USE IT FOR EVERYTHING: PEANUT GINGER SAUCE

     I have to admit, this whole quarantine thing is really bringing me to a place mentally that I haven't been to in years on top of giving me totally new anxieties. Every other hour I go from being okay to convinced I have or am going to catch this virus. All this during spring allergy season when my breathing is already sub-par? Ugh. And don't get me started on thinking about my friends and family at this time. It feel like everything is just so out of my control! And in a way, it is.

     There are a few things I find comfort in during this time, however. Knowing I'm not the only one experiencing these overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression. Reintroducing calming self care like yoga and meditation back into my daily routine. Cooking for and therefore caring for my boyfriend and his dad (I LOVE cooking in general, but cooking for the people I love is my absolute favorite). This time has allowed me to get creative with what's on hand knowing that a grocery store run isn't so easy to do. And while we may be stuck inside for who knows how long I refuse to let it stop us from enjoying every meal.

     If you told me I could only have one flavor profile for the rest of my life it would be something along the lines of what this sauce has to offer. Deliciously smooth and peanut-y, a little kick from the ginger/garlic/pepper combo, and satisfyingly tangy from the lemon. Top it off with tamari for umami saltiness and honey for a sweet balance and I'm ready to put this sauce on ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!

     That's the true beauty of this sauce - its versatility. Pour it over noodles and veggies for a delicious stir fry (as I did, pictured above). Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or any type of tempura. Pour it over a salad as an addictive dressing. You can even marinate meat and cook how you please (just thinking of how great it would caramelize on a grill is making my mouth water). Point is - you can use it for just about anything you would need a sauce, dressing, or marinade for.

     Global pandemics suck. 2020 is not that fun so far. But being able to pause for a little part of every day and really appreciate good food makes this all a little easier.

Peanut Ginger Sauce
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Yields: ~3/4 cup

You Will Need:

• 2 heaping TBS peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 2 cloves (or 1 tsp) garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ginger paste or grated ginger
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 TBS + 1 tsp tamari
• 1 TBS sesame oil
• juice of 1/2 lemon (I had a large lemon, so if small use 1 whole)
• 1 TBS water
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
• Few cracks each fresh sea salt and pepper, to taste

 

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if you like. Enjoy!