumber slices by peeling them and making long thin slices by running a vegetable peeler down the center of the cucumber (figure C).