Two Must Try Summer Recipes!!

We have made this recipe three times now, and I am an awful blogger for not sharing it sooner!! Last summer I had a craving for Thai food when I was preggars.  Hubs doesn't always love Thai, so I searched around online and found these two recipes that we are just love love love!!

I am definitely going to be making more of my own marinades this year; the flavor is unbelievable and knowing exactly what ingredients I'm putting in it, makes me feel so good!

A few things to know: 

1.) Soak wooden skewers for at least 1/2 hour before using on a grill
2.) Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least that amount of time, if not more!
3.)  Use chicken thighs vs breasts because they have an amazing flavor when grilled!!

Asian Chicken Skewers {recipe found here}

1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of Sriracha (Asian hot sauce)
1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of Soy sauce
1-2 garlic cloves
one chunk of fresh ginger roughly chopped
sea salt
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup prepared dipping sauce {Sweet Chili Sauce is perfect!}

*12 wooden skewers soaked in water at least 30 mins

In a food processor or blender combine the cilantro, oil, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and blend until smooth.

I then pour the marinade into a ziploc bag and throw in the chicken thighs and let them marinate for however long (at least 30 mins)

After that, I cover a baking sheet with foil and thread the chicken thighs onto the skewers and cover with foil until hubby is ready to grill them up!

These are a tad spicy, so the sweet dipping sauce is the perfect combination!

I'm sure these would make an excellent appetizer at any summer cookout! I'm already planning on getting some ready for our 4th of July blowout!

Of course my real craving was a peanut sauce, so I thought this recipe would pair nicely; and pair it did!!

That my friends, is so scrumptious!

You do need a few quirky ingredients, but trust me, you'll make this again and again!!

Thai Noodles With Spicy Peanut Sauce {recipe found here}

Noodles

12 ounces linguine <------------yes, regular old pasta!!!
4 tablespoons sesame oil

Sauce

1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup finely shredded carrot
2 cups frozen stir fry vegetables (I just add frozen organic broccoli, it's great!!)
3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce

Directions:

1 Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.
2 Drain and return to pot.
3 Add 2 TBSP sesame oil and toss to coat.
4 Set aside.
5 Heat remaining 2 TBSP sesame oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat.
6 Add green onions, carrots, stir-fry veggies, garlic and ginger.
7 Saute until vegetables soften, about 4 minutes.
8 Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar and chili-garlic sauce and mix well.
9 Simmer sauce 2 minutes.
10 Pour sauce over pasta and toss well.
11 Transfer to platter and serve warm.
12 Garnish with additional green onions, if desired.
13 Yields 8 side dish servings or 4 main dish servings.
14 **Chili-Garlicsauce can be increased or decreased depending on how spicy you like your dish.

 

Serve with a little lime and extra cilantro for more flavor.

 

 

I prep all of the ingredients and then throw it all together while my husband grills the chicken and it comes out wonderful.  I hope you try these two recipes, as they really are worth the time!!  Enjoy.