Cook pasta in salted water, according to package instructions. Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce later.
8 ounces long, flat pasta of your choice
In a saucepan, over medium heat, heat a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Add the chopped shallots and stir. The shallots should “hiss” a little when they touch the oil, which means the oil temperature is perfect to sauté the shallots, getting them translucent and bringing out the sweetness. The sautéing will take about two or three minutes.
1 large shallot, diced (½ cup)
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped white parts of the scallions for another minute, stirring everything well.
6 cloves garlic, minced, ½ tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 bunch of scallion, chopped (3 tablespoon whites/light green & 3 tablespoon dark greens)
Add the rest of the ingredients - except the dark green parts of the scallions and the sesame seeds - and reduce heat to a simmer.
1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Sambal Oelek
Mix very well and taste. Yes, it’s in your face. It’s strong, bitey, and hot.
Add some of the saved pasta water to reach the desired consistency for the sauce.
Now it’s time for you to make it your own. Add some chili flakes maybe? Squeeze in some fresh lime juice?
Before serving, toss the pasta with the sauce and mix.
Top off with sesame seeds and the chopped green scallions.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 bunch of scallion, chopped (3 tablespoon whites/light green & 3 tablespoon dark greens)
Enjoy!