Sweet-Spicy Asian Pasta Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta Base
01 -
12 ounces bowtie pasta
→ Sauce
02 -
1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
03 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
04 -
1/3 cup sesame oil
05 -
1/4 cup honey
06 -
1/4 cup soy sauce
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Mix-ins
08 -
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
09 -
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
10 -
1/2 cup sliced green onions
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, combine vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This infuses the oils with spicy flavor.
03 -
Add honey, soy sauce, and salt to the oil mixture. Stir until well combined and remove from heat. The honey should fully dissolve into the warm mixture.
04 -
Pour the warm sauce over the drained pasta in the mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly until all the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy-sweet sauce.
05 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This crucial step allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
06 -
Just before serving, add the chopped fresh cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and sliced green onions to the pasta. Toss everything together to combine.
07 -
Give it one final toss and serve chilled. This salad is perfect as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or alongside grilled meats.
# Notes:
01 -
This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
02 -
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
03 -
Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.