The French term mise en place (In culinary terms this means to have all of your ingredients chopped, prepped, and in place prior to cooking.), will serve you well in this recipe. If you do so, this delicious, flavorful, Cheesecake Factory clone can be on the table in 30 minutes. It’s been a while since I was last at the Cheesecake Factory, and an even longer while since I last had this dish, considering that, some time ago, they removed it from their menu. From what I can remember, however, this version is better than theirs.
For the Peanut Sauce:
1 c. creamy peanut butter
¼ c. soy sauce
1 T. chili paste
2 T. dark brown sugar
1 Meyer lemon, juiced
½ c. hot water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t. rice vinegar
1 t. ground ginger
½ t. sesame oil
For the Pasta:
2 T. vegetable oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz. linguini
1 c. peanuts
1 c. julienne sliced carrots
1 c. fresh bean sprouts
½ t. ground ginger
Prepare peanut sauce by whisking all ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy; set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook linguine according to package directions. While linguine is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet or wok. Add chicken strips, ground ginger, and peanuts, and sauté until chicken is done. Add carrots and bean sprouts, and sauté an additional two minutes. Add sauce, all at once, and let simmer to heat through. Add cooked, drained linguine, and toss well. Serve.
Makes 4 large main dish servings.