It's Worth a Thai

Oh good.  A pun.  But how can I resist?  There were so many options here:

Thai and Stop Me
Thai This on for Size
Go Get Em Thaiger
Fit to be Thai'd

I could go on.  But I'll spare everyone.  I honestly don't know anyone who doesn't love Thai food.  And if you've never ventured farther than your own back yard, culinarily-speaking, Thai food is a pretty good place to start.  The flavours are bright and the food pops with freshness.  You'll find a good mix of cooked and raw and it's easy to discover items that aren't too intimidating.  And if any dish puts the lime in the coconut, there's a good chance it's a Thai dish.

I have on offer this week a lovely Thai-inspired meal that's a family favourite.

WelcomeHomeCooking Thai Peanut Noodles and
Chopped Mint Salad with Tofu and Sesame Seeds

Let's start with the salad.  I did all the prep for this then bunged it all in the fridge until it was time to put everything together.

Chopped Mint Salad with Tofu and Sesame Seeds

For the Dressing

1 clove garlic, crushed/chopped
1/2 tsp sambal
2 Tbsp sesame oil
3 Tbsp vegetable oil (I used sunflower)
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp sugar

Sesame seeds for garnish

Mix all ingredients except sesame seeds.  Set dressing aside.

1/2 pkg firm tofu, cut lengthwise into strips.

Pour mixed salad dressing over cut tofu and set aside in fridge to marinate.

For the Salad

1 bunch kale, washed and torn from large stems
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup shredded cucumber
2-3 green onions, chopped


Mix all ingredients and set aside in fridge.  Do not add dressing until ready to serve. 

Take out the tofu and pour dressing over salad.  Mix well and plate.  Add tofu spears separately and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Thai Peanut Noodles

1 pkg rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package directions.  Rinse with cold water.
1 cup shredded carrot
1 large red pepper, cut into thin strips
2-3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Add all ingredients and mix well.

For the Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup peanut butter
3-4 Tbsp Sriracha chili sauce
3/4 Tbsp sesame oil
Salt and Pepper to taste (go easy on the salt as there is plenty in the soy sauce)

1/2 cup chopped peanuts for topping

Mix well into the noodles.  Add peanuts upon plating.  Squeeze of lime is not a bad thing either.

I can't wait for you to Thai it (sorry).